Jesus is the “I AM”
In the tranquil hills of ancient Judea, where the sun sets behind rolling pastures and the melody of a shepherd’s flute carries across the grazing flocks, Jesus gathers his listeners. He speaks not only with words but with a presence that echoes through the ages, revealing profound truths about his identity and mission: “I am the good shepherd.” This is the fourth I am statement we have heard Jesus make so far.
Scripture Reading: John 10:11-18
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
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. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:11-18, NIV)I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.'”
Reflection: In John 10, Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. As we reflect on this passage, let’s consider the depth of Jesus’ sacrificial love for us.
Questions for Reflection:
- What does it mean for Jesus states I am the Good Shepherd?
- How does Jesus’ sacrificial love for us impact your understanding of his character?
- In what ways can we recognize and respond to Jesus’ voice in our lives today?
Time to Pray: Take a moment to thank Jesus for his sacrificial love demonstrated on the cross. Ask for guidance to listen and respond to his voice in your daily life.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd and laying down your life for us. Help us to recognize and follow your voice amidst the noise of the world. Guide us in living lives that honor and glorify you. In your name we pray, Amen.
Encouragement: If you found this reflection meaningful, I invite you to watch the sermon by Jim, the lead pastor at Lakeview Christian Church in the Portage Lakes area, on the topic of “The Good Shepherd.” Join us on Sunday mornings to worship together and delve deeper into the teachings of Jesus. For more details, visit our webpage.
May God bless you abundantly as you continue to seek and follow the Good Shepherd’s voice in your life. He is the only I am that is everything we need an more than we could ever imagine.
