(by pastor Jean)

“I am the good Shepherd” (John 10:11). Jesus is our good shepherd. Naturally speaking a shepherd is someone who cares for, protects, guides and sacrifices for his sheep, which is exactly what Jesus does for us. In the beloved parable of John 10:1-10 Jesus says the shepherd enters by the door and then in verse 7 He states that He is also the door and that as such He is the way to salvation (the only way!) (John 10:9, 14:6). He further states that if we enter the sheepfold through the door (Jesus) then we can “go in and out and find pasture” (John10:9; MEV). Pasture symbolizes food, nourishment and provision. In other words, we can freely go in (into the presence of God) and out (into the world) knowing that we are secure, protected and provided for, physically and spiritually. This lines up with Psalm 121:8, “The Lord will preserve your going out and coming in” (MEV) and also Deuteronomy 28:6, “You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out” (MEV). Remember too that Jesus is the Shepherd that goes after the lost sheep that strays from the flock, showing His great love for us (Luke 15:3-7, Matt 18:12-14), not wanting anyone to be lost (John 10:28-29, 2 Peter 3:9). We understand that continuing this comparison of Jesus being the Shepherd and we the sheep that in John 10:3,4, and 27 we are told that the sheep hear and know His voice and follow Him. Our job is to listen and obey and then we will enjoy His abundant life (John 10:10).