MIDWEEK MEDITATION

"The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

John 10:2-11

Take a moment to try to imagine the face of Jesus. What expression does He have? How would He be looking at you right now?
 
Some people see a cold and distant expression, or a stern, disapproving frown. Others see a kind but weak smile. What do you see?
 
Jesus paints a portrait of Himself in John 10 that challenges the crude sketches we scribble in our minds. He is the shepherd: He cares for you so much that He knows you personally. You are not just another face in the crowd. He isn't directing from afar but asks you to follow where He leads. He is right ahead, calling you to be with Him and near Him as you journey through this life. 
 
Jesus is the door: He invites you into abundance, into safety, into life. He isn't trying to keep you from good things; He is keeping the things that mean you harm far from you. He has come that you would experience life in such a way that it starts overflowing and pouring from you. He has come for your good. 
 
Jesus is The Good Shepherd because when everyone would give up on you, when they would turn and leave you to meet your fate, Jesus chose to lay down His life so that you can live yours. No one took His life from Him. No one backed Him into any corners. With all of His incredible power, authority, and strength, He chose to lay down His life for you. 
 
Why?
 
Because Jesus is The Good Shepherd. 
 
Take a moment to imagine the face of Jesus. What do you see?

Jesus, show me where I have been believing lies about who You are and how You view me. Bring to my mind this week the truth that You are caring, for my good, and that You love me so much You died so I might live. Help me to embrace that life more fully today.