The shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3.

A Palestinian sheep-pen had walls, but only one entrance, where the shepherd slept to protect the sheep from predators. The shepherd would lead the sheep (not drive them) and they knew his voice. They had individual names, often given as a description of each sheep’s unique peculiarities – colour, markings, shape, size, etc. (Throughout the Bible names are important… one’s name is more than a label for postal envelopes or for a file in the tax department!). The shepherd would risk his life for their safety. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his ‘sheep’; (five times he refers to his death for the flock: vv. 11,15,17,18 twice). Usually sheep are offered as a blood-sacrifice for the shepherd. Here the shepherd offers himself as a blood-sacrifice for the sheep. We – who are not part of Judaism – are the ‘other sheep’. However we belong to one flock, with one shepherd: the one united church of Christ around the world.

Meditate on this: Jesus the Good Shepherd knows me intimately, knows me by name. He goes before me, never asking me to venture where he has not first prepared the way. He leads me into green pastures. He offers his protection for my security and cares for me – even to giving his life for me. He calls me today. What is he asking of me? Where is he leading? Am I prepared to follow?

Turn to Psalm 23, and if you wish, say that great prayer aloud (slowly)!

Lord, you are my shepherd… I will follow you. Amen

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