Rose from my front-yard garden with 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) - Photo by Whitney V. Myers
(6) "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, (7) casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB)
Consider. God willingly desires for us to cast all our anxiety on him. Have you cast all your anxiety -- all your worry and care -- on God?
Introduction
The Apostle Peter is writing to Jewish and Gentile Christians in Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1-3). Peter recognizes that they are suffering for being Christians (1 Peter 4:12-19), and he advises them, "If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name" (1 Peter 4:16). Peter exhorts the elders in the churches to be witnesses of Christ's sufferings and to be shepherds of God's flock (1 Peter 5:1-2). He encourages young people to be subject to their elders, and he instructs all of them (and us today) to clothe themselves (ourselves) with humility because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).
Casting our anxiety on God and humility go together
Sometimes when we are anxious and are looking for an encouraging verse in the Bible such as 1 Peter 5:7, we might miss the point that humility and casting our anxiety on God go together. Peter begins verse 6 with "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God" (1 Peter 5:6). Then, in verse 7 he adds "casting all your anxiety on him" (1 Peter 5:7). The Greek word for "humble" in 1 Peter 5:6 is tapeinoó (pronounced tap-i-no'-o) and means to make low (Ref. 1) or being willing to take a low place (Ref. 2). When we humble ourselves before God, we recognize that we are not reliant on ourselves only but are dependent on God. God is the one who fills us, who lifts us up, and who cares for our every need (Ref. 3, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 5:18, James 4:10, Philippians 4:19, 1 Peter 5:7).
Casting is like throwing
The Greek word for "casting" in 1 Peter 5:7 is epiriptó (pronounced ep-ir-hrip'-to) and means to throw (Ref. 4). This word in Greek occurs only twice in the New Testament (Englishman's Concordance - Ref. 4). Before Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Luke tells us, "They brought it (the colt) to Jesus, and they threw [cast] their coats on the colt and put Jesus on it" (Luke 19:35, parentheses and brackets added). In the same way the disciples throwing their coats on the colt was a one-way trip for the coats, casting our anxiety on Jesus should be a one-way trip for our anxiety.
We are to cast all of our anxiety -- not just parts of it -- on the Lord
In 1 Peter 5:7 the Greek word for "anxiety" is merimna (pronounced mer'-im-nah) which means cares and worries -- anything that fractures and divides a person's (our) being into parts (HELPS Word-studies - Ref. 5). In 1 Peter 5:7, merimna [anxiety] is singular and unites all of our cares and worries into one whole (Ref. 5, Ref. 6). Jesus' explanation of the parable of the sower in Matthew uses the same singular form of merimna. "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the worry [anxiety] of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful (Matthew 13:22, brackets added). The fact that our anxiety -- the whole of it -- chokes the fruitfulness of God's word in us is a good reason for us to accept God's invitation to cast all our anxiety on him.
Because he cares for us
Peter gives the reason why we are to cast all our anxiety on the Lord -- because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). The Greek verb translated as "cares" in this second part of 1 Peter 5:7 is meló (pronounced mel'-o) and means pays attention to, is concerned about, gives thought to (Ref. 7). The God who cares for the sparrows cares for us as well (Matthew 6:26, Matthew 10:29-31). David wrote, "But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me" (Psalm 40:17 KJV). The God who loves us so much that he gave his Son to die for us invites us and welcomes us to cast all our anxiety on him (John 3:16, Romans 5:6-8, Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7).
Apply. The main way we cast our anxiety on God is to pray to, thank, and trust God. Pray to God and tell him your needs. Thank him for his answers (Philippians 4:6-7). (Have a continual "attitude of gratitude.") Trust God that he will take care of your concern according to his will and timing (1 John 5:14). Tell others how God has answered your prayers (Psalm 66:16). Your testimony describing how God has helped you will encourage others. Pray, thank, trust, and tell.
Related Lessons:
"The Peace of Believing Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)" "Blessed Be the Lord Who Daily Bears Our Burden" -- Psalm 68:19 "Jesus' Invitation - Come to Me and Rest" -- Matthew 11:28
References:
1. https://biblehub.com/greek/5013.htm 2. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/1_peter/5.htm Barnes' Notes on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:6 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/5312.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/greek/1977.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/3308.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/meyer/1_peter/5.htm Meyer's NT Commentary on 1 Peter 5:7 7. https://biblehub.com/greek/3199.htm
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Autumn Rural Landscape with Sheep - Dolomite Alps, Italy - Psalm 23:3 - 123RF Photo - Used under license
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-3)
This lesson explains the biblical meaning of Psalm 23:3, "He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Consider. In your relationship with your shepherd, what does it mean to you that he restores your soul?
