Principle Number Three: The Good Shepherd volunteers to shepherd (Jn. 10:16-18).
This third principle is first suggested in John 10:16: “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring…” The word for “must” (dei) carries the idea of an unavoidable and urgent necessity based on the very nature of things. The Good Shepherd cannot not volunteer. His nature, disposition, and personality all compel Him to corral the sheep. Thus, He volunteers to shepherd: “…I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself” (v. 17). Shepherding is His first choice out of a plethora of other invitations and options. He has no alternative “career” goals. There are no competing joys, amusements, or hobbies, for He lives to shepherd His sheep. To Him there is no greater joy.
Do we under-shepherds view our calling with the same joyful enthusiasm as the Good Shepherd? If given the option, we as elders might not consider shepherding our first choice. We might become disenchanted with the work as less stressful and more entertaining options entice us. Instead of finding great joy in tending the flock, we might find no joy at all. If so, then in spite of the circumstances that led to our discouragement, we must take responsibility for our paralysis. The secret to treatment lies in open confession to the Lord of our heart’s condition. He alone can restore us by allowing His soothing Spirit to tenderly bind and heal our wounds. Submissive honesty in our consciences is what is required of us if we are to experience His proven spiritual cure. His Spirit will do the rest as He remolds our souls.
The Saviour’s amplifies His pledge to shepherd still further as He states, “I have the power to lay [My life] down and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father” (Jn. 10:18b). The Lord Jesus Christ has been granted full command over the end of life, as well as the greater power of resurrection. This is the highest authority any individual can have. With maximum resources in hand, He chooses to exercise them fully for the sheep’s welfare. He volunteers to invest all His wealth, up to, and including, His very life, for the sole purpose of tending sheep. There are no reserves to be spent. If examined, all of His heavenly storehouses would be empty.
Thus, as the lens of God’s Word begins to focus our thoughts, we must make full inspection of our hearts as shepherds. According to the Master Shepherd, the under-shepherd must lay all his assets (and liabilities) on the examination table. Exactly what are we holding back? Are we hiding behind the secret desire to end our “tour of duty” early so we might be free for our personal pursuits? Is our time and emotional energy unavailable for the Chief Shepherd’s service? Do we hold back some of our investments for ourselves? In short, do we daily lay down our lives for the sheep like the Good Shepherd did?
Special thanks to Steve Price for contributing this four-part series on principles for shepherding from the Good Shepherd.