March 8 Sacrificial Shepherd

John 10:1-6 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
 
WE often see some very comforting images of Jesus as a good shepherd. Scenes show peaceful sheep in green pastures while the shepherd quietly watches over them. Dangers and threats are not in the scenes. A good shepherd has a flock of peaceful sheep.
   In reality, to have a quiet, resting flock, Jesus’ shepherd images reflect sacrifice and struggle. For example, with the man who…is a thief and a robber, Jesus describes personal threats to a shepherd. A thief not only steals, he is often aggressive to harm those who defend their property. A thief causes lost income. A shepherd must be strong, alert and aggressive to defend against the aggressor. Spiritual robbers violently destroy our peace. We must be diligent to defend ourselves and loved ones from those thieves.
   Consider, too, a shepherd who goes on ahead of his sheep. This describes one who is sacrificially willing to encounter danger first. On a military squad, he is the point man, the first to alert to danger and the first the enemy attacks. The shepherd sacrificially leads to assess the trail while risking his own life.
   These two elements of sacrifice are necessary for the sheepfold to be a safe place for the sheep. The sheep follow the shepherd because they have come to know he will lead them into the protective, restful sheep pen. They will then follow his voice out in the morning for food and water. A shepherd is also the sheep owner’s protector. The owner trusts the shepherd to care for the proprietor’s wealth. His financial security depends on a good shepherd’s commitment.  
   Jesus uses this illustration to define the differences between himself and those who oppose him. Many religious leaders then and now lead with their own designs in mind. God has entrusted them with his Word and his children, but too many represent themselves. They allow greed and pride to steal away the Lord’s commands, grace and mercy. The caretakers have left the fold. The green pastures God promises his people became dry deserts of hypocrisy.
   But now Jesus declares a true shepherd has come to lead his people. They will follow his voice as they come to believe he is the one to safely lead them to heaven’s rest. The Son of God will feed them the Bread of Life. They will drink of his Living Water.
  
Prayer: I pray, Lord, I will be faithful to sacrifice for my family’s well-being and lead them to safety with you. Amen.