Why is Christ the Good Shepherd?

Today, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). Christ the good shepherd is our role model of love and care. If we obediently continue to listen to him and to follow him, he will lead us safely to our destination in heaven.

God saw some special characteristics in shepherds that made him choose them to lead his people. These qualities are found in fullness in the person of Jesus Christ.

One of these characteristics is sacrificial love, the kind of love that took Jesus to the cross where he bled and died for his flock. Jesus loves his sheep to the point of giving his life for them.

In the gospel, Jesus also testifies that he knows his sheep. He knows when they are hungry and thirsty. He knows when they are weak and wounded. To love is to know. There is no love without a relationship.

The celebration of Christ the Good Shepherd today reminds us that we, as followers of Christ are part of His flock, and are called to also imitate Him as a good shepherd. We can do this because each one of us occasionally occupies leadership positions over others.  

Jesus teaches us about good and true leadership, and he sets Himself as the model by using the image of the Good Shepherd.

He takes care of his flock. He knows them by name, He takes a personal interest in them.

We can find examples of Good Shepherds in every: 

- Sacrificial mother or father
- Honest president or governor
- Holy and caring priest
- Caring brother or sister
- Just and respectful police officer.
- Dedicated teacher, cook, cleaner, or gardener

Priests, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, engineers, parents, everyone, are all shepherds in their own fields.

We are all shepherds but are we all good shepherds?

Let us strive to be good shepherds, responsible for the flock under our care, serving them with love, as Christ the Good Shepherd did, who came that we may have life in full!