Devotion

Who is the Greatest… Shepherd?

There have been millions of shepherds all over the world throughout time… but, really, who is the greatest? Let’s think about the role of a shepherd. They need to provide for and protect their sheep. Among other things, shepherds need to provide adequate food and water. Treatment is necessary if they succumb to parasites or sickness. Sheep need protection from weather elements or other animals who seek to harm them… and then there’s the shearing…

Plenty of shepherds are listed in the bible. From Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his sons… there is Moses and David. Each of these shepherds met their share of challenges as they looked after the sheep in their care… But were they the greatest?

In John 10, Jesus describes himself as the ‘Good Shepherd’. The one who provides for and protects his flock, to the point of surrendering his life. He explains the close connection between shepherd and sheep, with sheep recognizing the voice of the shepherd and being safe in his care.

 “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me, and I know the Father. I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”  John10:14,15 NLT 

He’s talking about his connection with us!  

Jesus doesn’t desert us when troubles abound… He knows us by name, gently leading us through difficult circumstances. He demonstrated his love and commitment when he paid the ultimate sacrifice through his death and resurrection in restoring us back into the fold, back into a secure and joy filled relationship with God…  I think that makes him the greatest… What do you think?

Georgie Schuster 

(one of the flock at Good Shepherd)