“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” – John 10:11,14

I am your Good Shepherd

Jesus says to you and to me: I am not your typical shepherd. I am not a hired hand that cares nothing for the sheep. I am not some fly-by-night outfit that will only care for you when it’s safe. I am not going to abandon my post—and you—and run when the wolves come.

No. I am the Good Shepherd. I am the Lord. I am the God who made you and cares for you and protects you. I am the Good Shepherd who laid down my life for you. But when I laid down my life, it was my choice, no tragic accident. It was my choice to lay down my life for you on the cross. I willingly gave up my life to take away your sin and to forgive your wandering ways. And it was my choice to take up my life again on the third day. I conquered death—mine and yours.

Now, nothing can separate you and me. Nothing can snatch you out of my hand. Follow me, listen to my voice, trust my promises. I will never fail you. I will never leave you. I will never let you go.

Don’t be afraid. I know you. I know your failings and sins, your regret and your shame. And I still love you. I love you so much that I laid down my life for you. Now I live again. And I know your hurts and doubts, your pains and problems, your fears and worries. And if not even death can snatch you out of my hand, neither can that problem you have with your job…or your marriage…or your health…or your friend…or your past…or your future.

I am your Good Shepherd. I laid down my life for you. And took it up again. So you know: I won’t leave you now. Or ever.