The Gentle Shepherd

Miles from the nearest town, a watchful shepherd, watches over his flock of grazing sheep. The animals, heads down in the grass, focus on eating. That’s their priority. Meanwhile, the gentle shepherd is alert to lurking dangers that could harm or even kill his sheep. That’s his job. The flock is his top priority.

As the sun slides toward the horizon, he begins to coax his charges toward a safe alcove surrounded by large, ragged stones on three sides. The remaining side he encloses with limbs, logs, and other debris. This sheepfold will help him keep them safe through the night. He will sleep among the sheep to protect them.

Sheep are no match for the carnivorous beasts that seek them. They are defenseless. Only a courageous shepherd can protect them.

This picture, well known to 1st-century disciples, Jesus uses to teach about himself.

Jesus the Gentle Shepherd Guides His People

Six centuries earlier, a prophet spoke of the coming savior. Matthew appropriates Micah 5:2 to speak of One who would shepherd God’s people (Matthew 2:6). That was the just-born Jesus who now must hide from Herod’s murderous hand.

A gentle shepherd. Not a brutal warrior.

As a shepherd moves and nudges his flock to safety, so Jesus guides his disciples away from the evil one and sin. The sheep cannot see and do not understand the dangers constantly surrounding them. Nor do we. The snarling teeth of ravenous wolves must be kept from the weak (Luke 10:3; Matthew 7:15).

Just beyond, the grass looks lush and green. The sheep are drawn, tempted to wander just a few yards from safety. As they drift away, the shepherd moves between them and danger. He guides them away from catastrophe and back to safety.

Jesus, through his example, teachings, and commands, guides us away from sin and into the safety of his loving arms. The sheep that ignores his guidance will die, as will we.

Jesus the Shepherd Defends His People at All Costs.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

(John 10:11)

Suddenly, the Shepherd hears rustling among the grasses. It’s not the wind. It’s not the sheep. Lion! The shepherd, with no concern for his safety, rushes at the beast. The sheep are clueless. He jumps in front of the lion an instant before he pounces. The sheep scatter. They run away (Matthew 26:31).

The shepherd remains and faces his opponent. A battle begins. It rages. In the end, the shepherd stands bruised and bloodied but alive. The Lion lays at his feet, destroyed. The sheep are fine. They are eating again, heads down in the grass. They have been saved by the gentle shepherd again.

One flock, one gentle shepherd, for evermore!

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