My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.
John 10:27-30 (NABRE)
Jesus solemnly utters a statement of divinity. We have God as our shepherd!
Jesus uses figurative language to artistically express deeper truths throughout the Gospels. Pastoral language is found throughout Holy Scripture, such as in the Book of Psalms, the Book of Ezekiel or here in the Gospel of John. Obviously, God wants to emphasize that the attentiveness of His care can be likened to that of a shepherd. So, let’s think for a moment about what shepherds do. Even if you’ve never seen a sheep in person, you can still learn some basics by inference. Shepherds lead, guide, heal, discipline, feed, shelter, and protect their flocks. The sheep have the assurance of a competent shepherd and the company of many other sheep. Already, we can see that God wants us to take in the message that He deeply cares about us. He delights in us and wants to bring us joy and peace, just as a shepherd longs to bring his flock to abundant, tranquil pastures and flowing streams. Such is the care of our God. You can rely on God to help you in whatever situation you are in or in whatever vocation into which He calls you. T r u s t i n G o d ! If mere human shepherds can care so well for their flocks, how much more can almighty, all-good God, who is Love, care for you!
Thank you for reading. Peace.
Eat the Scroll 