Pew bulletin
Fr Vijay’s sermon
“I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
In John’s Gospel, Jesus not simply give teachings He reveals His identity. When He say, “I am the Good Shepherd,” He is drawing from a rich biblical tradition. In the Old Testament, God Himself is described as the shepherd of Israel: “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23). The prophets also spoke against false shepherds’ leaders who neglected and scattered God’s people (Ezekiel 34).
Into this context, Jesus speaks with authority: He is not just a guide; He is the true Shepherd sent by God. The word “good” here means more than moral goodness. It carries the sense of “true,” noble,” and beautiful.” Jesus is the Shepherd who perfectly reflects God’s heart one who knows, loves, protects and sacrifices.
Let us reflect on what this means for us today.
1. First the Good Shepherd knows us personally.
Jesus says, “I Know my own and my own knows me” (John 10:14). This is not distant knowledge. It is intimate, relational, and personal, just as the Father knows the Son. In a world where people are often unseen or reduced to numbers, this is deeply comforting. Christ sees your struggles, your fears, your hopes, and even the silent prayers you cannot express.
There is a difference between being known and being truly understood. Jesus does not only see us; He understands us with compassion. This invites us into a relationship, not just religion. We are not followers of a system; we are known by a shepherd.
2. Second, the Good Shepherd lays down his life.
Unlike a hired hand who runs away when danger comes, Jesus stays. He does not abandon His flock. Instead, He gives His life willingly. This points directly to the cross. The shepherd becomes the sacrifice.
Theologically, this reveals the depth of God’s love. Salvation is not earned; it is given. Christ’s death is not accidental, it is intentional, redemptive, and for us. As Isaiah prophesied, “we all, like sheep, have gone astray… and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
This challenges us to rethink love. True love is not convenience, it is sacrifice. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this shepherd-like love in our families, our church, and our community.
3. Third, the Good Shepherd calls us to listen and follow.
Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). The Christian life is not just about believing fact about Jesus it is about responding to His voice.
But here is the challenge: many voices compete for our attention, culture, fear, ambition, distraction. Not every voice leads to life. The voice of the Good Shepherd leads to truth, peace and purpose.
To follow Him requires attentiveness. It means spending time in scripture, prayer, and worship. It means trusting His direction even when the path is unclear. Sheep follow because they trust the shepherd’s voice. Do we trust Him in the same way?
Let me offer a simple illustration. A traveler once observed several flocks of sheep gathered near a well. They were all mixed together. But when each shepherd began to call, something remarkable happened each group of sheep separated and followed their own shepherd’s voice. They did not follow strangers.
In the same way, when we grow in relationship with Christ, we begin to recognize His voice more clearly. Discernment grows through closeness.
Dear friends, the image of the Good Shepherd is not only comforting, but it is also calling us into deeper faith.
· Are we allowing ourselves to be known by Christ?
· Are we receiving the love shown on the cross?
· Are we listening to His voice and following where He leads?
As a church community, we are also invited to reflect on the Good shepherd. We are called to care for the vulnerable, to seek the lost, and to walk with those who are struggling. The church becomes a living expression of Christ’s shepherding love. Let us not remain distant observers of this Gospel. Let’s step into it. Let us trust the Shepherd who knows us and gave his life for us.
As we go into this week, carry these points in your heart.
1. You are personally known and deeply loved by Good Shepherd.
2. Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of your hope and salvation.
3. Listening to His voice and following Him brings true life and peace.
May we hear His voice clearly, follow Him faithfully, and reflect His love generously. Amen.