Understanding Jesus’ Words in Simple Terms
When Jesus calls himself the “good shepherd,” he’s using a picture that anyone in his time would have understood. In those days, shepherds watched over flocks of sheep. They protected them from danger, made sure they had food and water, and led them safely home. But Jesus takes this idea way further. He says that a good shepherd would actually give up his own life to save his sheep. That’s not just good; that’s extraordinary.
Think about it: most shepherds would care about their sheep, but there’s a limit. If a wolf or some danger showed up, someone who’s just paid to watch the sheep might run away. A “hireling” would probably flee to save themselves. After all, they don’t own the sheep, and their heart isn’t really in it. But Jesus says he’s the shepherd who sticks around, no matter what. He doesn’t run from danger—he faces it head-on, even if it means risking his life. That’s how much he cares.
This isn’t just about sheep and wolves. It’s about people. Jesus is saying that, just as a shepherd would do anything for his sheep, he would do anything for us. He knows us personally, not just as a big crowd, but as individuals with our own personalities and quirks. And we can know him too, just like sheep know the voice of their shepherd and trust him.
There’s also a difference between someone who really cares (the shepherd) and someone who’s just doing a job (the hireling). The real shepherd is all-in; he’s invested, and the sheep are his treasure. In fact, in some old languages, the word for “money” comes from the word for “sheep.” The sheep represented the shepherd’s wealth. They were also his livelihood. That’s how valuable we are to Jesus.
But Jesus doesn’t just say this—he lives it. He didn’t just talk about caring for people; he actually gave up his life for us. He continues to care for us, represent us, and guide us every day. This is the love and leadership that makes all the difference.
The good shepherd is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of his flock. He does this not just because it’s his job, but because he loves them deeply. That’s the heart of what Jesus meant. Real love means putting others first. It means even giving up your own life. And that’s exactly what he did.
In His Service,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 