I Am the Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” – John 10:11

So much of the gospel is counter-intuitive.

• “So the last shall be first, and the first will be last” – Matthew 20:16
• “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God” – Matthew 5:3
• “Those who love their life will lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life” – John 12:25

These are just the tip of the iceberg.

No better example of the counter-intuitiveness of the gospels than today’s “I Am” statement: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Under every other circumstance, if the shepherd dies the sheep are toast. It is absolutely necessary for the shepherd to be alive for the sheep to have any chance in this dangerous world. Dead shepherd equals defenseless and soon to be eaten dead sheep.

But not so when we’re talking about “the Good Shepherd.” Because, you see, his death is our gain. It is through his death and resurrection that we are forgiven and given eternal life.

God has an amazing way of taking that which seems frightening and terrible and make it amazing and life-giving. Watch. Things are already happening all around us where the goodness of God is being revealed in this Covid-19 Pandemic. Neighbors mowing lawns, baking cookies for those sheltering, getting groceries, picking up prescriptions, and buying scotch for their pastor!

These things and many other deeds of kindness and generosity is happening all around us.

The darkness cannot overcome the Light.

When you are the Creator God, when you are the great “I Am”, you do things like this. That’s what the good and awesome God does.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Amen! Thank you, Jesus!