Jesus tells us that He is the Good Shepherd who is prepared to die for His sheep. It is quite easy to distinguish between a good and bad shepherd: the latter has no commitment and runs away as soon as danger threatens. In Jesus’ day, shepherds were commonly regarded as disreputable, isolated groups of men who stayed on the hills for long periods and who often had little regard for the flocks entrusted to their care. Jesus had watched responsible shepherds build up a trusting relationship with their sheep. They would walk ahead of the flock, calling it to follow. The sheep learned that if they followed the shepherd’s voice, they would find good pastures. God the Father had entrusted His people to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knowing that Jesus would establish a uniquely protective relationship with them, even at the cost of His own life.
“Troubles always come in threes.†Does it not sound familiar? Sometimes difficulties come from different angels, threatening to be overwhelming, just like a pack of wolves threatening their chosen victim. It is easy to feel alone and defenceless, with nowhere to turn. It is not easy, when life is hard, to put our lives in Jesus’ hands and to go wherever He leads. If only we could see where we are going, following might be simpler. We want to make plans and can’t. Anxiety and insecurity are very frightening. Yet these are precisely the times when Jesus is saying, “Trust Me. I am the Good Shepherd. I will keep you safe.†We have good shepherds in our own lifetime. Jesus gave them the courage to lay down their lives for others. He might not ask martyrdom of me, but He is calling me to follow Him. Am I willing to follow His voice? Are there occasions when I could imitate Jesus and be a good shepherd to someone who needs more help that I do?