Manna Moment: Jesus the Good Shepherd. On Canada Day, we celebrate the nation, its people, and its leaders. But as much as governments and leaders can guide us, no human leader is perfect.
Jesus declares Himself as the only Shepherd who never fails, never abandons, and never misguides His people:
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
(John 10:11, NIV)
Shepherds do more than lead—they protect, provide, and sacrifice for their sheep. And Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd, willing to give His very life for us.
A Journey Through Scripture: The Shepherd Who Leads Us Home
1. The Lord as Our Shepherd from the Beginning
Long before Jesus walked the earth, God revealed Himself as the Shepherd of His people.
- Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.”
- From the very beginning, God’s desire was to lead, provide, and care for His people.
2. The Shepherd Who Seeks the Lost
Jesus, a leader for all, both for the strong and actively searching for those who are lost:
- Luke 15:4 – “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others and go to search for the one that is lost?”
- No matter how far you’ve wandered, Jesus is coming for you.
3. The Shepherd Who Protects His Flock
Sheep are vulnerable to wolves, thieves, and dangers. Jesus warns that not all leaders care for their people:
- John 10:12-13 – “A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming… because he doesn’t really care about the sheep.”
- But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, never leaves His sheep unprotected.
4. The Shepherd Who Lays Down His Life
A true shepherd sacrifices for his flock—and Jesus sacrificed everything.
- John 10:15 – “I lay down My life for the sheep.”
- No one forced Jesus to die—He chose to lay down His life so that we could live.
5. The Eternal Shepherd Who Will Lead Forever
Even in eternity, Jesus will still be our Shepherd.
- Revelation 7:17 – “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water.”
- Those who follow Him will never be lost, never be in need, and never be afraid again.
What Does This Mean for You?
As we reflect on Canada Day, ask yourself:
- Who is truly leading my life? Am I following Jesus, or am I relying on my own direction?
- Do I trust the Good Shepherd’s care and guidance? Or am I trying to lead myself?
- How can I help bring someone else back to the Shepherd?
A Personal Invitation
Friend, you are not alone. You have a Shepherd who knows you, calls you by name, and leads you into life everlasting.
This month, will you choose to follow Him?
May the Good Shepherd guide you always,
Eric