The Good Shepherd

What distinguishes an excellent employee from a good or poor one? Poor employees usually do the bare minimum; Good employees are a step above, putting in more than minimal effort but usually in it for the money. And excellent employee is willing to give 110%, doing whatever is asked of them not only for their own benefit, but the benefit of their employer. Israel had many spiritual shepherds in their past. Many were poor; a few were good. But only one was outstanding-- Jesus Christ! He is the 'Good' or outstanding Shepherd. But what sets Jesus apart from the others. First, Jesus Christ gives His life for you and I. He died in our stead to rescue us from our sins and to bring us into His flock. He willingly laid down His life for us. He is the Outstanding Shepherd because He sustains a love relationship with us! He knows each of us personally, by name, and we know Jesus. Jesus loves us, and we, in turn love Him. Jesus is also the Outstanding Shepherd for He unites His sheep into one flock. Believing Jews and believing Gentiles, united together into one flock, the church, with one Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He gave His life for you and I to bring us into God's flock. No wonder He is called the 'Good' Shepherd!!