Dear Christian friends:

In the Bible Jesus compares Himself with various things we know: Light, Water, Bread, Door, Vine and others. Jesus compares Himself to these things to help us understand better about Him and His wonderful love for us. Then we can believe in Him more and serve Him better.

In our text this evening Jesus compares Himself with a good shepherd. He says, "I am the good shepherd." (verse 11) I asked Ferol to draw a picture of that, Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Next Wednesday we will attend to another picture of Jesus. Perhaps someone else will volunteer to draw that picture. Each Wednesday during Lent we will attend to a picture of Christ as He compares Himself with various things or persons or animals.

Tonight we attend to the picture:


The Jewish people knew about sheep and shepherds, but we who live here in Los Angeles do not know much about sheep and shepherds, but we don't need to know that much. Jesus only makes two or three comparisons here which we can easily understand and appreciate.

Jesus says that He is the "good shepherd." He is not a bad shepherd. In verse twelve Jesus explains about the bad shepherd. Jesus calls that man "a hireling." He is not the owner of the sheep and therefore he really doesn't care about the sheep. He doesn't really love the sheep. He only watches them and feeds them because he wants to earn money.

Jesus says when that man sees a wolf or other wild animal come to catch the sheep, he runs away. He will not stand and fight the wolf. He doesn't want to risk his life for the sheep. He is a bad shepherd.

But Jesus is the good shepherd. He owns the sheep and He loves the sheep. Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (verse 11) Jesus did this on Good Friday when He died on the cross. He did not flee from the cross.

This picture of Jesus the Good Shepherd is most precious to all of us who believe in Jesus. It helps us to know and remember His wonderful love for us, His sheep. This picture shows the meaning of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Let us remember this picture and not forget it: Jesus, The Good Shepherd.

If we remember this picture then we can honestly confess our sins to God our Father and to one another without fear. We don't need to hide them anymore or make excuses or blame others. Jesus' death was not an accident! God planned it and Jesus obeyed God and did it. He gave His life, no one took it from Him. He has the power to take it up again! He is the mighty Son of God our perfect Savior. He is the Good, Shepherd of the sheep. Believe in Him! Love Him! Serve Him!

Amen.