"I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD." The good shepherd gave His life for the sheep. Jesus' sheep are peculiarly His own; His Father chose them and gave them to Him; He became their shepherd; they were doomed to die, but He died for them. O what an infinite love was the love of Jesus! He forsook His Father's house, left behind the company of angels, the throne of glory, and became a man to be a substitute for many. He offered Himself for them, shed His blood to give them life. Amazing transaction, He redeemed them to God at great cost, to gather a new people out of every nation, country, kindred and tongue. They are doubly His, and doubly precious, being gifted by His Father and then redeemed with His blood. Herein is love, not that we loved Jesus, but that He loved us, and gave Himself to be the propitiation for our sins. Are we among His sheep? Are we like them? Do we love them, cleave to them, and walk with them? His sheep are gentle, harmless, peaceful, humble, dependent upon Him, and devoted to Him. They hear His voice, love His ways, and follow Him wherever He goes.

For Meditation:
When the Shepherd's life was needful
To redeem the sheep from death,
Of their safety ever heedful,
Jesus yielded up His breath;
Faithful Shepherd,
Love like Thine was yet unheard!