John 10:11-18 (NRSV)
Read John 10:11-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Verse 12The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away-and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. Verse 13The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. Verse 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, Verse 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. Verse 16I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. Verse 17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. Verse 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
Devotion
This is one of the great “I AM” passages of John. In the Old Testament, God revealing God’s name to Moses saying, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
Here Jesus says, “I AM the good shepherd.” He is not just a hired helper who runs at the first sign of trouble. He is a shepherd who will do whatever is necessary to safeguard the sheep, even laying down his life.
Many see God as uncaring and aloof. Here Jesus lets us know that God cares so much about us that he willingly gave his only Son. He is committed to us, no matter what.
When the wolves of life come at us, we can know that we will not be abandoned. Jesus conquered sin and death on the cross. As Paul says, in Romans 8:32, “How will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Prayer
Lord God, the great I AM, you have come to me as a shepherd and laid down your life for me. Thank you! Help me to trust you and follow you every day of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.