The Good Shepherd

“The Good Shepherd” is a name Jesus gave himself: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” It takes up the ancient picture of God as shepherd and makes it wonderfully personal.

A hired hand runs when the wolf comes; the good shepherd stays and fights. What sets Jesus apart is that he lays down his own life for the flock — the shepherd dying to save the sheep.

Jesus adds that he knows his sheep and is known by them. This is no distant care but an intimate relationship: he knows you by name, and his own recognise his voice.

In calling himself the Good Shepherd, Jesus claims to be Jehovah Raah come in the flesh — the LORD my shepherd, now walking among us, laying down his life to bring us home.