My Good Shepherd

John 10:14

New International Version (NIV)

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

Luke 15:1-7

New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

I loved this image of Jesus and the lost sheep, the caring shepherd rescuing his helpless sheep.  Such a great neediness meets such a great love!  That was me tangled in the vine and no way to rescue myself, the hour I first believed.  He has kept me ever since and will one day lead me Home.