Day Sixteen: I Am the Good Shepherd
“It’s hard to find good help these days.” You have heard people say that, haven’t you? We heard this when we were young children, and we hear it now as adults, which might make us wonder in what “days” it would have been easy?
At least from this parable, we can see that those “days” were not two millennia ago, as Jesus recognized that an employee would likely never care for a business the way an owner would.
When a hired hand, entrusted with the care of sheep (a task merely contractual and devoid of personal investment), is confronted by a wolf, he will flee, leaving the defenseless sheep at the mercy of the predator. But Jesus is not bemoaning the labor market of his day; he’s not pointing out flaws in the average shepherd-for-hire, rather, he is saying that the hired hand’s response makes good sense. The employee is getting a wage from the owner of the sheep. If the sheep disappear, the owner can find a new shepherd to work for in another town. For the shepherd, if his sheep disappear, so does his livelihood and all of his investment.
What Jesus is seeking to illuminate for his listeners is that he is not a passive observer or a mere employee clocking in and out. He is the Good Shepherd, and his commitment to the sheep surpasses the transactional nature of hired help. His ownership of the flock is marked by an unparalleled level of care, care so profound that he declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
With these words, Jesus unveils the depth of his love for his followers. It’s a love that transcends self-interest and extends to the point of self-sacrifice. The imagery of laying down his life for the sheep is not a metaphorical flourish but a profound truth that will find its fulfillment on the cross.
In a world characterized by skepticism and uncertainties, trust often proves elusive. Scandals in the corporate world, political deceit, fake news, and alternative facts challenge our ability to rely on others. Even in personal relationships, betrayals and broken promises cast shadows on the concept of trust. But despite this uncertainty, Jesus stands as the epitome of reliability. His willingness to lay down his life speaks volumes about his trustworthiness and offers a stark contrast to the trust issues plaguing our world.
Let this passage be an antidote to doubt today. As we journey toward Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, remember that we have a Shepherd who goes to these lengths for us. Jesus isn’t merely a hired hand concerned with a paycheck; he is the Shepherd who willingly sacrifices for the well-being of his flock. Inviting us into a relationship of deep trust and gratitude.
At least from this parable, we can see that those “days” were not two millennia ago, as Jesus recognized that an employee would likely never care for a business the way an owner would.
When a hired hand, entrusted with the care of sheep (a task merely contractual and devoid of personal investment), is confronted by a wolf, he will flee, leaving the defenseless sheep at the mercy of the predator. But Jesus is not bemoaning the labor market of his day; he’s not pointing out flaws in the average shepherd-for-hire, rather, he is saying that the hired hand’s response makes good sense. The employee is getting a wage from the owner of the sheep. If the sheep disappear, the owner can find a new shepherd to work for in another town. For the shepherd, if his sheep disappear, so does his livelihood and all of his investment.
What Jesus is seeking to illuminate for his listeners is that he is not a passive observer or a mere employee clocking in and out. He is the Good Shepherd, and his commitment to the sheep surpasses the transactional nature of hired help. His ownership of the flock is marked by an unparalleled level of care, care so profound that he declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
With these words, Jesus unveils the depth of his love for his followers. It’s a love that transcends self-interest and extends to the point of self-sacrifice. The imagery of laying down his life for the sheep is not a metaphorical flourish but a profound truth that will find its fulfillment on the cross.
In a world characterized by skepticism and uncertainties, trust often proves elusive. Scandals in the corporate world, political deceit, fake news, and alternative facts challenge our ability to rely on others. Even in personal relationships, betrayals and broken promises cast shadows on the concept of trust. But despite this uncertainty, Jesus stands as the epitome of reliability. His willingness to lay down his life speaks volumes about his trustworthiness and offers a stark contrast to the trust issues plaguing our world.
Let this passage be an antidote to doubt today. As we journey toward Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, remember that we have a Shepherd who goes to these lengths for us. Jesus isn’t merely a hired hand concerned with a paycheck; he is the Shepherd who willingly sacrifices for the well-being of his flock. Inviting us into a relationship of deep trust and gratitude.
Posted in Lent
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