Our Good Shepherd and King
John 10:10-11 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
Jesus compares himself to a shepherd and His followers are a flock of sheep. In the ancient Near East this was a standard metaphor for a king and his people, often his army. In the Old Testament it is mostly used to refer to God and His people. Thus Jesus is implying He is both God and King who cares for His own who trust Him and follow Him. He promises us abundant life and contrasts himself to the devil who only seeks our eternal destruction. He later states that He would die for us. We know that He would rise again having paid the price for our sins. He truly is our Shepherd, God and King.
Let His love, joy and peace reign in your heart!
Originally printed in the church bulletin June 29, 2014.