New Generation Grace Ministry Daily Devotional Saturday August 5th, 2023 Title: Jesus the Good Shepherd

 

New Generation Grace Ministry 

Daily Devotional 

Saturday August 5th, 2023

Title: Jesus the Good Shepherd 

(John 10: 1-11). “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.

Jesus the Good Shepherd

7Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd.

Jesus refers himself as the good shepherd. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheep pen to protect them from thieves, weather, and wild animals. The sheep pens were caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made odd stones or branches. The shepherd often slept across the doorway of the pen to protect the sheep. Just as a shepherd cares for the sheep, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, cares for His flock (those who follow Him). 

The prophet Ezekiel, in predicting the coming of the Messiah, called Him a shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23). (John 10:3-5). Jesus’ Sheep recognize His voice. A person’s voice conveys more than words; it conveys intent. Sometimes it speaks warmth, comfort, and encouragement. Sometimes it provides a warning. Ancient middle Eastern shepherds were known for calling each of their sheep by name, and each sheep would respond to its own name. When we read Jesus’ words in the gospels, we must listen for the caring Shepherd behind them. Jesus knows your name, listen to Him when He calls you . 

In the sheep pen, the shepherd functioned as a gate, letting the sheep in and protecting them. Jesus is the gate to God's salvation for us. He offers access to safety and security. He protects us. Some people resent those who believe that Jesus is the gate, the only way to get to God . But Christians didn't make the requirement to believe In Jesus but He did. Because Jesus created the world, He has the right to declare how we should come to Him. Since Jesus is God's Son, why should we seek any other way or want to customize a different approach to God? 

Jesus provides the entry point to God, and He is our master. Are you following His leadership? In contrast to the thief who takes life. Jesus gives life. The life He gives to us is abundantly rich and satisfying. It is eternal, although, it begins immediately when you turn to follow Him. Life in Christ is more deeply meaningful than life without Him, because of His overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. Have you accepted Jesus' ? 

A hired hand tends the sheep for money, while the shepherd does it out of love for the sheep. The shepherd owns the sheep and is completely devoted to them. Jesus is not merely doing a job or performing a duty; He loves us and has even laid down His life for us. Can you allow Jesus to be your Shepherd today? ( John 10:10). He came to give us abundant life, are you ready to come to Him today?

Prayer: Please Lord help us to understand when you talk to us and obey your voice in Jesus name. 

Further Reading John 10:12-42

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