Christ the Good Shepherd

[Thompson, Darryl]

Christ the Good Shepherd 

     I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As
the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life
for the sheep. John 10:14, 15.  

     Jesus says, "I know my sheep." Let us consider this statement. We
are known by God before we receive Him. "I know my sheep." How do souls
become Christ's sheep? By choosing to receive Him. But Christ had first
chosen them. He knew every one who would respond to His drawing, and He
knew every one who would be inclined to receive Him but who, through
popular opposing influences, would turn from Him, John says to all,
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John
1:29). Those who heard the voice and did behold Jesus as the Lamb of God
believed in Him and became His property from their own choice. But . . .
their choosing of Christ was in response to His drawing. The love of
Jesus was expressed to us before we loved Him. . . .  

     To Jesus the whole human family is entrusted, as the flocks of
sheep are entrusted to a shepherd. These sheep and lambs are to be
tended with pastoral care. They will be guarded by the faithful Chief
Shepherd, under the care of faithful under shepherds, and if they will
obey the voice of the Chief Shepherd they will not be left to be
devoured by wolves. . . .  

     Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, . . . and they follow me"
(John 10:27). The Shepherd of Israel does not drive His flock, but He
leads them. His attitude is wholly one of invitation. "My sheep hear my
voice." If we are indeed sons and daughters of God we not only hear, but
recognize the voice above all others. We appreciate the words of Christ,
we distinguish the truth as it is in Jesus from all error, and the truth
refreshes the soul, and fills it with gladness. . . .  

     The beautiful illustration in Revelation 7 is a pastoral symbol. ".
. . They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall
the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst
of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains
of waters . . ." (Rev. 7:16, 17).  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 52