JESUS
LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US [JOHN 10:22-30]
For
the past couple of days, we’ve talked about Jesus’ parable of the good shepherd,
and we want to look at it again today. While it may seem repetitious, it is
really worth spending time pondering images like this one because of their
ability to reveal numerous dimensions about who Jesus is and how deeply He loves
us.
Because
of the amount of time shepherds spent with their flock, it would not be uncommon
for a shepherd to know every detail of each sheep in his care – its markings,
its habits, even its personality. Similarly, the sheep knew their shepherd and
became very attached to his voice. The mere sound of a stranger’s voice could
startle them and send them scurrying.
During
spring and summer, when a flock might spend months grazing in the countryside,
the shepherd would gather his sheep in a hillside sheepfold for the night. This
sheepfold had walls but no gate or door, just an opening where the sheep could
come and go. Once the animals were within the walls, the shepherd would act as a
door, lying down at the opening to guard his flock. In other words, he would
literally lay down his life for his sheep!
Jesus
knew that parables like the good shepherd would help His hearers (and us as
well) understand His love more fully. He knew that vivid images would help
transform abstract concepts into concrete terms that people can understand.
Jesus laid down His life for us, and no one can snatch us from His hand (John
10:27-28). His promises are as trustworthy as a good shepherd’s commitment to
his flock. When we enter His “sheepfold,” He will keep us close to Him and
protect us from all harm.
The
next time we (you and I) encounter a parable, let us make it a point to learn
more about the images Jesus used. Let us do some background reading. Let His
words sink into our hearts. Let us also use our imagination to draw a picture in
our minds. Through this kind of study, prayer, and contemplation, the Holy
Spirit can open up new avenues of understanding to strengthen our faith and make
our love for Jesus burn even more intensely.
Jakarta,
13 May 2014
A
Christian Pilgrim
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