Christ The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” - John 10:11

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The Lord Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, became bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, that He might be a more tender Shepherd to His flock. He put on our nature so that He might weep with us in our weeping, and rejoice with us in our rejoicing. His heart is that of a shepherd, warm, watchful, and full of care. He never tires of His poor sheep, nor grows weary of their cries. The Shepherd has come down to seek that which was lost, and He will not be satisfied until all the flock are gathered into His fold forever.

Christ takes more delight in His people than they do in Him. It is the joy of the Shepherd to carry the lambs in His bosom. The weakest believer is as dear to Him as the strongest. If the sheep wander, He follows them. If they fall, He lifts them. If they are wounded, He heals them. His love is not a distant love. He feeds them with His own body and blood, guards them night and day, and stands between them and the wolf. Though they be weak, He will hold them fast. Though they tremble, He will keep them safe. The Shepherd knows every one of His sheep by name, and none shall pluck them out of His hand.

Let not the believer measure Christ by His own cold heart. The love of Christ is far deeper than the fear of the saints. Your sins may grieve Him, but they will never dissolve His love. The Shepherd who bought the flock with His blood will never lose one of them. Rest, therefore, in His arms. Follow Him whithersoever He leads, and trust Him until He brings you home.

(Taken From Letters of Samuel Rutherford by Samuel Rutherford)