I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
- John 10:14-15
Jesus is the good Shepherd. He knows us, better than we know ourselves. We also have come to know Him as the one who cares for us, who guides us, who keeps us safe, and has sacrificed his life for us. In John 10, Jesus referred to Himself as both a Shepherd and the gate, through which sheep can safely pass through to find pasture. Through Him, we find safety and we find a full life.
This passage gives me great comfort. On one hand, there is something remarkably loving and fulfilling to know that one is valued to be understood and known. We are not just a bunch of nameless sheep to Him. Jesus knows every sheep as a good shepherd would. Christ knows us so well as though we are the sheep that He tends to. On the other hand, there is also a lot of hope and reassurance because as our Shepherd, God leads us to safe pastures. When we feel lost, we know that our shepherd will guide us and shelter us. He keeps us from harm, and from the robbers and thieves that are referenced in the passage.
In our society, sometimes the term sheep is used as an insult of following blindly. Yet, our faith is not blind trust. Our relationship to the shepherd is different than an individual following aimlessly to an unreliable leader. We know our God and we know our shepherd. Our leader is one who is willing to lay down His life for the sheep. He is one that we can trust. The analogy of the sheep and a shepherd is not a negative cultural label, but rather, a beautiful description of the loving relationship of God caring for us with the responsibility, love, and care a shepherd shows to His flock. He is the light and the way.
He knows you. And you know Him.
Reflection: In what way does God know you? And from all you have learned in your journey, what do you know about God?
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Our faith in God is not blind. It is a trusted relationship like that of a shepherd with his sheep. For this week's blog, let's explore John 10 to understand God's love for us. Accompany your quiet time with gospel music, contemporary worship, traditional music and hymns from Christian Calm Radio.