Shepherds were very common in Jesus’ time and in the area where Jesus went about preaching and teaching. So, it made sense to use them as concrete images for his teaching. In the Old Testament Jewish Kings and other political and religious leaders were describes as shepherds. For example, in the prophet Jeremiah false rulers are described as “bad” shepherds:
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the flock of my pasture—oracle of the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away.” (Jeremiah 23:1-2).
In today’s Gospel Jesus twice describes himself as a good shepherd who does not scatters but gathers his sheep and sacrifices himself for them:
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (10:11).
“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” (10:14-15).
Jesus is the good shepherd who life is one of service and sacrifice as he “lays down his life for the sheep” His sheep know him just as he knows God his Father. Today’s Gospel reading is the continuation of Sunday’s Gospel where Jesus speaks of himself both as shepherd and as gate or the way to God the Father.
Of course, Jesus is not talking literally about sheep but about all believers. We “know” Jesus just as the Father knows Jesus and Jesus knows the Father. In other words, as we heard in Sunday’s Gospel: “[Jesus] walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” (10:4).
We are invited once again to hear the voice of Jesus and to follow in his way. With faith and trust in Jesus and in God the Father we pray: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (Psalm 23).
Image: “Shepherd and flock – rural” by Brad Higham is licensed under CC BY 2.0.