The Good Shepherd’s Mission!
I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11
Why do farmers take care of their cattle? Farmers sell their cattle to make money to live on. Farmers slaughter their cattle to have meat to eat. Farmers breed cattle to make sure they have a sustainable future. Did you notice a common theme? The farmers benefit from their cattle. It is in the interest of the farmer to take care of the cattle.
It is no different for shepherds. Sheep were their source of income, clothes, food, and future. It was in the best interest of the shepherd to take care of his sheep. In our bible verse, Jesus calls himself a shepherd. However, it becomes crystal clear that he is like no other shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd. His mission is to take care of his sheep, not for his own good, but for the good of his sheep. The Good Shepherd would even lay down his life for the sheep.
The Good Shepherd does not benefit from the sheep. His mission is to die for the sins of his sheep and give them the eternal pasture of his Father. That is the love of the Good Shepherd that searched for his sheep even by going to hell to rescue them from the fire. This is what the Good Shepherd has done for you. Not only did the Good Shepherd lay down his life for you, but he also took it up again for you, his sheep.
Our Good Shepherd will lead us to the land of the living, where we will dell in the house of the LORD forever! Do not be afraid little sheep! The Good Shepherd will stay with you because you mean everything to him. He wants you to be with him forever, that is why he was willing to give up his life and take it back again. Nothing can separate you from the Good Shepherd.
Dear Good Shepherd, thank you for giving up your life to rescue us, your sheep, from the fires of Hell. Continue to protect us from all harm and danger and lead us to the gates of our heavenly pasture. In your name we pray. Amen!