Christ the Good Shepherd

For some time have have been studying the Gospel of John.  In the tenth chapter, verses 1-5, Christ tells his listeners a parable.  He told them that he was like a shepherd.  He said his sheep will hear his voice, and will follow him.  He also mentioned a gate and a wall.  What has a wall got to do with anything involving a shepherd and his sheep?  Let me show you.

The Judean Shepherd during the time of Christ spent all his time with his sheep.  They were part of his life, part of his family and his only means of substance.  The Shepherd has an infinite love for all of his sheep, even the ones that have "little to no" use.  Great care was taken in raising the sheep.  There was an inseparable bond between the master and the sheep.  The Shepherd not only cares for, but protects his sheep, even to the loss of his own life.  The Sheep willingly follow him and trust him.  When he calls they will come.  Those not belonging to that shepherd will not come.  When the night comes the shepherd will lead the sheep into a pen.  The pen would be made out of stone and surrounding the wall was brush making it hard to jump over the wall.  There was only one place to enter the pen and that was the gate.  The only thing standing in the way of that gate, was the Shepherd.  Any thieves or wolves not willing to deal with the shepherd may try jumping the wall.  But once the shepherd hears commotion among his sheep, the intruder will soon face the wrath of the shepherd.



D&C 18:11-12



How fitting is the comparison between our Lord and Savior, and the Shepherd.  Christ has an infinite love for all of us, despite our circumstances.  He took upon himself the sins of the world in Gethsemane.  He did that so that we would have a chance to return to God's presence. He laid down his life for us on Calvary's cross.  He broke the bands of death so that we can be resurrected.  He gave us the Gospel and commandments for us to follow so that we may be led to "green pastures."  When we have done wrong in our life, he will forgive us on conditions of repentance.  How great a love he had for us, that he was willing to go through all that for us.  Because he suffered for us, and paid the price for sin.  All He asks of us is to repent of our sins, become as a little child, and follow him (John 8:12) even as a child submits to his father.  Following Christ is having faith in him and doing what he asks of us, because "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26).  We may not understand why Christ asks us to do what we need to do.  But by placing our trust in him we are able to grow to greatness.  Sheep that do not follow the voice of the Shepherd are lost.  When we ignore the Savior and his teachings, we become "lost".  If the sheep will allow the Shepherd to care for them, they are kept safe.  The same thing applies with the Savior.  If we will listen to him, obey his word, and allow him to work within us, we will be saved at the last day.

Learn more about the Jesus Christ by going to: http://mormon.org/jesus-christ/