Day 20 – The Good Shepherd
JOHN 10:7-11
Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep”
(John 10:7-11).
Jesus explains His relationship with people in terms of being a shepherd. In that day, this example would have been easy to understand. Shepherds protected their sheep by lying down at the entrance to a cave or corral. Jesus uses this analogy as the entry to salvation. Jesus cautions His sheep that there is much to learn about life in this world and about salvation.
Reflection
- What does it mean to be a good shepherd?
- Why does God use sheep as an example for humans?
- What does having “life to the full” look like?
1 SAMUEL 16:11-13
So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent and
had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.”
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah (1 Samuel 16:11-13).
Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel. The prophet had reviewed all of Jesse’s children except for David, the one least likely to be selected in his father’s eyes. Samuel was obedient to God and would not make his choice without all the sons receiving a proper review.
Reflection
- What does this event tell you about how God sees His children?
- How could being a lowly shepherd help David become a king?
- What does the anointing oil signify?
- What is the connection between David being anointed as king and Jesus, who is the Messiah, which means “the Anointed One”?
