5/17/2023 0 Comments Find the shepherdHowever, some of the hirelings thought only of themselves. This was characteristic of a true shepherd. Nevertheless, they were expected to exercise the same care and concern the owners would. Interestingly enough, the shepherds of ancient times were not usually the owners of the flock. His concern is not for the sheep but for himself. He who is a “hireling” works for wages, which are his main consideration. Here, in John 10:12, the hireling is contrasted with the true or faithful shepherd who willingly gives up his life for the sheep. In that passage the Jewish leaders (Pharisees) are contrasted with Christ, who is the Door. In John 10:9, Jesus speaks of thieves and robbers who sought to enter the sheepfold stealthily. He compares them to a “hireling” or “hired hand” who doesn’t really care about the sheep. As shepherd of the sheep, He is the one who protects, guides, and nurtures His flock.Īs He did in declaring that He is “the door of the sheep” in John 10:7, Jesus is making a contrast between Himself and the religious leaders, the Pharisees (John 10:12–13). Therefore, in using the phrase “the good shepherd,” Jesus is referencing His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty. It signifies not only that which is good inwardly-character-but also that which is attractive outwardly. The Greek word kalos, translated “good,” describes that which is noble, wholesome, good, and beautiful, in contrast to that which is wicked, mean, foul, and unlovely. It should be understood that Jesus is “the” good shepherd, not simply “a” good shepherd, as others may be, but He is unique in character (Psalm 23 Zechariah 13:7 Hebrews 13:20 1 Peter 2:25 1 Peter 5:4). Immediately after declaring that He is “the door” in John 10:7, Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd.” He describes Himself as not only “the shepherd” but the “good shepherd.” What does this mean? These “I am” proclamations point to His unique, divine identity and purpose. They are a good image for Jesus.“I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11) is the fourth of seven “I am” declarations of Jesus recorded only in John’s Gospel. The image of shepherds is that they are kind, loving, patient, strong, and self-sacrificing. Jesus feeds us with the excellent bread of the Eucharist and brings us to living waters: baptism and the Holy Spirit. The shepherd has a rod to fend off wild animals that might harm the flock. Today Jesus guides his flock through bishops, who are known as pastors, the Latin for shepherds. The shepherd uses a staff with a hook on the end to guide the sheep and pull back the stray. Knowing about shepherds sheds light on the image of Jesus as shepherd. When Jesus gave Peter the responsibility of leading his Church, he again used shepherd imagery. He is the loving shepherd who goes to great lengths to search for his lost sheep and when he finds it, carries it back on his shoulders rejoicing. The parable Jesus told about the lost sheep is a story about Jesus' concern and care for us sinners. Unlike a hired hand who flees to save his life, Jesus saved his flock from the wolf even though it meant sacrificing his own life. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). On the other hand, we respond to his voice and do not follow the voice of strangers who may lead us to harm. There is a personal relationship between Jesus and his followers. He said, “My sheep hear my voice I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal” (Ezekiel 34:15-16).Īccording to the Gospels, Jesus referred to himself as a shepherd. God says, “I myself will pasture my sheep I myself will give them rest. The shepherd guards him in right paths and protects him from evil. For instance, in Psalm 23 the psalmist sings that the shepherd leads him to green pastures near refreshing waters. In the Old Testament God was called a shepherd, and God's people the flock. In fact, early childhood education experts tell us that young children find the concept of a shepherd and his love for his sheep enchanting. Surprisingly, the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is still popular. Often he was portrayed as a beardless youth. In fact, the earliest Christian art depicts Christ as the Good Shepherd, not the crucified Savior. For the first Christians, who were familiar with shepherds, the Good Shepherd was a favorite image to associate with Christ. Like most people today, chances are you do not know any shepherds.
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