The Good Shepherd

Pause & Reflect

Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. A shepherd leads, protects, knows and cares for the sheep. Jesus contrasts Himself with hired workers who flee when danger comes. The Good Shepherd does not abandon His sheep. He lays down His life for them. That image gives us both comfort and direction. Comfort, because you are not shepherding your own soul alone. Direction, because sheep are meant to follow the shepherd. We often want Christ’s protection while resisting His leadership. But His care and authority belong together. The Shepherd who knows you also knows where He is leading. You may not always understand the route, but you can trust His character. The safest place for the sheep is not wherever the sheep prefers to wander. It is near the Shepherd.