Many Christian churches set aside a Sunday after Easter as “Good Shepherd” Sunday. It refers to and highlights Jesus’ own description of Himself in John’s Gospel, Chapter 10. Twice in four verses, Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd…” (Verses 11 and 14); and uses it a third time to describe what He means by that title. It is an especially comforting and endearing term which dramatically and delightfully illustrates His role and relationship to those who trust in Him as their Savior.
What distinguishes Jesus as the Good Shepherd, apart from all the others is this: He willingly gave up (“laid down”) his life for the benefit of His sheep! In this supreme act of care for the sheep, the Good Shepherd fought off the attacks of the world (the devil, who only wants to devour the sheep!), in order to defend and rescue the sheep, even though it cost Him His life.
Jesus’ illustration doesn’t end there. The other amazing thing about this Good Shepherd is that he came back from the dead — on Easter. He conquered death itself. The result for the sheep: He gives eternal life to those who listen to His Word and trust in Him as their Savior.
What a great, gracious, truly good Shepherd Jesus is. Such a Shepherd is certainly worth listening to and following, isn’t He?
