ADVENT JOURNEY 2025 (Exploring the Character Traits of the Messiah) -- EPISODE 4

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who protects, guides, and never leaves your side. He leads you to what strengthens your soul and carries you when you’re weary. Let His steady, tender care quiet your heart today.

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Transcript

The Messiah: The Good Shepherd

Scripture: John 10:11 (NASB)

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

Today we reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd—gentle, guiding, and sacrificial.

A shepherd in the ancient world lived with his sheep—he knew their sounds, their habits, their weaknesses, and their needs. His job was not distant oversight but constant presence. This is the picture Jesus chooses for Himself. A shepherd leads from the front, not by pushing from behind. A shepherd protects fiercely, fighting off predators and danger. A shepherd provides, making sure the sheep find pasture, water, and rest. A shepherd stays near, especially to the hurt, the wandering, and the weak.

Jesus does all of this—perfectly. He calls us by name—not as a crowd, but as individuals He knows intimately. He leads us to what nourishes—not to what we think we want, but to what our souls truly need. He walks with us through valleys—never sending us alone into dark or frightening places. He guards us from harm—even the dangers we cannot see. And He laid down His life to save us—the ultimate act of a Good Shepherd.

Shepherds are also patient. They slow their pace for the injured. They lift the weary onto their shoulders. They search tirelessly for the one who wanders. The Good Shepherd does not scold or shame the lost—He rescues them. Many voices compete for our attention today—voices of fear, comparison, pressure, doubt. But only one voice brings life, rest, and peace: the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Listen for Him today. Follow His gentle leading. Rest in His unhurried, unwavering care.