Passage:

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:14-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/jhn.10.14-15.esv

Paraphrase:

Jesus said: I am the good shepherd. My sheep and I know each other just like my Father and I know each other. I’m good in every way and I will give my life for those who are mine.

Premise:

There are bad shepherds and One Good Shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who not only knows His sheep but dies for them too. Bad shepherds are only thinking of themselves whereas the Good Shepherd is considering what’s best for the sheep. Jesus and God know each other and Jesus knows the sheep God has given Him. The sheep know the Good Shepherd and listen for His voice and follow Him.

Principle:

Jesus is The Good Shepherd and leads His sheep where they need to be.

The sheep of Jesus are under His guidance and protection. He watches over His own.

Jesus is The Good Shepherd and knows each of His sheep individually.

Ponder:

What makes Jesus better than all other shepherds?

What does it mean to be known by Jesus and to really know Jesus as The Good Shepherd?

What does dying for the sheep reveal about Jesus as The Good Shepherd?

Practice:

Remember that Jesus is always guiding and leading. I need to stay close to the Shepherd.

Listen for the voice of The Good Shepherd and obey His commands.

Prayer:

Dear Good Shepherd, thank you for being so good to me. Thank you for leading me beside still waters and making me lie down in green pastures. Thank you for restoring my soul. Thank you for knowing my name and that I can know you personally. Help me to rest in you and your care all the days of my life.