Devotion:
Read John 10:7-18.
The main theme of this passage is laid out in John 10:11: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The following verses unpack the meaning of laying down his life for the sheep. The main point is made in verse 13 where it states the hired hand does not care for the sheep because they are not his, but they belong to Jesus who has an intimate relationship to the sheep.
In the giving of his life Jesus does something for the community that no one else had ever done. Jesus came to give people life through the giving of his own. He did not do this as a victim but as a willing, voluntary sacrifice. He said that no one took it from him, but he laid it down of his own accord. The analogy of Jesus as a shepherd comes from the Old Testament tradition of a shepherd being willing to sacrifice himself for the well-being of the flock. Jesus gave his life so that others may live. This is the incredibly good news of God’s plan for all of us.
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, Thank you for sending your son on our behalf. Thank you for making him the good shepherd and letting us be a part of his flock. Help us to shepherd others and care for those who need a helping hand. We want to be like Jesus. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment