The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

I Am the Resurrection and the Life

Tom Graves

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February 10, 2026

‘I am the resurrection and the life’ are some of the most comforting words for a believer written in the Scriptures. Jesus spoke these words of comfort to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, before He raised him from the dead.

John 11:23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” [1]

It’s helpful to see that Jesus didn’t dismiss what Martha said about the future resurrection. Instead, His ‘I am’ statement brought a whole new understanding of what the resurrection means. Through this, He offered Martha wonderful comfort.

She thought Jesus was talking about the resurrection at the end of time, but Jesus actually had something much closer and immediate in mind. Similarly, Martha viewed this resurrection as a distant event far in the future. Yet, she completely overlooked the fact that the true source of life and resurrection was right before her.

Faith in Jesus Gives Us Eternal Life

 Yes, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but one day he would die again. The good news is that when we place our faith in Jesus, we receive eternal life and will one day be raised from the dead. If you have been to a funeral and observed a deceased body, they are lifeless, yet that is not the end.

On our own, we are powerless, but faith in Jesus transforms everything in this life and the next. With no fear, we can trust our ultimate destiny to Jesus, who gives us life. He revives us spiritually through regeneration by the Holy Spirit. He will raise our lifeless bodies on the final day, reuniting them with our spirits so we can live as complete, redeemed beings in His presence.

Every believer can find comfort in knowing they won’t face eternal death. Those who have passed away continue to live, and anyone still alive and holding faith won’t face eternal separation. While Christ didn’t promise to prevent physical death, He did assure us of a life full of abundance—resurrection and everlasting life with Him.

Faith is Trust in God’s Promises

John 11:26b Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”[2]. The question comes to all of us as well: Do you believe this? If you don’t, it might be hard to find meaning in your life or understand what happens after death.

But if you believe, Jesus promises that you can experience a resurrection life — a life filled not with the scent of death, disease, and despair, but with the beautiful aroma of God’s heavenly life. If you are a believer, there is great hope in Jesus’s words, “I am the resurrection and the life.” If you have never placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior, He is calling you today so you can experience a transformed life in this life and the next. Take His hand and come to the cross. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Has God Let Me Down?

Tom Graves

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February 9, 2026

Has God let me down? Perhaps it’s something you’re currently struggling with or have struggled with in the past. When life goes sideways, we sometimes wonder, “God, where were You?”

As the story of Lazarus’s death unfolds, you can feel the pain of his sisters, Mary and Martha, as they speak to Jesus after he arrives. John 11:21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”[1] A few minutes later, her sister also questions Jesus. John 11:32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [2]

If Only You Had Been Here

Neither woman was questioning Jesus’ timing so much as acknowledging that, if He had been there, things would have turned out differently. Despite experiencing pain and sorrow, their faith remained strong and unwavering. John 11:22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” [3] This story reminds us that even in tough times, God hasn’t abandoned us. It encourages us to stay hopeful and keep trusting in His love and guidance.

God Help me Understand

Sometimes, our plans can change unexpectedly, or our circumstances might not turn out as we hoped. There could be many reasons for this, and it’s completely normal to feel confused or disappointed. But what should we do when it seems like God has let us down and we begin to question His goodness or His love?

Remember, it’s okay to have these feelings, and you’re not alone. Many of us experience similar moments of doubt, which can be an opportunity to deepen our trust and understanding. Life is full of losses and disappointments as we walk our journey of faith. When things in my life aren’t going well, I sometimes wonder if God loves me or hears my prayers. However, the Bible clearly states otherwise. 1 Peter 5:7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [4]

God, Let Me Be Open to Your Plans

We often focus only on our own situation when we feel disappointed by God. That’s when we ask, “Has God let me down?” Remember, sometimes God allows our plans to change because He has something even better in store for us. Take Joseph, for example—he didn’t expect to spend time in prison, but that experience ultimately helped him save his country and family, as you can read in Genesis. When things don’t go according to our plan, it’s a gentle reminder to reflect on what truly matters to us. It makes us ask ourselves, “Am I more committed to God’s plans or my own?” Even if we don’t fully understand why God allows certain things, His plans are always part of something greater. At the heart of everything, God truly wants to transform our hearts and build a loving relationship with us through life’s trials and surprises. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus Has a Divine Timetable

