27th April 2022

The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…”
John 10:14 (NIV)

Shepherds and their sheep have deeply intimate relationships. Jesus our good shepherd knows us by name and guides us through life’s valleys and mountaintops. When we run the other way, he goes in search of us! His relentless love pursues us. Our good shepherd laid down his life for us, knowing the details of all we would think and do. He didn’t redeem our ideal lives – he sacrificed himself to redeem the actual life we are living today.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” With these words, Jesus is not only revealing a truth about who he is, but how he feels about us. He knows and loves our whole story. Sheep are utterly dependent animals. They physically cannot rest until all their needs are met. In the comforting presence of Jesus, we can relax and let go of our fears.

Prayer
Jesus, thank you that you are faithful to supply all my needs. Help me to see how you are providing for me today and make me aware of how I can share your love and provision with those around me. In your name I pray, Amen.

Study by Michelle Fleming

First published on 20 February 2019 in GCI Update Devotionals https://update.gci.org 

 

About the writer:
Michelle Fleming is an elder in Grace Communion International and works in the International Home Office in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA as Media Director.

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