Devotion
Jesus is our shepherd
As we move further into the story of Easter, it’s important for us to remember what Jesus is like.
My favourite parable in the Bible paints this picture of Jesus’ overwhelming love for each and every one of us. It’s about sheep and a shepherd, and how the shepherd willingly cares and sacrifices.
Shepherds were really important people in Bible times. They moved their flocks to more food and water. They made sure the sheep were protected from animals that tried to hurt them. But unfortunately, sometimes sheep still wandered away.
The Bible makes it clear that we are all like lost sheep without the guidance and protection of God. Thankfully God’s Son, Jesus, goes looking for us when we are lost! Luke 15:4-7 (ICB) says: “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put the sheep across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbours, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.”
The Bible teaches us that we are like sheep and sometimes walk away from God. We need help from Jesus, our shepherd, to bring us back onto the right track. Jesus celebrates and rejoices as he “chases us down, fights ‘till we’re found and leaves the ninety-nine!” (Song 'Reckless Love' by Cory Asbury)
Jesus makes it abundantly clear that he is our ‘good’ shepherd. In John 10:11-17 (VOICE), Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep in His care… I will give My life for the sheep. The Father loves Me because I am willing to lay down (sacrifice) My life.”
As our shepherd, Jesus offers to save us. Hence why we call him our saviour. He removes the weight of our burden that we can’t carry ourselves and protects us through his death on the cross.
On the cross, Jesus chose to be the perfect and innocent sacrifice for us.
Mr Kupke
Sunday Service Times at Good Shepherd
Easter Service times at Good Shepherd
Will you be around in the school holidays? If so, we would love to invite you to our Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Easter Services!
The story of God’s love comes into focus, especially at Easter... Jesus’ sacrifice and triumph over darkness changed the course of history... giving us a second chance.
Join us Maundy Thursday at 7:30pm as the story begins to unfold, Good Friday for ‘The trial’ and Easter Sunday for the good news of Jesus’ victory and the reality of how His love gives us a ‘Second Chance’! (Good Friday and Easter Sunday services are both at 10:00am.)
God bless you this Easter!
2025 Worship Song Playlist
Do you find yourself wondering what songs we sing in Wednesday Worship? Do your children come home singing some of the songs? We would like to invite you to our Good Shepherd School Worship Song Playlist on YouTube. To find a selection of songs that we sing, click here and start singing along!