Jesus The Good Shepherd
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 10:1-21 (NIV)
(Estella Lau, Steward, Local Church Executive Committee)
In the passage, Jesus calledHimself the Good Shepherd, as opposed to the Pharisees who were supposed to shepherd God’s people but instead behaved like a “hired hand”. He also elaborated on the difference between a good shepherd and a hired hand.
A good shepherd:
• knows his sheep personally and intimately – “… calls his own sheep by name” (v3)
• provides guidance and protection – “leads them out, and goes before them” (v4)
• keeps his sheep safe and provides sustenance (v9)
• places his flock’s welfare and interest before his own
• is willing to sacrifice his life for them
• does not abandon his sheep in the face of danger (v12)
• cares deeply for his sheep as they matter to him
Knowing that I have a Shepherd who knows me intimately, who has my welfare at heart, who watches over me night and day, and has even laid down His life for me, I can face every life situation – whether heart-lifting or heartbreaking – with hope and blessed assurance. This is the life that truly satisfies, the “life to the full” that Jesus promised in John 10:10.
I need to guard myself from settling for less when I stake my happiness on the temporal – things and personal achievements, my identity on job titles and accolades, and my security on my bank account.
How do I avail myself of this abundant life? Jesus said in John 17:3 that eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ. Knowing Jesus is much more than knowing who He is; I need to develop my relationship with the Shepherd, place myself under His authority and entrust my life to Him.
The sheep will follow the shepherd because they know his voice. Jesus has called me to follow Him, but will I recognise my Shepherd’s voice? I need to be intentional in making space to encounter Him and to know Him more deeply. He has demonstrated the way to live life to the full – transformational habits which are good for my soul such as reading and living out His Word, prayer, solitude and service.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, because You are my Good Shepherd, I shall not want. You restore my soul and lead me in paths of righteousness. I want to know You more, give me grace to follow You no matter what it costs.
Life with You is what truly satisfies as Your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. Jesus said in verse 14: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” How well do you know your Good Shepherd?
2. Do you follow Jesus the Good Shepherd when you hear His voice?
3. What is the one thing you would do to know Jesus better and hear His voice more clearly?
