Shepherds

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.  I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.  The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again                                                                                                              John 10:11-17

I really appreciate the calling of being a shepherd. In ancient times, shepherds were charged with tending, protecting and caring for their own sheep, or being in that role as hired by another owner. It was a very difficult job as it required long hours, and the danger involved of protecting sheep from predators such as wolves, lions, etc. There were also human predators who wanted to steal the sheep.

The shepherds had to lead the sheep to good grazing land and plentiful clean water sources. They had to bind wounds of stricken sheep, and provide medical attention to those who had fallen or taken ill. It required them to be rugged outdoorsmen, able to live simply and in difficult terrain and weather.

In short, it was a very difficult life. And, to top it off, it was considered a lowly profession. They were always in contact with animal droppings, and often with the blood of injured animals, so they were rarely able to pass the test of ceremonial cleanliness of the Jewish traditions. They were near the bottom of the social ladder.

Yet Jesus called himself a “good shepherd” as the one who lays down his love for those he is called to protect. Just another example of how Jesus turns social constructs on their head in demonstrating what real love is about.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Shepherd we can count on for protection and care, Amen