The good shepherd

Jesus emphasizes multiple times throughout John’s gospel that the only way to reach God the Father is through the Son. In today’s passage, Jesus uses a sheep analogy to illustrate this point. Sadly, many misunderstood the “figure of speech Jesus used” (John 10:6). 

In Genesis, God’s people were primarily shepherds. They guided their flocks to the mountain pastures for grazing and returned them to the sheep pens for safety. They understood the shepherd's role in ensuring success in this livelihood. When Jacob was close to death, he praised God, “who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day” (Gen. 48:15).

I recently spoke with a college student facing serious health issues. She is dealing with pain, and despite visiting several doctors, she is still searching for a diagnosis and treatment. She shared that, until now, her life had felt like a storybook. This was her first real challenge. She acknowledged feelings of hopelessness, but her time in Scripture and reliance on God remained firm despite her current condition. She knew that God was in control and guiding her each day.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd He knows what I dread. He knows what I fear. He knows when I fail. He knows what I dream. He knows my pain. He knows what makes me anxious. He knows what makes me angry.