7:30am:    May 12, 2012

  Today's Sunday School lesson, "The Good Shepherd," is based on John 10. The key verse is John 10:4: "And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him for they know his voices."

    This lesson opens as Jesus is explaining what his relationship is to his followers. He uses images that are familiar to his audience, so he begins by saying that he is the door of the sheep. This is a reference to the way shepherds would use their bodies to form a barrier across the entrance to the sheepfold to keep out intruders.

   If something happened, the sheep could rest protected near the shepherd.  Then Jesus says that all of those who came before him were frauds and fakes, so the sheep did not hear them.

   Next Jesus says, "I am the door. Whoever comes in through me will be saved, and wherever they go, they will find green pastures." He explains that while the thief's goal is to steal, kill and destroy, his job is to bring abundant life.

   Then he declares that He is the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming after the sheep because they don't belong to him. That makes room for the wolf to attach and scatter the flock.

  But Jesus knows his sheep and they know him, just as surely as he knows the Father and the Father knows him. And Jesus continues, "I lay down my life for the sheep." He tells them that he has other sheep who are not of this fold," referring to the Jews and Gentiles who had not yet come to believe, according to the UMI Commentary. Jesus says that he has to bring them in, too; they will listen to his voice and then all believers will be unified as one flock with one shepherd.

   "God the Father loves me," Jesus says, "because I voluntarily lay down my life, just to pick it up again. My life is not taken but I have the power to lay it down and take it again." That is redemptive power given from the Father and channeled through the Son and finally to believers.

   This lesson reminds us that Jesus, the good shepherd, has qualities that motivate us and bring comfort to all who follow his leadership.  

   I hope you will read this lesson for yourself.