Introduction
David writes Psalm 23 from the perspective of a sheep who is in a close relationship with and is under the protective care of his shepherd. In Psalm 23:1 David confidently writes, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." As followers of Jesus Christ our shepherd, we are his sheep, and we have a close relationship with him. We trust our shepherd, and he protects us and cares for us. He calls our name, and we follow him. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd" and "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:11, John 10:27).
1. "He restores my soul"
The Lord our shepherd restores and refreshes our soul -- our life, our emotions, and our vitality -- all that comprises our inner living being (Ref.1). In Psalm 23:3, the form of the Hebrew verb translated as restore has a dual meaning. In Psalm 23:3 restore literally means to bring back and figuratively means to refresh (Brown-Driver-Briggs -- Ref. 2). The Lord our shepherd restores our soul by bringing us back from our wanderings when we go astray from him (Ref. 2, Ref. 3, Isaiah 53:6).
The Lord our shepherd refreshes our soul when we are wearied, exhausted, troubled, anxious, and worn down with care and toil (Ref. 4, Matthew 11:28-29). The Lord our shepherd brings back our vigor, encourages us, excites us to new effort, and fills us with new joy (Ref. 4, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 51:12, Acts 13:52). 2. "He leads me in paths of righteousness"
The Lord our shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness. The Hebrew verb translated as lead means to guide and implies movement (Ref. 5). The Lord our shepherd leads us by calling our name and going before us for the purpose of our following him (John 10:1-4).
The Lord our shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness -- in ways that are right and just, moral and ethical, ways that are in accordance with his word (Ref. 6). The paths of righteousness lead to life, not to death. Solomon wrote, "In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death" (Proverbs 12:28). 3. "For his name's sake"
The Lord our shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. The phrase, for his name's sake, means to maintain his reputation or character (Brown-Driver-Briggs -- Ref. 7). As followers of our shepherd, Jesus Christ, the way we live should bring honor, not dishonor, to his name. David wrote, "For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me" (Psalm 31:3). David also wrote, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! For your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!" (Psalm 143:10-11).
Prayer. Thank you, Lord, for bringing us back when we have wandered away from you. Thank you, Lord, for refreshing our vitality when we are weary, and for giving us new direction and new joy. Thank you, Lord, for leading us in righteous paths for living that bring honor and glory to your name. All this we pray in your name, Jesus, our shepherd. Amen.
References
1. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5315.htm 2. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7725.htm 3. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/psalms/23.htm Benson Commentary on Psalm 23:3 4. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/psalms/23.htm Barnes' Notes on Psalm 23:3 5. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5148.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6664.htm 7. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/4616.htm
Woman Praying Alone with God - Psalm 68:19 - Can Stock Photo - Used under license
This lesson explains how God, our majestic Lord, willingly comes beside us and invites us to cast our burdens upon him.
Consider. What burdens, or load, are you carrying today? God is willing to share your burdens. Will you cast your burdens upon God today?
God as Our Majestic Lord
The same God who is willing to carry our burdens is also our majestic Lord. In the first half of Psalm 68 (Psalm 68:1-18), we see David's emphasis describing the majesty and power of God. The name, Lord, is the English translation of the Hebrew word, Adonay (ad-o-noy'), and is a proper name for God (Psalm 68:17-19, Ref. 1). See in your mind the image of God leading his people in the wilderness, with cloud by day and fire by night (Psalm 68:7, Exodus 13:21). See in your mind thousands upon thousands of angels and chariots attending God in holiness at Sinai (Psalm 68:17, Deuteronomy 33:2). See in your mind the day the Bible describes in Psalm 68:18 and Ephesians 4:8 when Christ ascended on high leading a host of captives.
God as Our Burden Bearer
Notice the abrupt change in verse 19 to the wonderful thought, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden" (Psalm 68:19). God, the Lord (Adonay), is blessed (adored with bended knees) and daily (day by day, continually) bears our burden (carries our load) (Ref. 1, Ref. 2, Ref. 3, Ref. 4). The same God who majestically led his people through the wilderness comes beside us today and willingly carries our baggage. "What a thought that is - a God that carries men's loads!" (Alexander MacLaren, Ref. 5, Ref. 6).
