I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. The hireling flees, because he is an hireling, and cares not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (John 10:11-18)
These are the words of Jesus and they perfectly describe Jesus’ purpose for leaving Heaven and coming to earth for us. Jesus came to protect us from the invisible spirit beings (the wolves, lions, serpents and dragons that roam the spirit realm to destroy the souls of men) and to lead us to the promised land where we are safe forever. (Ephesians 6:12) This is the main revelation of redemption in the mind of Jesus that permeates from this passage of scripture. A good shepherd protects his sheep from the wolf, cares for his sheep, directs their steps, guides them to the place of provision and will even give His life for the sheep so they can be safe. Jesus said that He is the Good Shepherd that lays down His life for the sheep, that He has the power to lay it down and take it up again. He said that His father God sent Him from Heaven to earth to do that for us. Jesus is guiding us toward the green pastures of Heaven. The first man Adam was the father of the whole human race. He listened to the voice of Satan and brought the powers of death into the world. Death was never a part of God’s original plan. Death is an enemy of God and men. Jesus came to give us eternal life. His resurrection is the historical victory over the wolf called Satan and He has opened the gates of Heaven for us. Notice in this passage of scripture how many times Jesus mentions “laying down His life for us and taking it up again for us.” This is a clue that reveals why Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He shows us that the way of life is through obedience. The Good Shepherd only obeys His heavenly father, and His way of obedience is the way of eternal life. The Sheep obey the Good Shepherd who laid down His life and took it up again so they might live. Satan’s power of death came into the human race through the disobedience of the first man Adam. God’s power of eternal life is made available to us through the obedience of the second man from Heaven, Jesus Christ.
There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)
Just like Adam and Eve, we all think we know what is best for us. History proves otherwise. In their rebellion against God and their submission unto Satan, every soul is now born separated from God and as a result, we all born into this world spiritually dead. That is why we physically die. If we are spiritually dead when we physically die, we shall be spiritually dead (separated from God) forever. God does not want that and neither do we. Death was never a part of God’s original plan of enlarging His heavenly family. As our progenitor, the first Adam failed in his responsibility to protect the human family. (1 Corinthians 15:45-47) Jesus is the perfect man who fulfilled the Law of God and became the last Adam for us. Though Him we return unto Eden. We all must meet with God. Jesus has redeemed us from the powers of death and with our participation by faith, He brings us back unto God where we are safe forever. (1 Corinthians 15:45-47) Jesus is the perfect Son of God. Jesus taught and demonstrated what eternal life really is. It is a father and son walk of faith forever. Three times it is said God spoke from Heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased so listen to Him. (Matthew 3:17) Jesus is the perfect redeemer who purchased our redemption with His own precious blood. (Psalm103:4) Jesus is the perfect lover who loved us and gave Himself for us. (Jeremiah 31:3) Jesus is the perfect messiah who bruised the serpent’s head for us. (John 4:26-26) Jesus is the perfect savior who destroyed the powers of death for us. (Titus 3:5-7) Jesus is the perfect king who shall reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords forever and ever. (Revelation 19:16) He is the light of the world, and He alone can guide us into His perfect light. (Matthew 5:14-16) Jesus is the perfect provider who meets all our needs according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19) Most of all, Jesus is the perfect shepherd who guides us to the Promised Land. (John 10:11-18) After all that He has done for us He still must guide us by His Spirit into the rest of God where we can be safe. Earth is God’s field, and we are His people and the sheep of his pasture. (Matthew 13:38, Psalm 100:3) Sheep must be led by their Shepherd to green pastures and Jesus offers to do that for us.. Wolves, dogs, pigs, donkeys ravens, and serpents live for themselves. Many are they who will fight to believe the lies of the devil and never come to know the truth that is eternal. If you listen to the head and are led, you’ll be fed, and you won’t wind up dead.
Our Perfect Shepherd
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:1-6)
31 Perfect Ways of the Great Shepherd
- The Lord – Perfect God
- My Shepherd – Perfect Keeper
- Not want – Perfect satisfaction
- Makes me – Perfect Director
- Lie Down – Perfect Rest
- Green Pastures – Perfect Supply
- Leadeth me – Perfect Guidance
- Still Waters – Perfect Peace
- Restoreth – perfect restoration
- My Soul – perfect self
- Paths of Righteousness – perfect holiness
- He Guides – Perfect Way
- Name’s Sake – Perfect Object
- Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death- perfect trust
- Fear no evil – perfect protection
- With me – perfect companionship
- Thy rod – perfect defense
- Thy staff – perfect help
- Comfort me – perfect solace
- Preparest – perfect provision
- Table – perfect food
- Before me – perfect presence
- In the presence of my enemies – perfect safety
- Anoints my head with oil – perfect anointing
- Cup runs over – Perfect Joy
- Surely – perfect assurance
- Goodness – perfect benevolence
- Mercy – perfect compassion
- Follow all my days – perfect life
- Dwell – perfect home
- In the house of the Lord forever – perfect destiny
The head of the body of Christ is Jesus who directs us in our way into the heavenly city forever. Are you willing to be led by His Spirit? Are you willing to escape from the snares of death? Jesus has paid the price to redeem us from Satan’s ownership and He has given us the gift of eternal life in glory. All you have to do is believe the truth of the Good Shepherd and follow His lead and He will bring you into safety because He loves YOU, Jesus died for you so you can live forever with Him because He Loves YOU.
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