Your Good Shepherd
Shepherding has been a vital part of Middle Eastern life for thousands of years. And 2,000 years ago in ancient Israel, shepherds played an especially important role in the local economy.
Shepherds would not only lead their sheep to green pastures and freshwater, but they would also defend their flocks against predators, robbers, and other natural threats. They would nurture the weak, chase after wandering sheep, fix fences, persevere through extreme weather, and endure long seasons of loneliness.
If necessary, a shepherd would even put himself in harm’s way, risking his own life for his sheep.
It’s this ordinary, lonely life that Jesus chose to use to explain who He was to His people…
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 ESV
By using a tangible example that first-century Jews would have understood, Jesus revealed characteristics about Himself.
Just like a shepherd, Jesus was—and is—humble, selfless, hardworking, concerned with the details of our lives, tender, brave, dedicated, and unafraid to lay down His life for His people.
But Jesus isn’t just a good shepherd; He is the Good Shepherd— and He wants to be your personal shepherd. So will you let Him? Will you trust Him with your life today?
True Friendship
Would you rather have hundreds of “friends” who know you, but don’t really know you—who call you a friend, but only when it’s convenient? Or, would you rather have one true friend who always sticks by your side?
The writer of Proverbs, typically attributed to King Solomon, said this:
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24 NLT
Some friends come into our lives because of proximity: you work at the same business, your kids go to the same school, or you frequent the same places. But just because you know someone’s name and follow each other on social media, doesn’t mean you’re true friends.
When it comes to genuine friendship, quality over quantity is key.
Even the truest of friends will occasionally let you down, because no one is perfect—except Jesus. He is the truest friend of all.
Learning from Jesus’ example, there are certain characteristics that ...