The ultimate fulfillment of "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden" (Psalm 68:19), occurs in God's Son, Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesied, "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4). The Apostle Peter writes, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross" (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened (weighted down), and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, italics added, Ref. 7, Ref. 8). For those who trust in him, Jesus Christ is our Lord and our burden-bearing Savior. What We Should Do with Our Burdens - Cast and Release them onto the Lord
God lovingly invites us to cast our burdens onto him. God wants us to cast our burdens on him because he cares. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
In both the Old Testament and the New Testament cast means to throw or fling (Ref. 9, Ref. 10). The two disciples who brought the colt to Jesus cast (threw) their outer garments (cloaks, robes) onto the young animal in their reverence and love for their Lord before Jesus rode into Jerusalem (Luke 19:35, Ref. 10, Ref. 11, Ref. 12). Unlike fishing where we cast our weighted line into the sea and then pull it back to cast it again, casting our burdens on the Lord should be a one-way trip -- "cast and release," not "cast and retrieve." Let God help you. Cast (throw) your burdens onto the Lord, and release them to him. Trust him to carry your load (Psalm 68:19). He will care for you (1 Peter 5:7). He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22). He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
Apply. Whatever your burdens are, take them to the Lord in prayer. Cast all of your burdens upon him, and trust him to carry your load.
References
1. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/136.htm 2. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1288.htm 3. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/hastings/psalms/68-19.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6006.htm. 5. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/maclaren/psalms/68.htm 6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Maclaren 7. https://biblehub.com/greek/5412.htm 8. http://www.scriptureway.com/home/jesus-invitation-come-to-me-and-rest 9. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7993.htm 10. https://biblehub.com/greek/1977.htm 11. https://biblehub.com/greek/2440.htm 12. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/vws/luke/19.htm
Sea of Galilee North Shore - 123RF Photo - Used under license
"When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34, underline added)
This lesson explains Jesus' attribute of compassion towards people – multitudes and individuals. Jesus not only sympathizes with people, but also acts to alleviate their distress.
Consider. As Jesus' followers, we, too, should show compassion to people, including those outside the faith community.
Definition of Compassion
Before we dive into the scriptures, let's take a look at the meaning of the word, compassion.
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines compassion as "sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it" (Ref. 1). Note the combination of sympathetic awareness of other's distress coupled with action to do something to help them. In the New Testament, the words, feel compassion, literally mean "to have the bowels yearn" (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, Ref. 2). In the New Testament time of Jesus' ministry, people thought that our "nobler entrails" (such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys) were the seat of our affections (Ref. 2). Jesus Feels Compassion for the Multitudes
The scriptures tell us that when Jesus saw the multitudes of people coming to him he felt compassion for them. Why? Jesus was moved with compassion for them because he saw them "as sheep without a shepherd." Mark 6:34 tells us, "When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things." Matthew 9:36 is similar, and tells us, "Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd."
Jesus felt compassion for the crowds coming to him because they were a flock that had no protection, no "pasture," no spiritual teaching or guidance, and were in a distressing, painful condition (Ref. 3). They were uncared-for souls, outside of the synagogues of their time. They were weary and hopeless without the Guide and Shepherd who alone can lead them in the way (Ref. 4). Likewise today, Jesus feels compassion for people who are outside of the faith community, who do not know him as their Good Shepherd, and who are suffering through spiritual misery (John 10:1, 9, 11; Ref. 5). People need to know the compassion of Jesus Christ for them, to have their needs met, and to come to Jesus as their Good Shepherd. That's where we as Jesus' followers can help them. Jesus Shows Us Specific Ways to Act with Compassion Towards Groups of People
The gospel writers give us examples of how Jesus acted when he was moved with compassion for the multitudes. We, as Jesus' followers, can and should do the same.
He welcomed them - "But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing" (Luke 9:11). He fed them - "And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, 'I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way'" (Matthew 15:32). "And He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. (37) And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full" (Matthew 15:36-37). He healed the sick - "When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14). He taught them many things - "When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things" (Mark 6:34). Jesus Feels Compassion for Individuals
The following accounts describe the compassion Jesus felt for specific people, and the action he took to heal or comfort them.
Jesus touches and cleanses a man from leprosy - "And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, 'If You are willing, You can make me clean.' (41) Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' (42) Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed" (Mark 1:40-42).
Jesus touches and provides sight to blind men - "And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, 'Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!' (31) The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!' (32) And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' (33) They said to Him, 'Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.' (34) Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him" (Matthew 20:30-34).
Jesus comforts a grieving mother - "Soon afterwards He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. (12) Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. (13) When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, 'Do not weep.' (14) And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, 'Young man, I say to you, arise!' (15) The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother" (Luke 7:11-15).
