The Good Shepherd

     Of the four gospel narratives in the New Testament, John's is unique in many ways.  One of it's many distinctives, as Cody mentioned in his sermon, is John's use of Jesus' seven "I am" statements as a framework for understanding his life and ministry.  These statements all point to some aspect of Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah and his purpose.  Of these seven statements, two of them draw on imagery related to shepherds.

     In the biblical narrative, the role of the shepherd is often important.  God's chosen king of his people, King David, came from humble roots as a lowly shepherd.  Later, he would pen numerous psalms that use shepherd imagery in worship towards God (none more famous than Psalm 23).  The New Testament authors would use the term "shepherd" to describe the role of elders in caring for the Church.  As we studied this week, the birth of Jesus was first announced to shepherds out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks.  And of course, it probably isn't insignificant that of the seven "I am" statements of Jesus, two are related to the work of shepherds.

     What are sheep if not utterly dependent creatures?  Sheep are not endowed with any means to defend themselves.  On the food chain hierarchy, they wouldn't rank very highly.  Without their shepherds, the sheep would be easy pickings for hungry predators.  A good shepherd was often all that stood between his sheep and the dangerous world around them.

     Jesus is that Good Shepherd for his sheep.  He separates and hedges in his own.  This is a loving act of protection.  At the same time, he reminds us that as our Good Shepherd, he is committed to pursuing any who may go astray (Matthew 18:12) and he will lay down his life for us (John 10:15).  These aren't just catchy phrases meant to make us feel good.  These are some of the many important realities about the person and work of Jesus Christ.  They are images that point towards the truths of who Christ is and what he came to do (and is doing for his people even still today).

     The life of the shepherd was often a thankless existence marked by long, lonely hours in dangerous and difficult conditions.  In this sense also, Jesus lived the life of a shepherd for his people.  In his earthly ministry, he was poor and homeless...travelling across the country side seeking his lost sheep.  He would eventually give his own life in order that they might be saved.  In every sense of the word, Jesus is the Good Shepherd we celebrate this Christmas season.

In Grace,
Chris Morris

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Part 2 - A Savior is Born

Questions discussed in this sermon:

1. Why did angels appear to shepherds?
2. Why should these angels be feared?
3. Why is Jesus called a Savior?