The Bible describes a time when Jesus saw a crowd in the wilderness. He did not see them as rich or poor, old or young, but with compassion, for He saw them as sheep without a shepherd, lost in their sin. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to help them—and He knows and loves you too.
John 10:11 tells us: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." Jesus is that shepherd, and we are His sheep. He willingly took the punishment for our sin, dying in our place.
Even though Jesus showed great love, some people hated Him. They did not believe He was God's Son. They arrested Him and brought Him to trial before Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate found no fault in Jesus, but the crowd demanded His crucifixion.
Jesus had the power to stop it all, but He chose not to. John 10:17-18 records His words: "I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself." He showed the power of love.
Soldiers crucified Jesus on a cross at Calvary. He endured great pain. People mocked Him, saying, "If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" But Jesus stayed on the cross. His shed blood was the payment for our sin. Finally, He cried out, "It is finished!" and gave up His life. The Good Shepherd had given His life for us.
Jesus was buried in a tomb sealed with a large stone. His enemies, fearing His prediction of resurrection, posted guards. But on the third day, an angel rolled the stone away! The tomb was empty. Jesus had risen from the dead! Forty days later, He returned to Heaven and is still our Good Shepherd today.
If you have received Jesus as your Savior, He is your Good Shepherd. He saves you from sin and cares for you daily. One day you will be with Him in Heaven.
Perhaps you have never understood your need for Jesus. Without Him, you are like a lost sheep, forever separated from God. Jesus died to save you from that sin. Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." You can call out to Him right now.
Jesus promises in John 10:27-28: "My sheep hear my voice... I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." You are safe forever in the hands of Jesus and God the Father. He will never leave you.
Talk to your Good Shepherd in prayer. Listen to Him by reading the Bible. Obey Him, for He knows what is best. Thank Him for His love and care!