Jesus, The Good Shepherd; Jesus, The Passover Lamb
First Published April 2, 2010
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Isaiah 40:11
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs,
and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
**** ****
When I was a freshman at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, my roommate Margaret, talked me into helping her and some other animal science friends keep watch over the ewes very close to giving birth. She explained that the sheep need help during a lambing to keep the mortality rate low. In their natural environment, sheep tended to just ignore their just-born lambs. I was lucky to witness the arrival of a new lamb, and sure enough, the mommy started to move away. Very quietly and gently Margaret picked up the lamb in a cloth and reunited it with the ewe to nurse.
The meaning of today’s verse was very familiar to the people who heard the words of Isaiah. They knew that a newborn lamb needed the guidance of the shepherd to ensure its safety and proper nurturing. The prophetic words truly describe the Good Shepherd, Jesus. He provides the way to reunite Man with the God, the Father.
**** ****
Jesus, the Passover Lamb
John 1:29
The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming to him, and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
**** ****
Not only was Jesus referred to as that Good Shepherd, he was also described as the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God. As John the Baptist saw his cousin approaching, he revealed Jesus’ true identity, and the perfect sacrifice. A spotless lamb was significant for the Jews. It was required to present for the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:21). Jesus’ earthly life purpose was to be the ultimate Passover Lamb, preventing death to rule, as well as to deliver the world from sin.
As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of the Christ, let us consider his complete purpose as both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God.
**** ****
God, Father of the universe, I think back on my incredible experience of seeing the birth of a lamb, ingraining the imagery of your son coming into the world to reunite man with you and becoming the perfect sacrifice. Thank you. I pray that you will keep me aware of Jesus’ complete role, and that I will boldly celebrate Easter as the beginning of new life in Christ. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Karen Vaughn
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Isaiah 40:11
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs,
and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
**** ****
When I was a freshman at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, my roommate Margaret, talked me into helping her and some other animal science friends keep watch over the ewes very close to giving birth. She explained that the sheep need help during a lambing to keep the mortality rate low. In their natural environment, sheep tended to just ignore their just-born lambs. I was lucky to witness the arrival of a new lamb, and sure enough, the mommy started to move away. Very quietly and gently Margaret picked up the lamb in a cloth and reunited it with the ewe to nurse.
The meaning of today’s verse was very familiar to the people who heard the words of Isaiah. They knew that a newborn lamb needed the guidance of the shepherd to ensure its safety and proper nurturing. The prophetic words truly describe the Good Shepherd, Jesus. He provides the way to reunite Man with the God, the Father.
**** ****
Jesus, the Passover Lamb
John 1:29
The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming to him, and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
**** ****
Not only was Jesus referred to as that Good Shepherd, he was also described as the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God. As John the Baptist saw his cousin approaching, he revealed Jesus’ true identity, and the perfect sacrifice. A spotless lamb was significant for the Jews. It was required to present for the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:21). Jesus’ earthly life purpose was to be the ultimate Passover Lamb, preventing death to rule, as well as to deliver the world from sin.
As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of the Christ, let us consider his complete purpose as both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God.
**** ****
God, Father of the universe, I think back on my incredible experience of seeing the birth of a lamb, ingraining the imagery of your son coming into the world to reunite man with you and becoming the perfect sacrifice. Thank you. I pray that you will keep me aware of Jesus’ complete role, and that I will boldly celebrate Easter as the beginning of new life in Christ. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Karen Vaughn
posted by Karen Vaughn | 9:51 AM
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