December 22, 2024

“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. . . . I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:4, 14–15, nkjv)

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Growing up on a small farm in rural Canada, I recall watching my grandfather tend to the growing flock of sheep that was closely huddled together in the six-generation-old barn for winter.

There was tenderness and warmth in his calloused hands that radiated nothing less than an abiding love. Each day he would feed his sheep grain and hay. He doctored the sick with penicillin. He often woke up in the early hours to ensure a safe delivery of a newborn lamb. If the pipes that lined the sheep’s manger froze during a bone-chilling snowstorm, he would be the first to hand-deliver a kettle of hot water, pouring it along the rubbery, iced pipes.

All of us who worked alongside Grandpa knew of his love for the flock. But it was those simple sheep that knew his love most.

“Come Nannie! Come Nannie!” Grandpa would call in a firm but gentle tone. The sheep were never startled or panicked by his beckon. They yearned for his voice of loving leadership. They followed him as he would feed and lead them each day.

How could they not trust such a good shepherd?

It brings comfort to know that, like my grandfather, Jesus is a good shepherd. He knows us by name.

Our Good Shepherd laid down His life for us—humbled Himself as a babe in a manger and though innocent, died on a cross for our sin.

Whatever you are facing today, will you trust Jesus, the Messiah, as your Good Shepherd?

 

Dr. D. Scott Barfoot
Director of Doctor of Ministry Studies