“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

— John 10:11

Jesus makes clear that his work is much more than a job to do. He has real skin in the game. He is not playing at caring for the Lord’s sheep until something better comes along. Jesus is the gate that any poacher or corrupting force would have to pass through to get to the Lord’s sheep—and because of his deep love for us, he is willing to die on our behalf in order to bring us back home to his Father.

This is Jesus’ mission. The sheep and the good shepherd are completely connected to each other. As Romans 8:39 tells us, nothing can “separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus doesn’t feel put upon to carry out this mission for the Father; he and the Father are of one mind, both driven by a shared love for the sheep.

Jesus the Son gave up his privilege in heaven, emptying himself to come and invite us back into a relationship with God our Father and Creator (Philippians 2:6-8). What an amazing sacrifice! And this is amplified by Jesus’ willingness to lay down his life for us so that we can be saved. This is amazing grace! This is abounding love!

How can you thank God for this astonishing gift today?

We thank you, Jesus, for your sacrificial love. Thank you that nothing can separate us from you. Help us to live boldly into this gracious truth. Amen.