The Good Shepherd Promises Life to the Fullest

Jesus chose a bold metaphor when he called himself “the good shepherd.” Shepherds occupied one of the lowest Israelite social rungs in Jesus’ day. But his words drew deeply from the prophet Ezekiel (cf. Ezekiel 34:1-16) in which God promised Israel that he would shepherd them himself. Jesus came as “the good shepherd” who would safely guide and protect all who trusted him. He called all “sheep” to join his “flock,” so that together they might find “life to the fullest.”

• Sheep can’t care for themselves—an isolated sheep is among earth’s most vulnerable animals. A shepherd must be wise and dependable, working for the interests and safety of each sheep in the flock. Humans aren’t sheep—we must choose to trust. When has Jesus felt like a protecting, guiding shepherd in your life? When have other Christians provided that same kind of shepherding care for you? In what ways do you most need “shepherding” today?
• Scholar William Barclay noted, “The Greek phrase used for having [life] more abundantly means to have a superabundance of a thing. To be a follower of Jesus, to know who he is and what he means, is to have a superabundance of life.” * When has following Jesus led you to times that left you feeling deeply, fully alive? How can you continue to live out the joyous “superabundance” of life Jesus offers, encouraging others in that life and encouraged by them?