As we have been discussing the consistency of our Lord, we have plunged deeply into his character which is revealed through the I AM statements recorded in the Gospel of John. Last week we looked at the declaration of Jesus that he is the Gate for the sheepfold. In this, we learned of the safety we enjoy under his care, both in this life and in eternity.
In that same context of John 10, Jesus continues this theme with an even deeper description of his love and care for us. In verse 11, we read,“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” In verses 14-15, he affirms this same analogy, but with a bit more information. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
There are several lessons Jesus is teaching us about the consistency of his character and the benefit this consistency offers for those who choose to follow him. First, the word translated as “good” in this context is also the word for “beautiful”. This is significant for a variety of reasons. One is that Jesus is setting himself apart from other shepherds. He does this by saying he is THE Good Shepherd, not one among many. Then, in using the word for beautiful, he reveals that this aspect of his love for us is not determined by his actions, but by his character. Anyone can do good things, even when they are not good people. Anyone can be good for a time until their true nature is revealed. With Jesus, however, this goodness or beauty is describing who he is, not just what he does. This is affirmed in verse 15 where he compares his intimacy with us as being the same as his intimacy with the Father.
Think about this for a moment. Jesus the Son and God the Father are one. They share the same nature. They think the same thoughts. They have the same goals. They know each other perfectly. Also, they are both without sin, so their relationship is not tainted by selfishness or pride but is perfect and pure. This perfect love they share with each other is offered to you and me in a relationship with Jesus.
This fact allows us to better understand what Jesus is promising when he says he will willingly lay down his life for his sheep. We discussed last week that as the Gate, the shepherd placed himself between the sheep and anything that would want to harm them. This may cause the shepherd to have to make a life-or-death decision. If a lion, bear, or pack of wolves attack, will the shepherd fight them to the death, leaving the sheep defenseless, or will he flee to fight another day. Another consideration is that a shepherd may go his entire life and never be confronted with this decision, there may never be a major threat to his sheep. He claims a willingness to give his life for their protection, but that is not proven because he has never been challenged to that level.
However, the claim of Jesus as the Good Shepherd that he will lay down his life for his sheep is a done deal. This assertion is not dependent on circumstances and potential danger. The danger has already taken place. The enemy has already attacked when Adam and Eve ushered sin into our world. When Jesus states his willingness to die for his sheep, you and me, he is responding to an existing need.
Because of sin, we are all born with the sentence of eternal death placed on our lives. The only solution is the substitutionary death of a sinless sacrifice. The only one worthy to offer himself on our behalf is Jesus. As our Good Shepherd, he is not the gentle man with a staff holding a baby lamb. He is the powerful God of creation, humbly offering himself to suffer crucifixion so that I may have eternal life.