Three Years in 30 Days: Jesus' Life and MissionSample

I am … the good shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 ESV)

Jesus used familiar images for His listeners to make clear who He is. In the first part of the Bible, the good shepherd was already an image used to express God's care for His people (Genesis 48:15; Psalm 23). With the words “I am the good Shepherd”, Jesus once again emphasized His unity with God. As God's Son, He was much more than the prophets sent by God. He was also clearly different from the unreliable spiritual leaders of Israel’s past, who deceived the people with smooth talk and only sought their own interests (see Ezekiel 34:1-16). These people were primarily concerned with their own honor and gain. Jesus' devotion and love were sincere and so great that He gave His life for everyone who wants to return to God. The prophet Ezekiel had already spoken about the coming of such a shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23-24). Many of Jesus' listeners would have known this prophecy of Ezekiel. Jesus confirmed that God's promises were being fulfilled!

Spiritual leaders and other believers can tell people about God. As the Son of God, Jesus is the only one who can give us true peace with God.

Read John 10:10-15.

• What characterizes Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
• How safe do you feel with Him?

Jesus gave His life for you. Take a moment to be quiet and think about what this means to you. Then speak out what you want to say to Jesus about this.