Some years ago my husband and I had to make the decision to move to a new city. We were very uncertain about our future there and afraid of losing our friends and the community we loved. We prayed about this and asked Yeshu to show us the right direction. We placed this in his hands. In due time he was faithful and showed us what to do. Over the two years we considered this I was questioning and asking, “What is God’s plan for our future?” But God made a way for us, a house to move to and a new caring community to support us.
As a parent, I’ve needed to always watch my children and make sure they are safe and never in danger. In this video we see that Yeshu describes himself as a shepherd who cares for his sheep. What do you think are the things he is protecting us from?
So Yeshu is saying …
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15
Yeshu is a loving shepherd to us, looking out for us and helping guide us. Yeshu also has a Father and they are very close. Both of them deeply care for us and for each other.
He also says …
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. John 10:11-13
In this analogy, Yeshu is the good shepherd who protects his sheep from the “wolf” - teachers who lead us into falsehood. Yeshu will go so far as to lay down his life for his sheep. Yeshu the Good Shepherd leads us from darkness into light, from falsehood into truth, from death into life.
Questions
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Have you felt afraid or uncertain about your future?
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Would you wish for a good shepherd in your life to guide you?
Final thoughts
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:17-18
What do you think Yeshu was saying? Don’t worry, even his early followers did not understand this at the time. We’ll discover this later in our journey.
Do you have questions or need prayers for yourself or someone you know?
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