Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd”
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 ESV)
Jesus described Himself using metaphorical statements, such as this one, “I am the good shepherd”.
Good Shepherd
In the above passage He describes Himself as not only “the shepherd” but the “good shepherd.
He knows His sheep and they know Him
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:14 ESV)
He is unique in character
- He is the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6 NIV)
- He is the great shepherd os sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant - “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord.” (Hebrews 13:20 NASB)
- He is the shepherd guardian of your soul - “Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25 NLT)
- He will appear as the Chief Shepherd with the crown of glory for you that will never fade away – “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4 NIV)