February 15 - Christ, the Good Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." – John 10:14-15 (KJV)

Jesus declares, “I know my sheep.” Let us consider these words. We are known by God even before we accept Him. “I know my sheep.” How do people become Christ’s sheep? By choosing to receive Him. Yet, Christ had already received them first. He knew each one who would respond to His call, and He also foresaw those who would be drawn to Him but turn away because of worldly influences. John proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, KJV). Those who heard and looked upon Jesus as the Lamb of God believed in Him and became His own by their own choice. But their decision to accept Christ was itself a response to His love drawing them. Jesus loved us before we loved Him.

The entire human family is entrusted to Jesus, just as a shepherd is given charge over his flock. These sheep and lambs must be cared for with tender vigilance. The faithful Shepherd watches over them, entrusting them to the care of under-shepherds. And as long as they heed the voice of the Chief Shepherd, they will not be left to the mercy of the wolves.

Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, … and they follow me” (John 10:27, KJV). The Shepherd of Israel does not drive His flock—He leads them. His call is always one of invitation. “My sheep hear my voice.” If we are truly the children of God, we will not only hear but recognize His voice above all others. We will cherish the words of Christ, discern the truth from error, and find peace and joy in His message.

The beautiful imagery in Revelation 7 presents a pastoral scene of eternal rest and care: “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17, KJV).