Good

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:11, 18 TNIV) 

Good Shepherd, 3rd Century Catacombs

Sometimes the image we have of Jesus is far too effeminate.  He rarely is portrayed as strong or rugged.  Usually polished and pretty.  Walking along the seashore, gathering seashells and speaking in flowery language about the beauty of humanity while the sun casts a glow about him and his flowing hair is blown by the wind.  This is a western concoction and it has no reality in the biblical world.  

Shepherds were tough people.  They were required to watch over the sheep with the heart of a father, at least the "good" ones.  A good shepherd had to carry a staff to ward off predators like wolves and wild animals as well as to defend himself against people who might try to steal the sheep. The good shepherd had to be familiar with pasture and the best places to take his sheep.  He knew each sheep by name and treated them as if they were like family. Sheep are not very smart, so the good shepherd had to constantly be on his toes, because sheep were prone to wander off.  If necessary, the good shepherd would leave the other sheep in the hands of an under-shepherd or even a hired hand to retrieve the lost sheep.  

To assist the good shepherd, another man was hired for a certain wage to give oversight to the sheep.  He would be called to watch the sheep and keep them corralled and well fed.  He would lead them to a good watering hole or even to the safety of the pen; however, if the flock were ever in any real danger - the hired hand would leave the flock out of self-preservation.  It is not that the hired hand was a bad person, it was just that he didn't really have the same concern for the sheep as the good shepherd. 

It's a little like a man who owns his own business.  He wants the best for that business. He will labor for hours to make it work properly.  He educates himself on the best models and methods to increase the worth of the business.  He figures out what will work best for him and try to make the business work to the best of his ability.  He will risk financial, mental, and even physical security to see the business prosper.   His heart is for the business.  On the other hand, the hourly employee who runs the register is not near as committed.  Certainly she is willing to come to work on time, fill the shelves, stock the cooler, even sweep the floors; however, she isn't near as committed to the business' success. Where the owner will go out of his way to protect the business, the clerk does not necessarily see the real issue of  shoplifting, filling the ice machine, or even making sure the coffee is fresh.  She may resist closing, because it's dangerous.  She doesn't want to count the register because she doesn't want to know if she will end up being short.  She isn't going to chase down the guy who failed to pay for his gas or chase off the dregs that keep hanging outside.  For her, the business as just a pay check for the bank, but the owner he understands the business  as little differently. It's not really about the business as much as it is about those who need the business.  He sees what he is doing as the means by which he will provide for those he loves.  His investment is not really in the business at all.  His investment is in those he loves and the business is part of how he does that . A good owner lays down his life for the business, not because he's a slave to the job.  Instead, it's because he's a slave to his family and they are always worth it.  

Jesus is the good shepherd, because He lays down his life for His sheep.   

Soli Deo Gloria