The picture of Jesus as our Good Shepherd is one of my favorites. Even in the Old Testament, God is referred to as a tender shepherd over His people. "He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11) Isn't that a beautiful picture of our Lord? Think of Jesus as you read about shepherds.

Since shepherds were very common in Israel, Jesus is using a word picture that would be very familiar to His listeners. The shepherd watched over the flock carefully, protecting them from wandering by gently pulling them back in with his staff. They were expert at using the sling to protect the sheep from wild animals. They didn't herd the sheep from behind; they led the sheep, and the sheep followed him and were familiar with his voice. Each night as they entered the fold, the shepherd would check closely for any wounds that needed tending.

There were two kinds of sheepfold. One was surrounded by a stone wall with an opening. After the sheep entered, the shepherd would lie down across the opening to keep the sheep safely in and wild animals out. (John 10:7-9) The other was a communal fold near a town and used by several shepherds. Several flocks would be in one pen. In the morning the shepherd would come and call his sheep by name, and his sheep would follow him out. None of the other sheep would follow him, because they didn't recognize his voice--he was a stranger to them. (vs. 4-5)

Jesus is our Shepherd. He gave His life for us. He calls us by name. It is one thing to know someone by name, but it's another to call someone by name. I know Billy Graham by name, but I would never call him by name! It would be Dr. Graham, sir! But I know and call my children by name, because there is a close, personal, loving relationship. This is how Jesus knows us.

Satan is the enemy who seeks to scatter the sheep, causing disunity and division. He cannot take away our salvation, but he attempts to take away our joy and our testimony, rendering it void. But the Good Shepherd never abandons the sheep. He never leaves them to face the enemy alone.

Is Jesus your Shepherd? He calls you my name. I pray you know His voice and follow Him today.

Becky
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