Tom Graves

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February 8, 2026

Jesus has a divine timetable. When I began to realize that the Lord operates on a divine timetable in both His ministry on earth and in my life, it was like a light turning on. Suddenly, the Scriptures and Jesus’ ministry took on a greater perspective. Have you ever struggled with God’s timing, especially when praying for the needs of others or your own? In God’s wisdom and mercy, He has His own timetable, which works everything for the good of those who love Him.

In the story of Lazarus, God teaches us many lessons, one of which is the importance of His timing. John 11:1A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha… 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” [1] Mary and Marth had clearly stated their need to Jesus. They might have wondered, “Would Jesus heal him from afar or come quickly and heal him before he died?” Have you ever been in a similar situation where you wondered why God did not hurry up?

God Teaches Us While We Wait

John 11:4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”[2] Unbeknownst to Mary and Martha, God was going to do something that would not only heal Lazarus but also strengthen the faith of others.

As Jesus received this message, He remained where He was for two more days. God’s timing, especially when He delays, can make us feel like He isn’t answering us or isn’t answering in the way we hope. But remember, His answers are always perfect and fashioned with love. Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. [3]

Sometimes, when we pray, it might feel like things are getting tougher instead of better. It’s natural to feel tempted to doubt or despair. However, remember that delays can actually help us grow in patience. As we place our trust in His perfect timing, our patience deepens and strengthens. It is often in these situations that I feel the Lord teaching me things I couldn’t learn any other way. 

Embrace God’s Timing

God has not forgotten you. There’s no need to revisit past doubts about whether His plans for you have been disrupted. His best plan remains intact, and neither accidents nor sin can destroy it. If you are in Christ, God is actively working in your life, and nothing escapes His notice.

Today, you may find yourself in a dark and challenging phase, struggling to find light and questioning how much more you can endure. But remain hopeful—God is with you in this darkness. When God writes your story’s final chapter, you’ll look back and see how all His work has harmonized for your good and His glory. Jesus has a divine timetable. To learn more, listen here: 

https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Sheep Follow the Good Shepherd

Tom Graves

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February 7, 2026

Sheep follow the Good Shepherd, and that is what distinguishes those who follow Jesus on the narrow path from those who take the broad road of the world. Jesus speaks to us about this narrow road. Matthew 7:13You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [1]

Are you allowing Jesus to lead you on the narrow road today? In my own life, there have been times when I strayed from the path, trusting in my own abilities instead of letting the Good Shepherd guide me. Perhaps you have done the same. We often relinquish control of our lives to Him, only to reclaim it when situations diverge from our plans.

Sometimes, we even abandon the mission God has set for us right then and there because it’s not one we would have personally chosen. As I traveled this path, the Lord kept calling me back to the narrow road. Through His grace, He helped me see that the world’s road is deceptive. God’s patience with us as we struggle in life is one of our greatest blessings.

Sheep Listen to the Voice of Jesus

Something happens when followers of Jesus set aside their free will to listen to and obey the Good Shepherd. As Jesus spoke to the Jewish religious leaders, they had contempt for Him because they were not people of faith. They knew about God and were familiar with the Scriptures, but they did not truly recognize the Messiah standing before them.

John 10:26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.[2] Just as sheep recognize and respond instinctively to their shepherd’s voice, believers also find comfort and guidance in Jesus’ teachings. This recognition reflects a deep, ongoing relationship rooted in trust and familiarity.

Hearing Jesus’ voice is more than just hearing sounds; it’s about truly understanding, willingly accepting, and sincerely obeying His words. When a believer truly begins to follow the Good Shepherd’s voice, it transforms our lives because we are no longer following our own path.

Following the Good Shepherd Leads to Eternal Life

Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life on the cross so our sins could be forgiven and for us to be called to faith. With faith in Jesus, our lives are transformed both in this life and in eternity. It is hard for me to comprehend the blessings of eternal life and living in heaven forever with the Lord, all believers, and His angels.

 Paul says that heaven is so wonderful we can’t imagine how good it is. This is what awaits those who follow the Good Shepherd. 1 Corinthians 1:9No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. [3]

To learn how sheep follow the Good Shepherd, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

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Refusal to Believe in Jesus

Tom Graves

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February 6, 2026

The refusal to believe in Jesus is sad because the consequences of not having faith are eternal. Perhaps you have friends or loved ones you have been praying for to come to faith, but they haven’t taken that step yet. Don’t give up praying for people to come to Jesus. Intercessory prayer involves praying on behalf of others and embodies divine love and compassion. It is a selfless act that reflects God’s heart. Romans 8:26-27 reminds us that God continually intercedes for us.

When we pray for others, we align with God’s will and become channels of His grace and mercy. The Bible contains many verses that encourage and inspire us to pray for one another. God wants to pray for people everywhere. 2 Timothy 2:4He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.[1]  

Unbelief Begins With a Hard Heart

Many of the Jewish religious leaders had extensive Biblical knowledge, yet they did not believe in Jesus when He was among them. At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus openly declared that He is the Light of the world and also the Good Shepherd who sacrifices His life for the sheep. During this same period, Jesus healed a man born blind as a witness to His identity.

Although the religious leaders could not deny this miracle, they still did not believe in Jesus. John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” [2]

When our hearts are hard, it can blind us to the truth even if it is obvious. 2 Corinthians 4:4Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. [3] When we walk in unbelief and have a hardened heart toward God, the enemy can veil our hearts.

Some Hearts Began to Soften

Although some religious leaders’ hearts remained hard, others began to soften. John 10:20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” [4]

Some weeks later, during Hanukkah, the religious leaders with hardened hearts still debated what Jesus had said and done, but refused to come to Him in faith. John 10:25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep.[5]

One day, all of us will enter eternity, and only through faith in Jesus will we reach heaven. If you haven’t come to Jesus yet, today He is calling you to come to Him so that He can transform your life. To learn more about the refusal to believe in Jesus, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Controversial Identity of Jesus

Paula K. Graves

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February 5, 2026

The “I am” statements created a controversial identity of Jesus. The Jewish scholars were well aware of the name that God had given Moses. Exodus 3: 14 God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.[1]

To this point, Jesus had said: I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the Gate, and I am the Good Shepherd. The Jewish leadership recognized these statements as declarations of Jesus’ divinity. Jesus had also done many miracles that they could only attribute to God. Yet, Jesus wasn’t the political Messiah they expected.

Debates About Jesus

In the fall, after the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus had healed a blind man. This was something no one else had ever done. Yet some people attributed this to demons and not God. John 10: 19 When he (Jesus) said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him. 20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” [2]

This debate continued into the winter months. When Jesus went to the Temple to celebrate Hanukkah, the people had more questions. John 10: 24 The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.[3]

Why Didn’t Just Plainly Say He Was the Messiah?

Jesus had plainly told the Samaritan woman at the well that He was the Messiah. John 4: 26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah![4] Yet, Jesus did not do the same for the Jewish people. Why? The term “Messiah” had huge political overtones to the Jews. They wanted a Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and bring back the nation of Israel. That was not Jesus’ mission. Thus, Jesus chose to demonstrate God’s works or miracles and to declare that He was the Son of God.

Jesus also knew that they wouldn’t listen. He had repeatedly told them and given proof through miracles but they continued to reject Him. John 10: 31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. 32 Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?”

33 They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.” [5]

Who is Jesus?

God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sin that we could not pay. As we believe and follow Jesus, He offers us the gift of a renewed relationship with God. This happens as soon as we believe and continues to eternity. The mission of Jesus continues through us, the church. We are to invite the world to experience His transforming power of love and grace. To find out more about the controversial identity of Jesus, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Bringing Other Sheep into the Fold

Paula K. Graves

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February 4, 2026

Jesus spoke about bringing other sheep into the fold. John 10: 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. [1] Who were these other sheep? They were the Gentiles. Jesus, as a Jew, came to the Jews, but His sacrifice on the cross would be for all who would believe.

Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, with whom God had made a covenant. God had promised Abraham blessings for obeying His instructions. Abraham’s descendants would become a great nation, the Jews. Genesis 12: 3bAll the families on earth will be blessed through you.[2] This means that not only would Jesus be a blessing to the Jews, but to all families, including the Gentiles.

More Prophecy About the Gentiles

Isaiah was a prophet who lived more than 700 years before Jesus. God used him to make many prophecies about the Messiah whom God would send. Isaiah 49: 6 He (the Lord) says, “You (the Messiah) will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth. [3]

When Mary and Joseph presented the baby Jesus at the Temple, a man named Simeon prophesied over Him. Luke 2: 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel! [4] God had told Simeon that this baby would be the one who could bring salvation to all people, including both Jew and Gentile.

Jesus had already declared Himself the Light of the World (John 8:12). Now Jesus spoke of one flock and one Shepherd. The night before the crucifixion, Jesus prayed for his disciples and future believers. John 17: 20 I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. [5]

Gentiles Included

The Jews had become proud because they were the chosen people of God. But God had chosen them to demonstrate Himself to the nations. Jesus came as a remnant of One to fulfill God’s purpose. After Jesus returned to heaven and the Holy Spirit was given, the early church slowly began to reach out to Gentiles.

 First, Philip reached out to the Samaritans, and then to the Ethiopian eunuch. Then Peter went to the house of Cornelius. The Jewish believers began to understand God’s plan for the world. After Paul realized that Jesus was the Messiah, he spent the rest of his life evangelizing the known world.

Today, the basis of the one flock is our one Shepherd. Ephesians 2:14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.[6] Jesus was bringing other sheep into the fold. To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Sacrifice of the Good Shepherd

Paula K. Graves

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February 3, 2026

Jesus tells us about the sacrifice of the good shepherd. John 10:11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.[1] Jesus’ audience was well aware that the life of a shepherd could be dangerous. Large predators, like wolves, love a meal of lamb. The shepherd had to protect his sheep, even if it meant risking his life.

A sacrifice is the act of giving up something highly valued for the sake of something else considered to have a greater value or claim.[2] The Jews of Jesus’ time regularly sacrificed sheep or goats to pay the blood price for their sins. Sin separates us from God and condemns us. The Old Testament animal sacrifices were temporary and had to be repeated year after year.

Jesus took the fate we sinful people deserved. We could not pay the price for our salvation, so Jesus did it for us on the cross. His blood is the all-sufficient sacrifice. Hebrews 10: 12 But our High Priest (Jesus) offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time… 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. [3]

Jesus Knew His Purpose

God sent Jesus to earth with a purpose. Galatians 1:4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.[4] Jesus was well aware of the Father’s plans and taught this to those who were listening.

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep… 17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” [5]

Jesus’ life was valuable, but He was willing to give it for something He considered more valuable: you and me. His whole purpose was to come and offer the gift of a restored relationship with God, both here on earth and in eternity.

Jesus Knew He Would Rise from the Dead

Jesus said He would, of His own accord, sacrifice His life. The Romans indeed nailed Jesus to the cross, but He voluntarily died. Matthew 27: 50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit.[6] But what good is a dead shepherd?

Jesus also knew He would rise again. This is what He meant when He told the Pharisees that He would take up His life again. He says this twice and notes that the Father had commanded it. Jesus was the first fruit of those resurrected. This assures us, as believers, of the hope of our own resurrection and eternal life. To learn more about the sacrifice of the Good Shepherd, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1,3-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

Failure of the Hireling Shepherd

Tom Graves

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February 2, 2026

Jesus describes the failure of the hireling or false shepherd as harmful to the sheep. John 10:12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. [1] 

As you reflect on this verse, it becomes clear that the motives of the hierling are worldly, and when life gets tough, he quickly abandons the sheep. Unfortunately, we live in a sinful world, and satan is at work daily trying to destroy the church. Paul gives us wisdom for the spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[2]

In essence, a hireling or false shepherd is an attack on the church and is often very subtle. As believers, we need to spend time in God’s Word, so we know the truth, which Paul calls the sword of the Spirit. In many ways, the word is the foundation of our shield of faith against the fiery arrows of the enemy.

