Christmas Family Devotional Guide

THE GOOD SHEPHERD (John 10:10-21)

In the gospel account written by the Apostle John, Jesus calls Himself the "good" shepherd in contrast to the other Jewish leaders of the day who were also referred to as shepherds of the people. The word good is translated "intrinsically good, beautiful, or fair" and was used to distinguish Him from other Jewish religious leaders of His day who were the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They were self appointed and self centered leaders whom Jesus referred to as "hirelings" and implied they would not sacrifice themselves for the good of the people.

Jesus declared in these verses that He would lay down His life for the people, would know each person intimately and what was good for them and best of all He would bring others into the "fold" of the Jews, who were God's chosen people. This is the good news for us, the Gentiles, who were outside the covenants of Israel. All who would accept Jesus as their shepherd would be cared for, loved, and with Him forever in a place called Heaven when they leave this earth.

Jesus had no self interest in being our shepherd. In reality being our good shepherd would bring Him suffering and pain as He sacrificed Himself on the cross of Calvary to save His sheep from their sins. He wants only the very best for us and will lead us, protect us, feed us and be a special friend to us if we will only allow Him. Because of Jesus we can lay down at night knowing we are safe in our Shepherd's care. How special to know that Jesus is watching over us everyday and in every way.