Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter – John
10:1-10
Today Jesus again identified himself as a shepherd. The
shepherd was the individual who spent most of his life with his sheep. It was
his responsibility to protect and lead the sheep. The shepherd made sure the sheep had
sufficient water to drink and grass to eat. He also protected the sheep from wolves and
other predators.
The shepherd’s life was one of constant movement. After the
sheep ate all the grass in one pasture, the shepherd moved them to another
green pasture. The shepherd’s life also
was a lonely life. For weeks, the
shepherd’s only companions were his sheep. Since his sheep were his closest companions
and friends, most likely the shepherd came to know his sheep well. He knew which sheep were docile and he also
recognized the unruly and stubborn sheep.
The shepherd was committed to caring for each of the sheep, even the
aggravating ones.
Usually the shepherd had a very strong bond with his sheep.
He not only was responsible for them, he truly cared about his sheep and perhaps
even came to love them. In some ways,
the sheep became the shepherd’s family. They
were his constant companions. The sheep
only would follow the voice of their shepherd. They would not follow another
person. The bond between the shepherd
and the sheep was very strong and real.
Jesus is our shepherd. Jesus sticks with us no matter what. He is committed to caring for us and leading
us. Jesus comes and finds us when we are
lost and afraid. Jesus will keep looking for us until he finds us. Do we have the same strong bond with Jesus as
the sheep have with their shepherd? Do
we recognize Jesus’ voice when he calls us? Do we listen for his voice? Do we trust that Jesus will protect us at all
costs?
Today may we take time to thank Jesus for loving us so
deeply. May we also thank Jesus for his
tender care and protection. Jesus is our
shepherd. We can depend on him always!
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