John 10:11 I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. (NASB)
If I challenge you to think of someone who gave their life for other people, your mind would probably run to a fireman, a police officer, or someone who served in the military. We may not have personally known that person, but their story is familiar to us. My challenge may have conjured up images in your mind. That person becomes part of our standard by which we measure commitment and sacrifice.
Jesus was always aware of his audience. He used stories and analogies to which they could relate. It is possible that many in his audience knew of shepherd who had placed himself in harm’s way. That shepherd would be held up as the model of commitment and sacrifice. He was willing to die for those under his care. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He was willing to die for all of us. We should be awed by His commitment and sacrifice.
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