The Good Shepherd
Luke chapter 15 is often called the gospel within the gospel. This is where Jesus shares important parables about the gospel of grace. The first illustration is the parable of the lost sheep. According to the first seven verses of this chapter:
“THEN drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5. And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”
The Pharisees criticized Jesus for associating with publicans (tax collectors) and sinners. They thought that they were too righteous in their own self-righteousness to keep company with the “unclean” sinners of the world.
When Jesus had previously addressed the Pharisees, he told them about two people who came into the synagogue to pray. One person, a Pharisee said, “I’m thankful that I’m not like those sinners over there because I keep the Old Testament law and the Ten Commandments.” The other man, a tax collector beat his chest as he prayed, “O Lord have mercy on me a sinner.” Jesus asked the Pharisees, “which prayer do you think that God heard?” The lesson is to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. In our own power we are nothing. We must empty ourselves so that he is our all in all.
The people of Jesus’ time could relate to The parable of the lost sheep. They knew that sheep were helpless and in need of a shepherd. If a sheep lay down in a ditch and rolled over on his back, the sheep could not get up. This “cast sheep” would die in this position if the shepherd didn’t rescue him.” The shepherd was responsible for every sheep in his flock. When one sheep was missing, the shepherd diligently looked for the one lost sheep until he found him. Some villages owned flocks of sheep and appointed shepherds to watch the sheep. If one shepherd didn’t return with the sheep at the end of the day, they knew that he was looking for a lost sheep.
When the shepherd returns with the lost sheep, there is rejoicing. There are four types who rejoice when the shepherd finds the lost sheep. One is the sheep himself. When a person strays from the flock and then is restored into fellowship, the pastor, the shepherd of the sheep also rejoices.
Jesus Christ himself, the chief shepherd rejoices. Jesus identified himself as the shepherd of the flock. The shepherd leads and guides his sheep through the valley of the shadow of death. He gladly lays down his life for his sheep. According to Hebrews 12:2, He who for the joy (of your salvation and mine) that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he rejoices and invites his friends to rejoice with him. This is the key to continuing in fellowship in the household of faith. When lost sheep return to Christ, this is a time of celebration and rejoicing….for he who was lost is found. Heaven also rejoices when a sinner repents and comes to Christ.
Many people remember the exact moment of repentance and salvation. We’re saved because we were called by the shepherd. Jesus said, my sheep hear my voice and they know me. They follow me and I give unto them eternal life.
Salvation is an example of grace. For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.
The call of God is an exclusive call. Only those who know their shepherd follow their shepherd. The shepherd’s sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice. They know that when they are cast down, helpless, and vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, the shepherd will deliver them. According to Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters; he restoreth my soul. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
This is the hope of heaven. In this life we can guard our hearts to keep an attitude of awe and gratitude. For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations.
We’ve been called by the good shepherd to “feed the flock of God which is among you. He has made us able ministers of the New Testament. Grace is caught and not taught. Jesus Christ himself is our example of Grace. When we spend time in his presence walking according the way that he has fore ordained for us, then we can show others what it means to walk in fellowship with the good shepherd. For what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.
May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael