Grace, peace and mercy to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Opening Scene: The Man’s Journey

The man awakens to find the massive boulder that was blocking his path has mysteriously moved. The man realizes it was Divine intervention, not his own strength, that has cleared the way for him. As he walk out of the valley, before him is a narrow but open way leading forward into a peaceful, quiet clearing.

He steps carefully, the memory of the waiting still lingering in his mind. In the distance, he hears the gentle sound of sheep and soon comes upon a shepherd tending his flock. The shepherd, wearing a simple robe, waves, then leans on his staff and smiles warmly.

“You’ve been walking a hard road,” the shepherd says, “but you are not alone. There is One who guides and protects you, even when you do not see Him.”

The man hesitates. “I’ve come a long way, and at times I felt forgotten.”

The shepherd nods knowingly. “Many do. But the Good Shepherd never leaves His sheep, not even one, even when they wander.”

The man listens as the shepherd speaks of a love so great that the Shepherd of all would lay down His life for His flock. Comforted, the man realizes he is not alone. He is seen, he is known, and cared for.

Law: The Danger of Indifference

Last Sunday we took a look at Jesus parable of a rich man and Lazarus. When Lazarus died the rich man probably thought, “Good riddance! I won’t have to step over you on the sidewalk anymore.” In many ways, we live like we don’t need a shepherd. Not necessarily always in our material wealth, but in how easily we overlook those in need, both physically and spiritually.

How often do we pass by someone in need and do nothing? How often do we live as though we are self-sufficient, neglecting the care of our own souls, like the rich man last Sunday?

Our greatest sin is often our indifference. You will see that truth in Psalm 37 this week, where we are reminded: the righteous are upheld by the Lord, while the wicked are cut off. There really is Divine justice. The same God is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness¹” is the God who, with the same justness, will condemn all who reject His attention and care, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.²

When our hearts are closed to compassion, blind to suffering at our very doorstep, we fail to recognize our own need for a Shepherd. We, too, are in danger of living as though we need nothing. The world tempts us to trust in: status, comfort, or security. But a life lived apart from the Shepherd is a life that is lost, no matter how wealthy or accomplished one might appear to be.

Gospel: The Shepherd Who Sees and Saves

Jesus does not ignore us in our need. That same Psalm 37 you will pray this week encourages us to believe trusting in the Lord brings safety and guidance, just as Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us with care. He does not leave us to suffer alone. He enters into our suffering right there with us, taking on our sin, our burdens, our brokenness. Jesus says:

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.³

Unlike the hired hand who runs away when danger comes, Jesus stays. He does not flee at the sight of wolves.⁴ He does not turn away from our wounds. He sees us, loves us, and leads us to safety, even when that safety is our final breath followed by our final step to home. The Good Shepherd welcomes those who know their need for Him. He promises not one of His sheep will be snatched from His hand.⁵

Application: Following the Shepherd’s Care

The Shepherd calls us to do more than listen to Him or believe in Him. He calls us to follow Him. This week on Friday you will read in Judges 13 about Samson’s birth and calling, highlight God’s active role in leading His people. God does not leave His chosen ones without guidance. Samson’s life demonstrates how Divine leadership is purposeful. It is also an example of one who rejects that Divine leadership to walk their own way. Follow Jesus. He leads His sheep with Divine purposeful intent, calling them to actively trust and follow Him. What does that look like?

1. See the Need Around You

Who in your life is suffering, unnoticed, or in need? Jesus sees the forgotten and calls us to do the same.

2. Trust the Shepherd’s Care for You

Your journey may be difficult, and obstacles may seem immovable. But just as the boulder was moved for the man on his journey, God clears the path in His perfect time.

3. Rest in the Shepherd’s Promises

Jesus lays down His life for the sheep. Not just for some others, but for you. His cross is the proof that you are not forgotten, not abandoned, not lost. You are His.

Closing Scene: The Journey Continues

The man stands, empowered by the shepherd’s words. Looking around, he sees the sheep grazing peacefully and unafraid. He understands now, he has been part of the flock all along. The Shepherd has been watching over him, even when he did not see it. As the man prepares to continue his journey, the shepherd places a hand on his shoulder. “You are never alone.”

With those words ringing in his ear, the man walks forward. The path is still long, but he walks with confidence, knowing the Shepherd who laid down His life will walk with him every step of the way.

Conclusion

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who calls us to follow Him, to trust in His care, and to see those in need as He does. The Shepherd never fails to see us. Will you follow where He leads? Even when there is a cost? Join us on Wednesday as we discover “The Cost of Discipleship.”

Amen.

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