21 Day Fast // Day 10: Choose The Good Shepherd

DAY 10 // John 10:11-14 // Choose The Good Shepherd // Alexander James

“‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me...’”

I was watching cartoons with my oldest son the other day. It was a great time! We enjoyed watching our favorite superheroes save the earth and win the day, again. But it made me ponder this question: Why does Superman get to be the leader?

The thought seemed childish, but it made me think about leadership as a whole. What makes a good leader? Not only that, but what are traits of good leaders that we look for? In the book of John, Jesus gives us some insight into the type of leader he is. He also tells us about the ones we should avoid.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…” Jesus boldly opens his description with both confirmation and affirmation of his identity. You would be hard-pressed to find more defining language in the entire English dictionary than the statement “I AM.” Jesus does not question his role and identity in both the universe and in our lives. We serve a God that has no qualms about letting people know His Truth. Jesus then doubles down and shares that his commitment to the sheep is so absolute that he lays down his own life for the sheep.

I would like you at this moment to ask yourself a question: What trait do I look for in leaders? Do I desire for them to be strong? Smart? Passionate? All of these are great choices; however, I believe that we should add a qualification to this list that is far too overlooked. We should ask for our leaders to be sacrificial. Not in the ultimate sense, but in a way that shows their care, devotion and commitment to those they lead. This could be as simple as showing up early or the willingness to leave late. I believe the next question becomes about the leadership roles that I play in my life. Am I sacrificial in how I lead? Jesus exemplifies not only the God that creates and the king that protects, but also the lamb who--for his sheep that he loves--will be slain.
Jesus then offers a foil-- someone who’s characteristics contrast the Good Shepherd. This is an individual he calls the hired hand.
12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
Christ describes the hired hand this way:
-He does not have ownership.
-He is not sacrificial.
-He is not courageous.
-He is willing to abandon the sheep.
-He cares nothing for the sheep.
I wonder if in your personal life someone assumed a role or position; then, when you needed help the most they did not live up to their words? Has someone ever professed a level of partnership with you over time; but when it didn’t serve them, they disregarded the role they had? That is the heart of the hired hand. This is a person who will take the position of service; but, ultimately they only want to serve themselves. Jesus warns us to be wary of these individuals as leaders in our lives.
Sometimes the memories and scars from these experiences halt us from trusting any leaders. But Jesus is not a hired hand. Take a quick second and re-read the list of traits for the hired hand again.
Now, read it a third time but say the opposite of each bullet. This is a description of the God we have! He’s the Good Shepherd who owns his sheep because he bought them with his own blood on the cross. He’s a God that will never leave nor forsake us in any way. AMEN!
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…”
In this last scripture, Jesus describes the relationship he has with the sheep. He knows them. It denotes an air of closeness, understanding, and even intimacy. Have you thought about the fact that, today, Jesus knows your name? Have you meditated on the fact that He knows every hair on your head? Or in my case, the lack thereof? This is in the same way that a potter knows each piece of art that he has molded, shaped, and sculpted. Jesus knows you. His fingers were there when you were formed in your mother’s womb. During this season, I want to invite you to--in a greater way--embrace the idea that you are, right now, in the embrace of a loving God. A Good Shepherd.

Prayer Focus: Pray for our YOUNG ADULTS and Alex James - for biblical truth and true community.