Names of Jesus Series: Episode 8 Jesus the Good Shepherd

Today is the 8^th episode in the names of Jesus series. The names of Jesus are so meaningful and rich. I hope that as you have been meditating on all the names of Jesus you are experiencing his blessings. Today we are reflecting on Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Our verse to meditate on today is: John 10:14-16 NIV

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Can’t you feel the love of Jesus when you hear that verse? Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who loves his sheep so much he would die for them. 

Jane Eliza Leeson was an English poet and hymn writer who lived in the 19th century. She wrote a poem about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, titled Loving Shepherd of The Sheep. 

Loving Shepherd of your sheep,
all your lambs in safety keep;
nothing can your power withstand,
none can pluck them from your hand.

May they praise you ev’ry day,
gladly all your will obey,
like your blessed ones above,
happy in your precious love.

Loving Shepherd, ever near,
teach your lambs your voice to hear;
suffer not their steps to stray
from the straight and narrow way.

Where you lead them may they go,
walking in your steps below;
then, before your Father’s throne,
Savior, claim them for your own.

Isn’t that a beautiful poem? It is also a beautiful prayer for us – teach us, Jesus, to hear your voice. Keep us on your straight and narrow way, help us to walk in your steps. As you walk today, walking with Jesus, consider if you are walking in his steps.

Take a little time now to meditate on John 10:14-16:

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? 

Here’s what Jesus revealed to me as I studied and meditated on this verse:

Jesus is calling you, he is calling you to be with him and follow him. Do you hear his voice? He laid down his life for you so that you could be his and he could be your savior. He doesn’t care what flock you come from or how far away you have wandered or what you’ve done. All that matters is that you come when he calls. Jesus will leave the ninety-nine to come find you, to find one lost sheep. That is how precious you are to him. He is the Good Shepherd – our provider and protector. Remember that there are spiritual enemies who would like to take you away from him. They want to steal your joy, your power and your purpose But Jesus came to give you life, life to the full. So when you hear his voice, go to him, follow him, let him be your Good Shepherd.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and what that means to us. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

How often I act like a sheep without a shepherd and follow the first voice that sounds good or right to me. Forgive me when I wander from you. Thank you for being the good shepherd and seeking after your sheep who have gone astray. There is nothing greater than you, Jesus. No one who is worth following more than you. The love you have for your flock is infinitely more than I can comprehend. I want to cling to you, my Good Shepherd, so that the enemy’s attacks against me are fruitless. I want my life to be fruitful for you. I want to live the life you have for me with power and purpose for you. Thank you, Jesus, for being the Good Shepherd and the most Holy leader. I am blessed to follow you all the days of my life and blessed to walk with you, always. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Have you ever tried to get ahead of Jesus in your life? Take a little time to think about this and how it affected you.

Jesus was the precious lamb of God who took away our sins. How does it make you feel to know that you are his precious lamb? Take some time to consider your answer.

Are there any ways in which the enemy is trying to steal you away from the flock? If so, ask Jesus to put a hedge of protection around that area of your life. Take some time to ask Jesus for protection now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time: John 10:14-16

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Well, you did it! 10 minutes of walking with Jesus! Good job! Thank you for taking the time to walk with me, my friend. I am praying for God’s blessings on your life as you take this time to walk with Jesus! If you would like more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. The October edition focuses on the names of Jesus and is a part of this series. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another name of Jesus – Jesus the King of Kings. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.