Summary - Main Principles in this Lesson1. Compassion not only includes feeling sympathy for people, but also a desire to take action to alleviate their distress. 2. Jesus modeled compassion for us - in his interaction with crowds of distressed people and with individuals in need. Often, the people Jesus helped were outside of the "faith community" of Jesus' day. 3. Jesus showed his compassion for people by his actions. Specifically:
Apply. As a follower of Jesus, what are ways that you will show the compassion of Jesus to others through your actions?
 Artist: JESUS MAFA. The good shepherd, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN, USA. Used under license. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-3) "I am the good shepherd." (John 10:11, 14) This article describes the author background and then the scripture allusions for verse 1 of the hymn, "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us." This article is the first in a series on this theologically-rich children's hymn. Reference 2 describes the scripture allusions in verse 2 of "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us." Hymn Text Author Researchers do not know for sure the circumstances about how the text for "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" was written; however, researchers attribute this beloved hymn of the Christian faith to Englishwoman Dorothy Ann Thrupp (1779-1847) (Ref. 3, Ref. 4). Miss Thrupp is "particularly remembered as a writer of hymns for children" (Ref. 4). "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" first appeared unsigned (unattributed) in her collection, Hymns for the Young, in 1836 (Ref. 4). Ms. Thrupp wrote this hymn for teaching young children the message of a "caring Christ who loves all his children" (Ref. 3).  William B. Bradbury (Ref. 6) Hymn Tune Composer William Batchelder Bradbury (1816-1868) was an American musician who composed the tune in 1859 most often associated with "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" (Ref. 3, Ref. 5 below, Ref. 6). He named the tune "Bradbury" after himself (Ref. 3, Ref. 5). Mr. Bradbury "modified the original words meant for children and broadened the meaning to include all the congregation" (Ref. 3). Mr. Bradbury also composed the tunes to many popular hymns including "Jesus Loves Me," "He Leadeth Me," and "My Hope is Built" (Ref. 6). In addition to being an excellent musician and composer, Mr. Bradbury served as a music educator, choir leader, organist, and was a devoted reader of the Bible (Ref. 7, Ref. 8). All of the Bible verses below are linked to the BibleGateway.com website (Ref. 9). The verses below are quoted from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless noted otherwise. To see the lyric sheet for all four verses of "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" on one page, click here. The lyrics are provided by Timeless Truths (Ref. 10). Scripture Allusions - Verse 1 The first verse of this great hymn teaches children that Christ is our great Shepherd who leads us, cares for us, feeds us, and protects us. The verse also explains that Christ has redeemed us and that we are his possession. "Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care" The Lord is our Shepherd who leads us and cares for us. Psalm 23:1-3 -- "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (3) He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23:5 -- "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Isaiah 40:11 (KJV) -- "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." John 10:11 -- "I am the good shepherd." (also John 10:14) "In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare." The Lord feeds us in pleasant pastures and protects us. Ezekiel 34:14 (KJV) -- "I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel."  Permanent Sheepfold Enclosure - Holy Land. Photo Copyright David Padfield. Used under license. Photo source: FreeBibleImages.org. A fold was a walled in, hedged, or fenced place for keeping and protecting sheep or other livestock (Ref. 11, Numbers 32:24 KJV). Jesus referred to such a sheepfold in John 10:1 (KJV). "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber." Jesus not only is the means of access to the fold; he also is the Shepherd who protects the sheep in the fold with his own body at the door. "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture" (John 10:9, Ref. 12). "Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are." (Phrase repeated) The phrase, "Thou hast bought us, Thine we are," explains to children the meaning of redemption. HELPS Word-studies defines redeem as "to release (set free) by paying the full ransom"; (figuratively) to restore "something back, into the possession of its rightful owner" (Ref. 13). Christ has purchased us and now we are his possession. Titus 2:13-14 (italics added) -- " ... waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." 1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV) -- "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Listen and Sing Along Click on this YouTube link - Solo piano meditation on the hymn "Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us" with sing-along lyrics. Recorded by Rick Betts - March, 2011. Prayer Thank you, Jesus, for being my Savior and Shepherd. Thank you for leading me and for all the ways that you care for me. References
1. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=48288 2. http://www.scriptureway.com/home/savior-like-a-shepherd-lead-us-scripture-allusions-verse-2 3. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-savior-like-a-shepherd-lead-us 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Ann_Thrupp 5. The United Methodist Hymnal, The United Methodist Publishing House, 1989 6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Batchelder_Bradbury 7. https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bbradbury.html 8. http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/b/r/a/d/bradbury_wb.htm 9. https://www.biblegateway.com/ 10. Reference 10 begins next line https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Savior_Like_a_Shepherd_Lead_Us/ 11. https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Fold 12. http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/jesus-is-the-door 13. https://biblehub.com/greek/3084.htm
Photo source: FreeBibleImages.org
The Good Shepherd. Photo Copyright David Padfield. Used under license. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14). Jesus told a parable about a good shepherd who went searching for one of his sheep that was lost (Luke 15:1-7). Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
"Our Lord not only declares that He is the reality of which the earthly shepherd is the shadow, and that He as the flawless, perfect One, but that He alone is the reality. 'I am the Good Shepherd; in Me and in Me alone is that which men need.' " -- Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) (Ref. 1, Ref. 2)
This lesson is the fourth in a series on the "I AM" statements of Christ. This lesson discusses Jesus' statements, "I am the good shepherd," in John 10:11 and John 10:14.
