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