The Good Shepherd / Your protector

What did Jesus mean

Jesus is your protector.

Where did Jesus say this

John 10:11–15 — “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away… I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

What Jesus did not mean

Jesus did not mean he is docile.

When you imagine a “Good Shepherd,” you probably think soft. Weak. Maybe even cowardly.

But if you think that, then you’re glossing over a big chunk of the verse. Jesus specifically talks about a wolf approaching his flock. And he means “wolf” in every sense of the word — figuratively and literally. In this instance, he’s addressing religious leaders who don’t take care of their people and prioritize themselves instead. In fact, right before Jesus said this, they had just excommunicated a blind man because Jesus had healed him. But Jesus also means physical danger. If a literal or physical wolf approaches, he will lay down his life for his people. Jesus is not docile. He is strong. He is a protector. No one will take his people from him.

John 10:27–28 — “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Jesus did not mean to enact violence.

Jesus is not hunting the wolf. He’s keeping it away by putting himself in the way. His strength is restrained, not unleashed.

Jesus did not mean you are weak.

The word “sheep” gets thrown around a lot these days to reference “weak-minded” people. If you’re a sheep, then you don’t think for yourself. But Jesus doesn’t mean that at all. In fact, the opposite. Jesus used the Greek word ginōskō for “know.” This “know” is much deeper than simply knowing your next door neighbor or knowing a coworker. Ginōskō means there is a one-to-one relationship that is both intimate and lived. Just as Jesus knows God, his followers know him. The flock knows who protects them, and who doesn’t. They know even by the sound of his voice. They won’t just follow anyone.

Jesus did not mean to ostracize others.

In John 10:16, Jesus says, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” It’s not about exclusivity. It’s not a club. It’s a calling. All you have to do is listen for his voice, and the Good Shepherd will come to you.

Where to start

Listen. When you’re feeling sad, lonely, scared, or even a little angry, pray to Jesus.

Talk to Jesus. Ask him to lead you to a better place. And then… listen.

You may not like what he has to show you or where he wants to take you. But trust, he only means you good. He is the Good Shepherd after all.

Benefits

You have a protector for life. But not just a protector. A friend, too.

“I am with you always” — Matthew 28:20 (NIV)