A sheep is an animal seen as one of the
dumbest animal in the world. It is disorganized, dis- oriented, confused,
frightened and incapable of finding its way back to the flock when it goes
astray. It is unable to ward off predators and is easily helpless without a
shepherd.
Therefore, Jesus calling us sheep
implies that without Him as a good shepherd, we are helpless. Unlike all
others, the good shepherd (Jesus) sits at the right hand side of God
interceding on our behalf and lives with us through the Holy Spirit and His
word. Others died and never resurrected but the good shepherd died and rose
again. Hallelujah!
Works
of a Good Shepherd
Jesus calls Himself as not only “the shepherd” but the “good shepherd.
Jesus is making a contrast between Himself and the religious leaders, the Pharisees
(Jn. 10:12–13). He
compares them to a “hireling” who do not really care about the sheep. The
hireling is contrasted with the true or faithful shepherd who willingly gives
up his life for the sheep. He who is a “hireling” works for wages, are his main
consideration.
The good shepherd is one that: Feeds,
Leads, Grooms, Comforts, Corrects and Protects the sheep.
Feeds the flock: The
ultimate food of the sheep (Christian) is the word of God. While on earth, Christ
fed the people He met with the word. The word transformed lives and brought
repentance to those who believed it. e.g. Fishermen, Tax collectors, etc. The
Pharisees, Sadducees and high Priest were feeding with human philosophies that
did not nourish the flock. So the effect was stagnant growth in the knowledge
of God. Today man-made doctrines have invaded the church such that the power of
the word is eluding us. Jesus fed the flock on the right pasture which ensured
the right growth and strength of the sheep (followers). The feeding gave hope
to the hopeless, peace to the weary and it binds up the broken hearted (Jn.
15:3; Jn. 17:16-17). The word of God is
the only diet that can produce healthy Christians (2Tim. 3:16-17). But, as a
Christian, how much of the food do you know? Do you eat it daily? Do you obey the instructions it gives you? Or
just coming to Church?
Grooms the flock: The
shepherd keeps the sheep clean from contamination and
trains the sheep in the right
discipline. Jesus kept the disciples from the contaminations of the man-made
doctrines of the Pharisees, High Priest and Sadducees and tutored them to be
fishers of men. Peter, John, James, etc. were formerly nobodies but the grooming
of Jesus made them preachers of the message of salvation and men of integrity (2Corin.
5:17). The effect of this good grooming led to the formation of the church as
in Acts. (Jn. 14:12). See Peter’s confidence in Acts 4:13. After all these
years of knowing Christ, what account can you give since you knew Him? Have you
allowed His teachings to transform you from your anger, quarrelsomeness,
unforgiveness, fornication or disrespect ?
Comforts the flock: Because
of the feebleness of the sheep, it easily encounters uncomfortable situations
that easily affect his peace. As believers (sheep) we encounter a lot of
persecutions, isolations and suffering to our spirit. The early believers were
comforted by Christ in moments of suffering (e.g. sickness, hunger, persecution
or confusion). Jesus, the good shepherd is our only comfort in this era of
persecution, discouragement, misery, pain and need through the Holy Spirit. Man
will fail and deceive you, but the spirit of God will not.
Protector: The careless “hireling’ shepherd always
loses sheep to the predator who prowls around the flock. The hirelings normally thought only of themselves when danger
looms. They abandon the flock and flee, leaving the sheep to be scattered or killed
(Jn 10:12–13). However, as a good shepherd, Jesus gave His life on the cross
for his own. “We were supposed to have been condemned because of our sins (Rom.
3:23, Isa. 53:6; Heb. 9:22). Jesus did not think about the pain and shame but
humbled himself ‘till death on the cross to pay for our sins. In proclaiming
that He is the Good Shepherd, Jesus speaks of “laying down” His life for His
sheep (John 10:11,15, 17–18). Jesus is indeed the good
shepherd. Trust in Him!
He
knows His own: Jn.
10:14. A good shepherd knows his flock so well that even if they are mixed with
others, he can still pin-point them. Christ has tagged His sheep with the blood
and the Holy Spirit. If you are not tagged by the good shepherd, you cannot
experience provisions made for His sheep (e.g. sons of sceva- Acts 19:13-17).
We have different denominations, every one purporting to be the best but the
Lord knows His own (the day of harvest will determine) (Jn. 10:10, Jn. 1:12)
Calls
in wandering sheep: Jn.10:1,
9, 16. Bible makes it clear that Jesus had a lot of disciples. Through the
word, miracles, healings, etc. He indeed called out people of all races into
the kingdom- Jews, Gentiles, tax
collectors, fishermen, etc. Which
shepherd can call another’s sheep into his fold? Only the good shepherd has the
love for sheep. The wandering sheep He called earlier also called in others and
still calling other wanderers today through us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Lk. 15:4;
James 5:19-20; Jude 1:22-23). Are you calling others?
Our
responsibility as sheep of the good shepherd
Every shepherd will sell or
kill (for meat) the truant or
disobedient sheep at the slightest opportunity. Likewise, if we are the true
sheep of His pasture, we should obey the good shepherd’s voice and follow His
commands else we will be without the pen, where there is suffering, neglect and
final destruction from the prey.
As the
sheep of His pasture therefore, we have a responsibility to the good shepherd:
· Study and
obey the shepherds command. (Jn. 14:21; Jn. 15:10, Rom. 15:4). If we obey
His commandment, we will continue to be nourished, protected from the beasts
(false prophets) and grow in Him.
· Allow the
Lord’s discipline: Heb. 12:6 -11. The shepherd’s discipline leads to endurance, survival
and a life of righteousness. We need to be humble and patient to live under the
Lord’s discipline.
·
True fellowshipping: Heb. 10:25. An isolated sheep is easily devoured by the beast.
True fellowshipping is good for encouragement and protection against the world.
Acts 2:42-47 confirms how fellowship grew the church. A sheep’s best defense is
to stay close to the shepherd and within the herd. We need the encouragement of
the brethren in Christ. But can we boast of such fellowship today? Humanism has
taken over the church rather than the word and the Holy Spirit, backbiting,
hatred, unforgiveness, etc. is tearing us apart. We need to be wise
·
Prayer: Prov.15:8b. When the good shepherd is your Lord, you communicate
with Him always. With our numerous needs, we have to approach the Lord with our
needs rather than depend on man who can do little or deceive (e.g. false
prophets).
·
Be agents of change: 2corin. 5:17; Gal. 5:22; Matt. 5:16; 2corin. 5:20. We need to
show the world the way of truth and direct them to God through Christ by our
lifestyles. What is the world learning from you or the church today? The world
is not interested in the words but the practicality of Christ’s transformation
in our lives.
· Messengers for evangelism: Matt.
28:19-20; Prov. 11:30. Christ witnessed to make disciples who in turn continued
to spread the salvation message. The Lord’s desire is to bring more into the
fold (Jn. 10:16) so should our desire be. How many have you preached Christ to
since becoming a Christian? 2Pet. 3:9. Who will rescue the perishing? It is you
and I!
Conclusion
Do you personally know the
Good Shepherd? Are you His sheep? Do you recognize His voice? Are you following
Him? There
are many who claim to be called sheep of the good shepherd, but demonstrate
clearly that they are not qualified according to His criteria.
There is no greater peace
and security than being under the care of Jesus, the good shepherd. May the good Lord grant us grace, that we
will continue to be the sheep of His pasture and escape the falsehood
surrounding us; that we will give a good account when the good shepherd (Jesus)
appears in His glory to judge (2corin. 5:10). Amen!
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