Jesus the Good Shepherd loves all his sheep and cares for them.
The sheep are a metaphor for his followers (His flock) and it is a theme originally developed in the Old Testament.
Moses and David, in the Old Testament, were both shepherds before they became leaders of God’s people.
And the Bible often uses the term ‘shepherd’ to help us understand the importance of good leaders.
Because good shepherds make sure their sheep are all kept safe, well-nourished, and healthy.
This is why they were often used as a biblical illustration of God’s care and guidance.
God is also described as a shepherd who lovingly takes care of His people, as in Psalm 23, which says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
In biblical times people understood how essential good shepherds were for the welfare of a flock of sheep, so it was a good metaphor to use, and Jesus carried it on into his teachings.
He called Himself the “Good Shepherd.” to show how much He loves and cares for us.
In doing this he mirrored the teachings from the Old Testament, also alluding to the fact that he was the long-awaited Messiah.
Still today sheep need shepherds because they cannot protect themselves from danger or find food on their own.
Likewise, we all need wise leaders who can care for and nurture us, whilst also protecting us from danger.
Jesus is our Good Shepherd:
In John 10:11, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
This bold statement highlights his commitment to his followers.
He is saying that he knows his sheep, and his sheep know him, just as the Father knows the Son, and the Son knows the Father.
Such intimate knowledge and care are essential for a shepherd’s role to be successful.
A good shepherd would be willing to sacrifice everything for his flock, even his own life, as Jesus did on the cross.
This act of love and selflessness is the hallmark of a true and good shepherd.
This is In contrast to a hired hand, who only cares for his own well-being and financial gain.
The hired hand will abandon their sheep when danger approaches, leaving the sheep vulnerable and scattered. But keeping themself safe.
Today, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, still gathers all people into one flock (the global church), where they can find safety, guidance, and eternal life.
Jesus taught that following him is what true disciples do when he said;
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” John 10:27
The Meaning of Repentance
Then as we follow Jesus we begin to repent for things that we, often unwittingly, have been doing wrong all our lives.
The English translation of the Greek word repent, means to change one’s mind. To change one’s way of thinking.
Because all of our minds are moulded, both positively and negatively, by the cultures and times we live in, and the family we were born into.
Specific attitudes, principles and beliefs are often passed down the generations, within these families, cultures and social classes.
Our thought patterns can also be influenced by the schools we attended and the cards that life has dealt us, both good and bad.
Because of all these various, and often conflicting influences, it sadly follows that none of us are perfect, only Jesus is.
Because we all inevitably end up with, to varying degress, a distorted view of reality.
It’s when we are in a situation where we just don’t ‘get’ where the other person is coming from. Where we cannot get them to see our view point.
And this is what Jesus was referring to when he said repent – he meant to see through the haze of muddled thinking, programmed by our earlier experiences of life and to then change our way of reacting.
Change our Way of Thinking…
He was telling us to renew the way our minds operate.
Our views are not necessarily evil, just somewhat distorted by outside influences, but Jesus teaches us the right way to think.
- To turn the other cheek after a perceived insult.
- To offer our shirt too if someone asks us for our cloak – meaning being generous to someone in need.
- To go the extra mile in supporting someone.
The wonderful thing is when we do the things Jesus teaches, we gradually drop the shackles of misguided thinking absorbed as we developed into who we are today.
Our thoughts, and souls, become more refined and free, as we gradually challenge inaccurate ways of understanding, and become more compassionate about another’s situation and viewpoint.
But this teaching is not just about social generosity, it also gradually cultivates a spirit of love, peace, and service in our interactions with one another – as our spirits are set free.
Then as we cultivate our minds and spirits in this way, we could also reap a ripple effect.
Because we might inspire others to act with similar kindness, and then perhaps also initiate an interest in learning more about Jesus.
And as this happens another cycle of misthinking reverses.
As Christ the Good Shepherd again breaks the shackles of unhealthy thought patterns.
