Good Shepherd – More than a Metaphor

1. Fullness.  John 10:10.  “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (NKJV).  The Greek word translated as “abundantly” (perisson) means to have a surplus, to have life to the full.  Clearly, Jesus is promising not only length of life (never ending) but also fullness of life (abundance).  What limit does the Lord place on this promise?  What limits do we place on it?  Let’s seek abundance from Jesus, not a bit here and a bit there.

2. Now.  The abundant life bestowed by Jesus the Door is mentioned in John 10:10-11.  Does this abundant (v. 10), eternal (v. 28) life include our lives Now?  Yes!  Because Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who daily calls His sheep by name, leads them, finds pasture for them, and protects them (vv. 2-15).  Psalm 23 speaks of exactly the same thing, but in more detail!  Read it and marvel at the constant care and communication!

3. Model.  Jesus follows the Father’s directions in John 10:25, 32, 37-38.  He refers to a specific and crucial command from the Father in John 10:15-18: to lay down His life for the sheep!  And then to take it up again!  These are veiled references to Jesus’ unparalleled works, the crucifixion and the resurrection.  Just as Jesus trusted God’s directions and obeyed, so we are called to do the same, no matter what the cost, because the rewards of obedience will be tremendous.

4. Relationship.  Jesus’ final declaration in John 10 is “… the Father is in Me and I in Him” (v. 38).  That is intimate!  The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep is also intimate.  Recent studies of sheep intelligence reveal that, contrary to common belief, sheep are not stupid.  Yes, when left to fend for themselves, they flounder.  Yes, they can be clumsy, especially when their bulky fleece makes them top-heavy.  Yes, they are defenseless prey before predators.  However, these features concern vulnerability, not stupidity.  

Although God designed sheep as vulnerable creatures, to defend them the Creator added something marvelous to their design.  Sheep are the animal most willing to be tended by a human being.  Sheep know the voice of their shepherd, they follow him, and they obey him.  Alone, sheep perish.  Lead by a shepherd, sheep thrive.  The intimate and mutually beneficial relationship of a shepherd and his flock is the perfect metaphor for Jesus and His followers.  

But it is more than a metaphor – it’s a reality!  We truly are the sheep of His pasture.  (Ps. 1003b).