The Hireling Looks Out Only for Himself

Self-interest drives a hireling’s concern rather than genuine love for the sheep. They tend to abandon their duty when their own interests are at risk. In contrast, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, behaves out of sacrificial love and commitment. The hireling’s greatest mistake is abandoning the sheep when the “wolf” appears, leaving them exposed to scattering and harm.

In a spiritual sense, this “wolf” can symbolize false teachings, persecution, or other threats or temptations. Unlike the hireling, Jesus remains devoted to his followers, remaining with them through every trial. While the hireling cares only for his own life, Jesus sacrificed his life for his sheep. This act is the ultimate demonstration of love and forms the core of the Christian faith.

The hireling represents inadequate or morally corrupt leaders in the church who prioritize their own comfort, reputation, or profit over the care of the flock. Ezekiel 34, which condemns Israel’s greedy shepherds, serves as a significant Old Testament parallel and warning to false shepherds today.

Our Need for Jesus

Amidst the work of false shepherds, the true Shepherd is working in the hearts of God’s people to provide guidance and direction, leading us to repentance. The Apostle Paul was a persecutor of those in the early church until Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Paul gives us insight into his heart. 1Corinthians 15:9For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. [3]

The life of Paul clearly shows how much God cares for believers and seeks to change the hearts of those who hurt His sheep. Do you feel God working in your heart today, giving you a thirst for His word? If so, the Holy Spirit is awakening you to bring revival to your life so you know the truth and are not led astray.

To learn more about the failure of the hireling, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Characteristics of the Good Shepherd

Tom Graves

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February 1, 2026

Have you ever thought about how the characteristics of the Good Shepherd have impacted your life? Scripture often calls believers “sheep” because they share many traits. Psalm 100:3Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” [1]

Sheep lack a sense of direction, are almost defenseless, are easily frightened, and can’t find food or water on their own. Without the Good Shepherd, Jesus, individuals lack guidance, safety, and spiritual nourishment. They become vulnerable to harm, risk being led astray by others, and are unable to find the “spiritual food and water” they require. As an older adult, I have realized that I am more like a sheep than I want to admit. This is especially true when I consider how many times I know the Lord has intervened in my life.

The Shepherd Puts Himself Before the Sheep

In life, it’s easy to put ourselves before others, but our Savior Jesus is not like that. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.[2] If we wonder how much the Lord loves us, we only need to meditate on that verse. Jesus provides further insight into this incredible sacrifice. John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[3]

Not only does Jesus give His life for us, but in doing so, He also pays the price for our sins, allowing us to place our faith in Him and receive eternal life. The entire Gospel centers on this verse. God doesn’t restrict His love to a particular group of people; He extends it to the whole world. God’s love is not self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in.

The Shepherd Knows His Sheep

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me.[4] Knowing the Good Shepherd and being known by Him reflects the relationship believers share with Jesus. Historically, we may be familiar with important people from the past, but that doesn’t mean we truly know them. Knowing Jesus isn’t just about learning facts about Him, but about having a close personal relationship with Him.

Our Lord is aware when we are joyful or weighed down by life’s burdens. God wants to guide you today, and when we are in a relationship with Him, we also desire His guidance. What challenges are you facing? Where do you seek direction? Where do you need help? Jesus assures you that He is your Good Shepherd. The Most High God is on your side, and you can trust His guidance. Jesus was faithful to come and die so that you might have eternal life. If He is faithful to lead you to heaven, He will also guide you through your current trials.

To learn more about the characteristics of the Good Shepherd, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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