From The Desk of:

The Good Shepherd Leads and Cares

In John 10:11, Jesus states, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” By making this declaration, Jesus distinguishes Himself from all other shepherds, particularly the leaders of His day. In Greek, the word for “good” is καλός (kalos), meaning beautiful, good, excellent, advantageous, and noble.

His actions for His sheep make Jesus excellent, beautiful, and noble. He said that the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. Only a good shepherd would do this, risking everything for their welfare without anyone forcing Him. We must listen to someone willing to lay down His life, showing that His only interest is our well-being. This is what makes Jesus beautiful. It is essential to remember that Jesus experienced death for us (Isaiah 53:5-6; Matthew 1:21).

Being the good shepherd means that Jesus cares.  Since Jesus identified Himself as the good shepherd, it implies that there are also bad shepherds. In John 10:12-13, Jesus states, “But a hireling, who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.” A hireling, from the Greek term *μισθωτός* (misthōtŏs), refers to a wage-worker or a hired servant. While a hireling can serve as a shepherd, they do not possess the same level of care and commitment as the good shepherd.

John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own." The Greek word *γινώσκω* (ginōskō) reflects a deep, personal knowledge. Jesus's intimate connection with His sheep calls us to recognize His voice and nurture our relationship with Him. Access to heaven relies on this loving connection, as highlighted in Amos 3:2. Neglecting our relationship with the Shepherd has consequences, prompting us to ask: have we genuinely sought to know Him? (See Matthew 7:21-23).

John 10:16 "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice." Jesus's mission extends beyond His immediate followers, aiming to unite all into one flock. This vision of inclusion contrasts with the high priest's focus on Israel (John 11:49). Jesus came for the world (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:11-13). In uniting us, Jesus promotes Christian fellowship, transcending age, class, and financial status. Though society often divides us, the church is one family united by God's purpose, under the Good Shepherd.