Consider. Are you like a lost sheep? Have you gone astray (Isaiah 53:6)? Are you living outside of the sheepfold? Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, the one who loves us, seeks us, saves us, and protects us. He is the one who laid down his life for his sheep. He is the one who knows us.
God is Our Shepherd (Old Testament Perspective)
The Old Testament describes God as the shepherd for his people. God is the one who cares for the total well-being of his sheep. David wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake" (Psalm 23:1-3).
In a perhaps less widely-known passage, Ezekiel also described the characteristics of the Lord God as the shepherd of Israel (Ezekiel 34:11-16):
Hundreds of years before Jesus came, Isaiah spoke of Jesus. "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young" (Isaiah 40:11). "I Am the Good Shepherd"
The Greek word for good means beautiful, as an outward sign of inward good, noble, honorable character (Ref. 3). Think of the greatness and the immensity of the claim that Jesus makes upon our faith in John 10:11 and John 10:14. Jesus claims to be the divine shepherd witnessed to and described by the psalmist and the prophets.
Jesus states that in him alone is everything that we need - sustenance, protection, care, restoration, direction, and eternal life (Luke 15:4, Luke 19:10, Psalm 23:1-3, John 10:3-4, John 10:9, John 10:27-28, Ref. 1). The Greek text in John 10:11 and John 10:14 uses the definite article "the" before "good shepherd" (Ref. 4, Ref. 5). "The definite article claims this ['I am the good shepherd'] as a description applicable to Himself alone" (Expositor's Greek Testament - Ref. 6, brackets added). "The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life for the Sheep"
Jesus states two features by which he as the good shepherd would be known. The first feature is his giving his life for the sheep (John 10:11, Ref. 6). Recall the personal risk of life that David faced because he was a shepherd. David himself rescued the lamb of his father's flock from the mouth of the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36, Ref. 7). "That self-sacrifice that would lead the shepherd to risk his own life for that of the flock has its ideal fulfillment in Him who is the Good Shepherd, and will give His life for mankind" (Ref. 7).
"The death of the Shepherd is the security of the sheep; and I say to you, the flock, that for every soul the entrance into the flock of God is through the door of the dying Christ, who laid down His life for the sheep, and makes them His sheep who trust in Him" (Ref. 1, Ref. 8). "I Know My Own and My Own Know Me"
Jesus stated a second feature by which he would be known as the good shepherd. That feature is the reciprocal knowledge of the sheep and the shepherd (John 10:14, Ref. 6). The Greek word for know in John 10:14 is ginóskó, which means to know, especially through personal experience (Ref. 9). However, the language for know in John 10:14 describes more than a dictionary lookup alone conveys. Jesus describes closest communion between himself as the good shepherd and his sheep (Ref. 7). Jesus describes the relationship as loving regard, affection, and recognition between the shepherd and his sheep (Ref. 1). He knows us because he loves us. As his sheep, we know him as our shepherd, and we love him and trust him. We know his voice and we follow him (John 10:4, John 10:27-28).
Apply. Jesus loves you and already knows you. Jesus wants to have a close reciprocal relationship with you. Are you loving him, trusting him, and following him today?
References
1. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/maclaren/john/10.htm 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Maclaren 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/2570.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/interlinear/john/10-11.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/egt/john/10.htm 7. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/john/10.htm 8. http://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/jesus-is-the-door 9. https://biblehub.com/greek/1097.htm |
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The ScriptureWay site provides Bible Teachings that point to Jesus. The Bible teaches that believing in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." -- Jesus speaking in John 14:6 
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