One of the enduring images of both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures is that of the good shepherd. The Psalmist, the prophet Ezekiel, and Jesus himself used this human picture to convey a divine reality. The picture is that of the shepherd who cares well for his sheep, even to the point of laying down his life for the sheep; the divine reality is that the Son of God cares for us so much that he was willing to lay down his life for us. This love creates new life in us, so that we desire to be loving to those around us.

The good shepherd is the one who will lead the sheep. He will go before the sheep to test the way. The sheep will confidently follow, because they see that the shepherd has gone before them, through the narrow passages and over the danger-laden pathways. The wri…