Throughout the book of John, we see strong themes: life, light, believe, glory, and so on. Whether it was John’s intention or not, there is a theme that keeps coming back to me ever since I studied John 10 several weeks ago. In John 10:11, Jesus says, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
I can’t get these words out of my head: “lays down his life.”
Especially not now, the season of Easter.
Wait! The Good Shepherd … at Easter?
Typically during Lent, we think about the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
But today, this year 2021 as we endure another Zoom Easter celebration and have masks hanging beside our coats and hats, the picture of the Good Shepherd with His staff in hand and defending His sheep—even to lay down His life—is a powerful image to me.
I didn’t see it at the time of the study, but this phrase “lay down his life” is repeated five times in John 10. Two of those times are in verse 18, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own according. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.” Verse 17 is even more powerful in Jesus’ wording, “I lay down my life that I may take it up again.”
Yes! The Good Shepherd
Not only in the book of John, but elsewhere in the Bible God described His plan to be the shepherd of His flock. Ezekiel 34:15 reads, “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep.”
The Good Shepherd, who laid down his life willingly for the sheep that they may have life and have life to the full (John 10:10).
Jesus, who is our defender, our guide, our protector, who has the scars in His hands and feet and in His side and is leading us through the thick dark of a valley and although we hear the rushing water of the river, he takes us along a path that is as far as possible away from the terrifying noise. His destination, we know, we trust, is the calm water and green fresh grass of real rest for our souls.
The Good Shepherd = Authority
It is such a great comfort to me personally that Jesus is willing to protect me, His sheep, even to lay down His life. And not to just die so that I may survive, but so that Jesus may rise again and live forever and lead me in His authority forever!
As you read this, I hope that you too find real comfort I have found in the truth that we are not alone.
As you and I listen to Jesus’ voice, we follow the One who told us we will have tribulation in this world, but also tells us to take heart because the Good Shepherd Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). He has died, but behold He is alive forever and ever (Revelation 1:18)!
In John’s gospel, Jesus told us that eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent (John 17:3).
And if the gospel is about relationship, what is more intimate than the relationship between a shepherd and His sheep?
Spoiler Alert! … Relax! It’s regarding the Book of John 🙂
At the end of the Book of John, Jesus tells Peter, “Feed my sheep” and “Follow me.”
(See that? Shepherd reference … again! So, it must not be just me!)
And Peter does become the shepherd of God’s flock in the early church. But Peter also remembered Jesus had told him to follow Him … and Peter knew who he was following because he said in 1Peter 5:4, “And when the chief Shepherd appears you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
Chief Shepherd! Good Shepherd, who laid down His life. How cool is that?!?!
May God bless each of you this Easter, sheep of the fold, as you listen carefully to the voice of your Good Shepherd Jesus and follow Him!
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