The Good Shepherd

"I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own." - John 10:14

     An interesting concept came to me today while studying this passage. Jesus truly is the only Good Shepherd, because He is the only One who is a complete shepherd. An earthly shepherd cares for his sheep but he can never communicate with them, nor can he really protect them from great danger. Jesus loves us and cares for us. He leads us to the green pastures and fills our lives with blessings. However, He is not merely the Good Shepherd but also the Lion of Judah, capable of warding off any threat, including the other lion who seeks to consume us.1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. And in those moments when He isn't busy guiding us and protecting us, He is able to commune and fellowship with His sheep since He is the Lamb of God. John 1:29 - The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! A Shepherd, a Lion, a Sheep; there can be no greater combination than this. The Good Shepherd is truly greater than any of us can fathom!