Small reading in John’s gospel this morning, but a pretty big idea comes across. Only 11 verses, but one phrase repeated four times. Took just a few minutes to read, but from them given an eternity to respond.

“I am the good shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.” ~ Jesus

(John 10:14-18 ESV)

I’ve read these verses many times before. This morning the repetition echoed in a fresh and forceful manner. I felt like I was hit with the again and again peal of a massive church bell calling me to worship. I lay down My life . . . I lay down My life . . . I lay it down . . . I have authority to lay it down.

“Uh, Jesus? What did You do with Your life?”

“I laid it down. I laid it down for My sheep.”

Pause. Chew on it. Noodle on it. Meditate away. And then, let the awe and wonder build.

I love the LORD who is the “my shepherd” of Psalm 23. That He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. That He restores My soul and shows me the paths of righteousness. I love that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I’ve no need to fear evil, for He is always with me and His rod and staff comfort me. So grateful that He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies and anoints me with the oil of His Spirit, so much so that my cup overflows.

I love that I rest in the reality that surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and that I can confidently look forward to dwelling in the house of the LORD forever. Yeah, I love the LORD “my shepherd.”

But without the Lord who is “the good shepherd,” there could be no “my shepherd.” He is the One who leads His sheep because He was first the One who would purpose to lay down His life for the sheep. Without the shepherd who gave Himself for His flock, the hope of a shepherd who would lead His flock would be just a pipe dream, a wish-I-may-I wish-I-might warm and fuzzy sentiment.

The LORD is my shepherd because He is the good shepherd, the One who laid down His life for the sheep. Laid it down willingly. Laid it down willfully. Willingly, because it was the Father’s determination. Laid it down willfully, because He had authority to do so. Laid it down sacrificially, so that sin’s bondage and death’s grip would be broken, and my ears would be open to hear His voice and, by faith-fueled following, be counted part of His one flock.

Hear Jesus whisper this morning, over and over again, “I lay down My life.”

And then bask afresh in the love of God, thanking Him for the cross and the One crucified on it.

And then . . . worship!

Because of such great grace. Only for His great glory.