Saturday, November 14
As we close out our look at Jesus as the Good Shepherd, I want to share one more meaning of this promise: He is the Shepherd who has beaten death for us.
Again and again in John 10:11-18, Jesus speaks of laying down His life for His sheep. But near the end of the passage, He adds this note: “I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”
Some see Jesus as one more example of an oppressive regime killing an innocent man. But Jesus was no victim. The Romans didn’t murder Him. Nor did the Sanhedrin. He laid down His life of His own accord; His enemies were merely the pathway He took to reach that goal of atonement. Jesus laid down His life, which is amazing.
But He also took it up again, which is miraculous.
Because He took up His own life, raising Himself from the grave, we know that death no longer rules over us. The ancient foe, the darkest villain of the worst of our nightmares, the cause of so much grief and pain, has been defeated. Not “will” be defeated, but “has already.”
Therefore, I have one question on this Saturday morning, Are you living that way? Do you walk in the hope of eternal life? Do you think of your own death as victory? Is your justified grief over the loss of loved ones who died in Christ mingled with rejoicing for what they are presently experiencing, and giddy anticipation of seeing them again?
…and maybe a bit of righteous envy? If you say, “I sure wish I could be there now too,” my reply is, “I’m with ya.”
Until then, let’s follow Him. As it says in this beautiful hymn, Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us.
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
