John 10:11 (ESV)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
DEVOTIONAL
Jesus does not say He is simply a shepherd, nor even just a competent one. He says, “I am the good shepherd.” That word “good” here doesn’t just mean morally upright—it carries the sense of being noble, excellent, beautiful in character and deed. He is the shepherd our souls were made to follow.
In calling Himself the good shepherd, Jesus is drawing on the deep wells of Old Testament imagery. Psalm 23 opens with, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Israel always knew that Yahweh was the Shepherd of His people—guiding, guarding, and providing for them. But here, Jesus makes a stunning claim: He is that very Shepherd, come in the flesh.
And how does this Shepherd care for His sheep? Not merely with a staff and a watchful eye, but by laying down His life for them. Unlike hired hands who flee at danger, Jesus runs toward it. At the cross, He bore the wrath we deserved, so we could enjoy the peace He earned. The death of Christ was not a tragic accident—it was a willing sacrifice. His life was not taken from Him; He laid it down of His own accord (John 10:18). This is love—true, sacrificial, covenantal love.
And we are the sheep. Vulnerable, wandering, often stubborn—but known and loved. The good shepherd calls His sheep by name (John 10:3), and they know His voice. If you are in Christ, then you are not a nameless face in a crowd. You are known, pursued, and eternally secure.
This Shepherd does not lose His sheep. “My sheep hear my voice… I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28)
So today, if you find yourself weary, anxious, or lost—lift your eyes. Christ is not a distant observer. He is the Good Shepherd, near to the brokenhearted, firm in His leading, gentle in His touch, and mighty to save.
Prayer
Gracious Father,
We thank You for sending Your Son, our Good Shepherd. Thank You that He knows us by name, calls us to Himself, and lays down His life that we might live. We confess that we are often like sheep—prone to wander, slow to listen, quick to fear. Yet Your mercy pursues us still.
Lord Jesus, draw our hearts to trust You today. Let us hear Your voice above all others, and follow You with joyful obedience. When we stumble, restore us. When we fear, remind us of Your rod and staff. And when we forget, bring to mind again the cross where You proved Your love beyond all question.
Keep us in Your care, until that day when we dwell forever in Your presence, lacking nothing.
In Your precious name we pray,
Amen.