Wednesday, 9^th April 2025

Andrews Ampomah 

TOPIC: I Am The Good Shepherd

THEME SCRIPTURE: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” – John 10:11

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why is Jesus a better Shepherd?
2. What does Jesus offer as a good shepherd?

The relevance of John 10 to our current Christian landscape is strikingly apparent. The Pharisees of Jesus's time were in much the same way as the shepherds of Israel in Ezekiel 34:1-10, who neglected their duty to care for God's flock and instead prioritized their comfort and well-being. The Pharisees were guilty of burdening their followers with unnecessary demands rather than serving as guides to lead them toward spiritual fulfillment. Unfortunately, this is still an issue in the body of Christ today, as numerous individuals claim to have been called to ministry (as pastors, prophets, etc.) but are preying on their congregants for personal gain. Similar to the shepherds of Israel, many of these individuals are taking advantage of the vulnerable, causing immense suffering and hardship.

Contrary to the OT shepherds, the Pharisees in the NT days, and the selfish shepherds of our days, we are introduced to Jesus as the embodiment of a perfect Shepherd. Jesus boldly asserts in John 10:11 and 14 that “I am the good Shepherd.” The good here affirms that the Pharisees pale in comparison with him. He has no equal. He has what it takes to redeem and provide nourishment to the sheep, leading them to growth and maturity. Unlike the bad shepherds, Jesus, as our good shepherd, never takes advantage of his flock. His flock is never in want, he ensures that his goodness and mercies follow them constantly. He never allows the enemy to take advantage of the flock, serving as their protector and provider.

As the good Shepherd that Jesus is, he does two things for the flock: He lays down his life for the sheep.

The sin of Adam and our sins lead us away from the presence of God, right into the hands of the devil who made us slaves. In the kingdom of darkness, we were recipients of the wrath of God, and there was no hope for us but the terror of hell.  As the good shepherd that Jesus is, he laid down his life through the painful death on the cross to bring us redemption and to reconcile us to our Father. By the sacrifice of Jesus, we are no longer slaves but free. The distinguishing mark of this good shepherd is the fact that it was his own choice to die for us. Jesus goes to every extent to ensure that his sheep are not only redeemed but also safe from all attacks.

He knows his sheep and his sheep also knows him. This affirms a continual fellowship that exists between the sheep and the shepherd. He provides leadership in all forms through his word as a guide to his flock.

 No matter how huge the flock is, he knows each one by name and provides exactly what each needs as well. Unlike today, where we have huge congregations with congregants who have never met their shepherd one-on-one before. His knowledge of the flock makes it easier for him to lead them in righteousness for his name's sake.

Beloved in Christ, in a world where pastors/ministers of the gospel cannot be trusted, be comforted during this Lenten season that as a Christian, you have Jesus to provide all the necessary comforts in this challenging world and in your walk with Him. Would you, from this day, trust him with your life and obey His voice as He leads you by the still waters and ensures that no evil comes to you? Amen

FURTHER READING – Psalm 23, John 10

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How well do you know Jesus, the Good Shepherd?

CONFESSION

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus the Good Shepherd to not only redeem me from the kingdom of darkness but also to guide me into life everlasting. By your Spirit, enlighten me to increase in the knowledge of Jesus and to obey Him always, in Christ Jesus, Amen.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Deuteronomy 23-25; Psalm 99;Acts 9