I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.

– John 10:14-15

Today, I am thankful that Jesus is the good shepherd.

Jesus knows me. I am His. And Jesus intends for me to know Him, like He knows the Father. As the good shepherd, Jesus cares for me, provides for my needs, helps me to rest and enjoy the beauty He created (makes me lay down in green pastures) and guides me toward peace (leads me beside the still waters). Jesus protects me and teaches me to walk by His side.

He is my shepherd. Sometimes He needs to comfort me with His rod and staff, but He never gives up on me. When I wander off, He comes and finds me, rescuing me from the pit I’m ensnared in.

He is with me always, through the day and through the night. He knows my flaws and weaknesses. He knows what causes me to stumble. Jesus notices when I cannot take another step, and then carries me on His shoulders, just as He carried the cross.

His arms stretched out to take on my sin, to endure the punishment I deserved. Love compelled Jesus to lay down His life, lifted up on the cross.

I am secure as one of Jesus’s sheep. He says that “my sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish – ever! no one will snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28)

The Good Shepherd is so good to me.