Being a shepherd in first-century Israel was not as simple as just standing around holding a staff. The shepherd put himself in danger, especially when venturing out after a stray sheep. He was in the wilderness all alone at the mercy of the elements. He might have encountered ravenous wolves or armed thieves. Whereas a hired hand would run away at the first sign of danger, the shepherd of a family flock risked his life—just to get one single stray sheep back!
Jesus tells us that he is the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:14-15). He left the comfort and safety of heaven to seek us out and bring us home. And it was a very perilous journey, too! From Herod’s murderous paranoia to Judas’ bitter betrayal to the agony of death on the cross, Jesus put himself in danger and endured great hardship. Yet he never abandoned his post. He never complained about his calling. He did it all out of love—love for you.
In his inaugural homily as pope, Benedict XVI told us: “The human race—every one of us—is the sheep lost in the desert which no longer knows the way. The Son of God will not let this happen; he cannot abandon humanity in so wretched a condition. He leaps to his feet and abandons the glory of heaven, in order to go in search of the sheep and pursue it, all the way to the cross. He takes it upon his shoulders and carries our humanity; he carries us all.”
Every day, your Creator seeks you out because he places such a high value on you. Every day, he wants to lead you and protect you. Every day, he wants to guide you and show you the way to go. You are so important to him that he will not stop helping you until you are safe with him in heaven.
So rejoice in your salvation today. Spend your prayer time today thanking and praising your Good Shepherd for laying down his life for you. It wasn’t easy—but you are worth it!
“Jesus, how can you love me so much? Thank you for leaving your heavenly throne to find me and carry me back home!”
Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-3,10-13