The Good Shepherd - John 10:11

The apostle John wrote how Jesus said, “The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”, and in chapter ten and verse eleven of his book John shared how Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” where we read:

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

The verse reads, “I am the good shepherd:” John began with the words, “I am” which means “I, Jesus, exist as” “the good shepherd” or “the beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable and honest herdsman whose care and control others have committed themselves and whose precepts they follow”. John shared how Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the “useful, excellent, admirable and honest herdsman” over those who have committed themselves to Him and follow His precepts.

The verse continues, “the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John added the words, “the good shepherd” which means “he beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable and honest herdsman” “gives his life” or “establishes, ordains and sets forth His own vital force which animates the body and the seat of the feelings, desires, affections and aversion” “for the sheep” which means “on behalf of the four footed, tame animals which are accustomed to graze”. John shared how Jesus said the “good shepherd” would “grant and bestow” His own “life” on behalf of the “sheep”.

When we think through John's words in this verse, we learn how Jesus identified Himself as the “good shepherd”, and using His illustration of the care and concern a “shepherd” has for His “sheep”, Jesus shared His cares and has concern for those who yield their lives to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”. God loves people, and He sent Jesus to provide a way to have a personal relationship with Him. Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of mankind, and anyone who yields their life to Him will find “the good shepherd” not only “gave” His life for them, but will care for them for all their lives.

Next time John shares how Jesus says, “a hireling … sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep", so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".