Why Is Jesus called the Good Shepherd? Part I

In my women's bible study program, we have been studying the book of John. In John 10:11, it says, speaking of Jesus, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep."

One of the things I always asked myself is why do sheep need a shepherd? There is so much symbolism in the bible, that just reading it without understanding would put you in "sheep" status. Dumb, stupid, gullible. Why is that? Well, let's look at some characteristics of sheep.

Characteristics of Sheep

1. timid, fearful, easily panicked
2. dump, stupid, gullible
3. easily influenced by a leader, by the shepherd
4. stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psycholog
5. little or no means of self-defense, can only run
6. easily killed by enemies
7. jealous, competitive for dominance
8. constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture
9. perverse, stubborn - wil insist on their own way
10. frequently look for easy places to rest
11. don't like to be sheared, cleaned
12. has very little discernment in choosing food or water
13. creatures of habit, get into "ruts"
14. need the most care of all livestock
15. need to be "on the move" need a pre-determined plan, pattern of grazing
16. totally dependent on shepherd for every need
22. need "rod and staff" guidance
23. too much wool can cause sheep to be easily "cast"
24. easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, will die of starvation if not
turned over by shepherd; helpless

With the proper guidance, care, and protection, sheep can survive. That is how we are as humans, when compared to sheep, we are dumb and helpless, but some people are comfortable with this. They desire to be wandering around, lost and without purpose. When you think about all these characteristics of sheep, you see why sheep are lost without a shepherd. The bible is our guide and we must guided by one who is sensitive and understands the sheep, a good Pastor, who knows the word of God and will not take advantage of the sheep.

But Jesus knew that sheep also were very valuable; many people frown on shepherds during Jesus' time because people then thought of them as lowly people; people without much worth.

The Bible tells us in Luke 19:10, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus desires that no one perishes. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

TheBible tells us over and over again that the sheep knows the voice of the Shepherd. This is why it was so important that Jesus' followers recognize His voice; so they will not be easily influenced by false leaders and be led astray. False leaders never had the interest of the sheep; only their own personal interest and that was to take advantage of the sheep.

I will be back tomorrow on what are the characteristics of a "good" Shepherd.

Thought for Today: If you don't know that you are a sheep, review the characteristics of a sheep and see which ones apply to you.