Bible Studies for Life
Director, Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence, Samford University
JESUS OUR SHEPHERD
John 10:7–16
What does the coming year hold for us? Most of us spend time pondering this question as we get ready for the big ball to fall at Times Square. Many think of the coming year as an opportunity to push the “reset” button and make a fresh start in some area of our lives. Others greet the new year with anxiety because of uncertainty about our jobs, our income or our family situations. Still others begin 2013 with a sense of anticipation for good things to come as the year unfolds.
Regardless of the way we choose to greet the new year, we need not think we face the uncertainty of these days alone. Because of Immanuel, we encounter the daily challenges and opportunities of life with a God that understands from experience what it means to be human. Our lessons in recent weeks have invited us to consider how the identity and character of holy and transcendent Yahweh have been expressed in ways we can understand. We think of Yahweh as the all-powerful creator God who relates to humanity as a compassionate, loving father. We understand that God alone is truly righteous but humans can live in right standing before God because of Christ. Last week we recalled the life-changing story of Jesus, our Immanuel, God with us. Our understanding of God has developed. We see that the Holy One has constantly sought to reach out to us in ways that we can understand and respond to. In Jesus, we have the most obvious example of this.
Though we move forward into the new year with hope and anticipation, none of us knows what is in store for us. Because Jesus relates to us as “the good Shepherd,” we need not fear uncertainty. Indeed, we can face the unfolding days ahead with hope and anticipation. Isn’t this why we celebrate Immanuel?
Jesus Our Shepherd Gives Us Life (7–10)
Reading John’s Gospel requires advanced theological reflection. A good example of this is John’s recounting Jesus’ use of the words “I am,” calling to mind the name Moses heard from within the burning bush. Jesus clearly identifies Himself with Yahweh, the Holy One of the Jews, who acted to redeem and bless the Hebrew people. In the context of His story about sheep and shepherds, Jesus twice declares that He is the gate or “door” to the sheep pen. Access to abundant life comes through one person: Jesus.
Jesus Our Shepherd Sacrificed Himself For Us (11–13)
A naturally gifted teacher, Jesus used a familiar animal as the metaphor to communicate deep insight to His listeners. Sheep were of immense value in the time of Christ and most people owned at least a few. They provided wool and leather for clothing and were a staple food item. The people understood what sheep were like and how to care for them. John recalls Jesus’ words: “I am the good shepherd.” It seems likely this description was used to call to mind the prophecy of Ezekiel about the kind of shepherd Yahweh would be to His “scattered” flock (Ez. 34:11–16). This kind of shepherd goes to extremes to care for his valued sheep.
Jesus Our Shepherd Knows Us (14–16)
With Jesus the Good Shepherd near, there is no need to be afraid. The Shepherd knows us and we know the Shepherd. We place our trust in Him. The Shepherd watches over us and tirelessly seeks us when we go astray. The Shepherd is especially interested in rescuing those for whom life has somehow gone desperately wrong. We can know peace and hope for uncertain times when we look to the Good Shepherd who knows us each by name.
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