The Good Shepherd

When Jesus taught there were often a great variety of people that would come and listen to Him. Some of his listeners were the "respectful" people of the community. They thought that because of their position, Jesus would take special notice of them.

Others that came to listen to Jesus were a lot less "respectful". These were the ones that were labelled tax gathers and sinners.

When asked why He spoke to these people, Jesus told the story of the Lost Sheep. Jesus told of the lost sheep that had wandered off from the flock and had got lost. Some how it had become separated from the other sheep and it was now in terrible danger. Just imagine what it would have been like for the sheep away from everything it knew and understood and.

Jesus asked what man would not be willing to leave the rest of the flock to save the lost one. When he had found it he would carry it back home on his back full of joy. He would call to his friends, "rejoice with me for I have found my lost sheep."

Jesus wasn't telling this parable because He was concerned about the welfare of sheep. No, He was explaining that He was concerned about those people in the world that were lost. People who were wandering about without direction, without a shepherd. He said, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance" Luke 15:7.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). His love for His sheep is without bounds. He loves us so much that He was willing to die for us. Jesus does not want to see any lost. He wants all to come to Him for protection, for love and for nurture.

There are so many people in our community that are lost. They have no direction and they feel all alone and vulnerable. How sad that people would feel that way when there is one who loves them so much.

Perhaps you are one of the lost sheep? You can come back into the care and protection that Jesus offers. Think about it, you don't need to face the world on your own.