Who do you follow?
When we follow someone, we need to be discerning. In John chapter 10, Jesus uses the metaphor of the sheep and a shepherd:
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
The character of the Good Shepherd:
- KALUS : Jesus uses the word “Kalus” here which means good, beautiful, wise. The Pharisees would have recalled Ezekiel 34:11-16 in which God sends a servant of David to shepherd the people
- KNOWS THE SHEEP : Jesus knows all about you- your hurts, your weaknesses, your hard days - Psalm 139 - “O Lord, you have searched me and known me…”
- LEADS US AND CALLS US BY NAME : Jesus goes ahead of us- we follow a path that Jesus has taken. When we listen to the voice of Jesus, we are going somewhere He has already gone.
- LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP : Contrasted with the hired hand, Jesus gives His very life for us.
The mission of the Good Shepherd:
- Other sheep (Gentiles, all the world)
- A new relationship for us, a relationship of love and acceptance
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, meets our deepest need. The Good Shepherd is calling you - in Him we find forgiveness, peace, and wholeness.
Who are you following?
