Online Archives

John 10:11-18, Psalm 23
By David W. Simpson

The image of the Shepherd and the sheep is, without doubt, one of the most familiar and best loved biblical illustrations. In Psalm 23 the sovereign God is portrayed as the Good Shepherd who cares for trusting, sheep-like believers.

As one who was raised on a farm and who spent the first half of my professional life in agriculture, I certainly connect with the imagery. But, it doesn't seem to make any difference whether one is rural, suburban or urban, people still find the psalm comforting. Furthermore, it also seems to transcend age .

Music and art have captured and interpreted the imagery in thousands of ways, from catacomb art to the great masters.

In John's Gospel, Jesus amplifies the psalm's image when he says, "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." He knew that his listeners understood that a shepherd's first concern is the well-being of the flock. By following the shepherd the sheep will be fed and protected.

But Jesus is not the Good Shepherd simply because he leads us beside the still waters. After all, any shepherd worth his hire, could fill such a job description.

According to John, Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he laid down his life for his sheep. Of his own accord and out of his great love, Jesus guarantees our relationship with him by offering up his own life in the face of the enemy that seeks to prey on the flock.

That is why during Eastertide the church traditionally remembers these Good Shepherd passages. In the Holy Week narratives we are reminded that Jesus meant what he said; he would lay down his life for the sheep. And, because Jesus has been raised from the dead, his promise to lead us and guide us is certain. This is the promise we cling to in life and in death.

It is no surprise then that we fondly cling to this soothing image of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. But as a farm boy who has actually been around sheep from time to time I must ask, "Do you really want to be described as sheep?"

Anyone familiar with raising sheep will tell you that sheep are not very intelligent nor independent. Their limited brains seem to be programmed to play follow the leader, no matter that in doing so they may easily be led, even to slaughter.

Humans often exhibit those same traits. We sometimes wander without purpose, following the crowd to heaven knows where. No wonder we are swept up in the tide of fads, celebrities and gurus. The one characteristic that sets the Good Shepherd apart from all the other lesser shepherds is his willingness to lay down his life.

The Good Shepherd, the appointed Messiah, alone can defeat death. He does so by his resurrection. By this one act, Jesus Christ ended the reign of death forever. This Good Shepherd calls us to follow him and he will guide us in the "paths of righteousness," and "we shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever."

The Rev. David W. Simpson is senior pastor of Bethany UMC in Ellicott City.