The Shepherd.

Every knee will bow, every tongue confess that you are Lord, mighty to save, mighty to heal – yet intimately concerned for each one of us.

” Immanuel, the name I was called when I was born – God with us shows that I was and still am so concerned for each one of you that I took on flesh and became as a servant to serve you all, to seek you out, to understand from your level the difficulties of a hostile world, to experience the pain each one of you experiences. So at this time it is so good to remember this dual role, mighty creator, powerful beyond imagination, in the form of a helpless baby – choosing to do this salvation by placing myself on a cross to bring you close and prevent you from becoming eternally separated from Me and all My goodness. May this truth be very real to you all in the next days as you celebrate it all.”

Back in John ch 10, we are reminded of the two metaphors Jesus uses to describe Himself. Firstly He calls Himself “the Gate “, which we looked at last week. Which really focusses on the exclusivity of Himself as the only way of entry into the sheep pen. This week we will focus on His role as Shepherd.

This is such a common name and metaphor for both God and Jesus in the Old and New Testament that it is perhaps easy to become used to it without appreciating the full depth of meaning. A shepherd in biblical times had a different role from what we would understand today. He literally lived with his sheep. At night he would lead them into an enclosure where they would be safe. He would usually sleep with them, lying in the gate to protect them. By day he would lead them out to whatever pasture was available. The sheep trusted him fully and followed him, while he knew each one with its quirks by name. He was so committed that a good shepherd would even be prepared to die in an effort to protect them from a lion or bear or even a robber. See David’s testimony in 1 Samuel 17:34,34 where he challenges Goliath with the words that he had killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands while protecting his sheep.

In this chapter Jesus takes for granted that that would be the picture in the listeners minds as He uses this metaphor. While we understand that He cares for each one of us individually, there is also a bigger picture in His mind. The flock as a whole is His big concern – the church. Not only what those people represent v 16, but the church worldwide. “I ‘have other sheep not of this pen. I must bring them in also.”’

Three times vv 15b, 17, 18 Jesus repeats His statement that He lays down His life for His sheep. He makes it clear that His life is not taken from Him but that He voluntarily lays it down. He moves beyond the possibility to the fact. He isn’t only prepared to die He has chosen this very path. That is the extent of His commitment. In vs 18 there is an interesting twist- He is doing this in obedience to the Father’s command.

In vv 19 – 21 we see how John once again shows the people divided as to His true identity. He is calling the reader to make that decision for him/herself.

Now it is so important that we personalise these metaphors. What is the role and identity of this Shepherd to you? Can you feel, smell, taste this scene? Can you sense the security and love expressed? Not in a general way but for you personally? The knowledge that He knows you personally on the deepest level and care’s about everything in your life and that you have the privilege of knowing Him. That His care and commitment has reached its full expression in His death on the cross.

Oh what love is this that He has given His life, His all for you personally and for me? May this be the reality in your mind and heart next Wednesday as we welcome Immanuel. May you indeed meet Him in a new and deeper way this Christmas.