This weekend, we observe the 4th Sunday of Easter, traditionally known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” because a few of the readings will refer to, you guessed it, the Good Shepherd. For those of us who did not grow up around sheep, the concept of the Good Shepherd may be limited to pictures we’ve seen of Jesus lovingly holding a little lamb. We may even begin to sing in our heads the beautiful hymn, “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” and recite Psalm 23. But there is much more to it. 

If Jesus is the Good Shepherd, we are the sheep. And sheep need a shepherd. They are not able to survive well on their own since they are basically defenseless against their predators. And so it is with us. Without the protection and care of our Lord Jesus, we would be easy prey for the evil one. Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” 

But listen to how He goes on: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus doesn’t just go with us through life. He goes through life with us with a purpose – to care for us not only because of His love for us, but also that we might be used in loving service to others, just as the wool of well cared for sheep is useful. Think of David’s description in Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Because of His offering Himself for us as the Lamb of God to cover the guilt of our sin and rising victorious on Easter, we know that the Father’s House is our destination. But right now, we get to walk with Jesus. Right now we can enjoy His perfect care. Right now we can know the comfort and peace of His presence through His Spirit. Right now as we follow Him we can know the joy of a meaningful life of service in His Kingdom. 

The evil one would try to rob us of this and do whatever he can to make life away from Jesus appear to be the right way to go (self-sufficiency and independence we sometimes label it). But sheep were not designed to be that way. They need a Good Shepherd. And in Jesus, we have just that so we can have life to the full – now and for all eternity.