The Good Shepherd

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Jesus continued to teach the people. Some people believed what he said. But other people did not. One day, Jesus said that he was like a shepherd. A shepherd is a person who takes care of sheep.

He said, ‘I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep. And they know me. The Father loves me. That is because I will give my life for my sheep. No one can take my life from me. I give it freely.’

Now, the time came for a holy day in Jerusalem. Jesus and his disciples were there. He walked into the place of worship. And many people came to him. They asked, ‘How long are you going to make us guess? If you are the Promised Saviour, tell us clearly.’

Jesus replied, ‘I have already told you, and you do not believe me. You do not believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to me.They hear my voice. I know them. And they follow me.’

‘I give them life that lasts for ever. They will never die. No one can take them away from me. My father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can take them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.’

The people picked up stones to kill him. But Jesus said, ‘Why are you going to throw stones at me?’ And the people said, ‘You show that you do not respect God. You make yourself to be God, but you are only a man.’

Jesus answered, ‘Why do you say I do not respect God? I do my Father’s work. If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I do them, believe me because of the works that I do.’

Once again, they tried to arrest Jesus. But he escaped from them and left the city.