Selie Visa
Bible passage
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 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." (John 10:10-15)
1. The tasks of a shepherd
The progenitors of the Jews in the patriarchal age were nomads, and their history is rich in scenes of pastoral life. The occupation of tending the flocks was undertaken, not only by the sons of wealthy chiefs but even by their daughters. In Palestine proper the shepherd held a subordinate position. The eastern shepherd, as described in the Bible, was attended with much hardship, and even danger. He was exposed to the extremes of heat and cold. He had to encounter the attacks of wild beasts, occasionally of the larger species, such as lions, panthers, and bears, nor was he free from the risk of robbers. David defended his flock against a lion and a bear. To meet these various foes the shepherd's equipment consisted of the mantle, made probably of sheep skin with the fleece on, which he turned inside out in cold weather, a scrip or wallet containing a small amount of food, a sling, which is still the favorite weapon of the Bedouin shepherd, and lastly a rod which served the double purpose of a weapon against foes and a crook for the management of the flock.
2. The routine of a shepherd
In the morning the shepherd led forth his flock from the fold which he did by going before them and calling to them, as is still usual in the East. On arrival at the pasturage, he watched the flock, and should any sheep stray, he had to search for it until he found it. He supplied them with water, either at a running stream or at troughs attached to wells. In the evening he brought them back to the fold, and counted them to see that none were missing, by passing them "under the rod" as they entered the door of the enclosure. Finally, he watched the entrance of the fold throughout the night. The task of a shepherd thus required great watchfulness, particularly by night. It also required tenderness toward the young and feeble.
3. Why are we compared to sheep?
Sheep are helpless creatures who cannot survive long without a shepherd. They are rather stupid in comparison to other animals. Sheep are essentially dumb animals and hard to train. They do not have good eyesight, nor do they hear well. They are very slow animals who cannot escape predators. They are helpless creatures. They have no strong jaws and teeth, no horns or claws or strength to fight other animals that prey upon them. Sheep have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost. When sheep go astray, they are in danger of getting lost, being attacked, or even dying from falling off cliffs. When we are compared to sheep it is not so flattering but it is right on target.
4. The relation between sheep and shepherd
Sheep are dependent on the shepherd. A shepherd always carries a staff with a crook to fight off other animals that prey on sheep and to gently push back any sheep straying away from the fold. He knows each sheep by name. He knows which sheep is weak and when it needs to be carried. He knows which sheep has the most tendency to go its way and get lost. The shepherd must keep a constant eye on such sheep who tend to stray. In the same way, we are dependent upon the Lord to protect and care for us. Within our nature, there is a strong tendency to go astray following the lusts of our flesh and eyes and pursuing the pride of life.
5. Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Jesus declared that He is our Shepherd and demonstrated it by giving His life for us. Through His willing sacrifice, the Lord made salvation possible for all who come to Him in faith. In proclaiming that He is the good shepherd, Jesus speaks of laying down His life for His sheep. Only in Christ will you find safety, compassion, providence, and protection. No evil can harm us if we follow him by recognizing His voice, by knowing His smell, and by being willing to be guided by His shepherd's staff.
