In the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, this week’s scripture reading is John 10: 11-19. Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd. I always found it strange that the Bible describes Christians as sheep. I mean c’mon sheep are dirty, disobedient, defenseless and dumb (have you ever seen anyone trying to train sheep?). Maybe that’s why the prophet Isaiah wrote:"We all like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.." (Isaiah 53:6a)
Well, in my estimation, if we are being honest, Isaiah hits the nail on the head. Isaiah also tells us that in spite of our "sheepness," the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ was willing to be punished for us.
"And the Lord (God the Father) has laid on him (God the Son) the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6b)
Not only was Jesus willing to be punished in our place as our substitute; he was also willing to lay down his life for us so that we could have eternal life through him.
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)
To say that this is profound is an astronomical understatement! Think about it. Not only was Jesus willing to be punished as our substitute; and not only was Jesus willing to die the death that we deserved, but John goes on further to say that Jesus came looking for us when we were lost and defenseless.
"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen (that would be us!). I must bring them also (again he is talking about you and me). They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:16)
We were dirty, disobedient, dumb and defenseless. Yet Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was willing to go through all that he did so that we could be brought into the family of God. Who are we? What is our life that Jesus would actually lay down his life, so that we could have the free gift of eternal life? Take the time in prayer this week to thank our Good Shepherd. Being one of Christ’s flock, a sheep of His pasture, is truly amazing grace!
Be a Sheep,
Bishop Ian
