1 October | EVERYONE
«I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.» John 10: 14,15
Shepherd and sheep walk together on the slopes of Galilee. The shepherd loves them, and they instinctively feel safe and follow him. There is a close relationship of trust and love between the two. At night, the shepherd does not abandon them in the field and goes to rest in the comfort of his house, but rather he spends the night with them to defend them from the nocturnal beasts. He knows that they are unable to defend themselves and that they would be easy victims of any predator. That is why he takes care of them and is willing to offer his life for them if necessary.
Jesus took that figure of the shepherd and his sheep to illustrate and teach that the Christian life is an experience of permanent love between Him and His followers. There is a relationship of personal knowledge. Christianity is not just a religion, and to be a good Christian is not merely to attend church once a week and abide by a code of behavior. It is more than that. It is walking with Jesus every day, every moment, at all times. To face the challenges that life presents, with the certainty that we are not alone, but that the Good Shepherd is at our side ready to defend us.
The apostle John, who recorded this discourse of Jesus Christ, saw years later in vision the redeemed following Jesus wherever He went; this means that if we want to be followers of Jesus in the kingdom of heaven, we need to learn to follow Him on this Earth.
Take Action
Make your Christian experience a relationship of love with the Good Shepherd: wake up in the morning and talk to Him, when you go out into the street go with the certainty that He is with you, do not fear the future because He cares for you. Sing “The Good Shepherd” (if possible, with your family).