The Good Shepherd

Lithograph image of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd with gold leaf on the fillet finish. Several times in the Holy Bible Jesus Christ is referred to as “Good Shepherd” and his believers, friends and disciples as “flock” while the depiction of Jesus-Shepherd with a sheep in his arms is frequent, an image that exudes love, care and protection.In a passage from the evangelist John (10:1-21) when referring to Christ as the Good Shepherd, Jesus is shown to determine His life according to the needs of His “sheep”. The same simile is used in all four gospels with the “Good Shepherd”, Jesus, not allowing Himself to lose any of His sheep. The allegorical story as told in John’s writings shows that the people around Christ had realized his clear position as the Son of God.Why does Jesus choose to give himself and Son of God this designation? The answer is simple and clear. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ appears as the guide, protector, healer and shepherd of his sheep who need spiritual nourishment, healing, care and mercy. This shepherd, the Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His sick sheep progress toward healing.”Truly I say to you, he who does not enter through the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up from another place, that is a thief and a robber.” he is a thief and a robber. The Lord’s adversaries claimed that these were the only recognized leaders of the theocratic nation. He now proves to them that in reality they were but selfish, hired shepherds, whereas on the contrary he is the only good Shepherd of souls.