Why Jesus’ Message Still Matters Today
If you ever heard Jesus call himself the “good shepherd,” you might wonder what he really meant. In simple terms, a shepherd in his time took care of sheep. He ensured they were safe, fed, and protected from harm. But Jesus took this idea further. He said a truly good shepherd would be willing to put his own life on the line for the sheep. That’s a big deal. Most people would care about their flock up to a point. Yet, when danger came, a “hireling” just working for pay would probably run away to save themselves. The real shepherd, though, sticks it out—no matter what.
Jesus used this picture because he wanted us to know how much he cares about us. He’s not just someone doing a job; he’s fully invested. He knows each of us personally, our strengths and weaknesses, and he loves us anyway. Just like sheep know their shepherd’s voice and trust him, we’re invited to know Jesus and trust him, too.
Jesus also showed there’s a difference between someone who’s just doing something for the money and someone who truly cares. For a real shepherd, the sheep are precious. In fact, in ancient times, sheep were so valuable that the words for “money” and “sheep” were even related. That’s how important we are to Jesus—he sees us as treasures worth protecting at any cost.
But Jesus didn’t just say all this—he lived it. He faced danger, bullies, and even death, not to run away but to stay with us and help us. He didn’t just talk about love; he proved it by giving up his life. That type of leadership and love is rare, and it’s what makes him the good shepherd.
Later in the story, Jesus leaves Jerusalem. He goes across the Jordan River to a place called Perea. John the Baptist used to preach there. Why? Because things in Jerusalem were getting dangerous—some people wanted to get rid of him. But in this new place, many people believed in him. It’s a reminder that sometimes the places we expect to find the most support aren’t the ones where we’re welcomed. But that doesn’t stop God’s work or the truth from spreading. Even if some people reject you, there are others who will listen and believe.
It’s also interesting that John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, never performed miracles. He didn’t do signs or wonders—he just spoke the truth and lived with honesty. Still, Jesus said John was great. This shows us you don’t have to be flashy or do amazing things to make a difference. What matters is being true to your calling and character. John’s influence was deep, even without miracles.
So, what’s the takeaway? Jesus is the good shepherd who cares for us so much he’d give up everything for us. He leads, protects, and knows us by name. And even when life gets tough or people don’t understand, his love and work keep going. You don’t need to be a miracle worker to be important to God. Just be real. Be faithful. Know you’re deeply valued.
In His Service,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 