I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD 

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

How often did Jesus use parables and illustrations about sheep and shepherds?

Often.

As He spent most of His time travelling and speaking in the countryside, Jesus used what was familiar and available around Him to illustrate His teaching points. References to wheat, weeds, sparrows, flowers and other natural things were the subjects of His lessons.  

Even when Jesus was teaching in the synagogues or the Temple in Jerusalem, couldn’t the worshipers hear the bleating of sheep, especially those being offered as sacrifices? Everyone would know about sheep, their behaviour and the unique place in Jewish religious practices.

And everyone would have an opinion on shepherds.  They were the lowliest of all in the hierarchy of professions.  Necessary but dirty, smelly and despised. A shepherd was often a little boy, either the youngest in a family, like David or a slave/servant assigned the unpleasant and dangerous task, like Moses. The local people would know who was a good shepherd and who was lazy, lacking skills or shirking their duties.

Jesus uses the shepherding imagery to explain who He is. In John 10, He first describes those who would be thieves out in the pastures and back country.  They would sneak into the sheepfolds, steal, kill and destroy (verses 1 & 10).  They would abandon the sheep when danger approaches (verses 12 & 13). By contrast, Jesus says “I am the good shepherd…” and goes on to explain how He takes care of the sheep by protecting them, staying with them and even laying down His life for them!

Would any other shepherd willingly give his life for mere sheep? 

Not likely.

Our Saviour was not only willing, but He did offer up His life on a Roman cross, dying like a criminal yet totally innocent.  Like the lambs offered as payment for sin, the Lamb of God was offered to take away the sin of the whole world! (John 1:29)

As we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent, let’s focus on the Good Shepherd and His ultimate act of love, giving His very life for the sheep.