I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. John 10:11-12

A shepherd protects his flock of sheep. After Jesus presented Himself as the Shepherd of the Jews, He taught them the difference between a true shepherd and a false one. A true shepherd will protect his sheep with his life whereas the false shepherd will not. A false shepherd will forsake the sheep when the predator comes.

A good shepherd protects his sheep without reservation. He will not hesitate to fight off the bear or lion which comes to capture his sheep. In order to protect his flock, he is even willing to die for them. The Bible says that there was such a shepherd. David was a shepherd during his younger days. Whenever a bear or lion took his sheep, he would chase after it and fight it. He was able to overcome these fierce predators, and protect his flock by the grace of God (1 Samuel 17:34-35). Such is the work of a good shepherd. He will protect his sheep even at the expense of his life.

On the other hand, there are false shepherds. The Lord Jesus calls them “hirelings” (John 10:12). These people are paid-workers who do not care for the sheep. If a wolf comes, they will flee rather than fight. As a result, the wolf catches the sheep, and the entire flock scatters!

The Christian life portrays a similar scenario. The Bible describes sinners as sheep which have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). When a sheep goes its own way, there will be danger. The sheep may walk into a trap set by hunters, or it may fall off the cliff. What will happen if it meets a hungry wolf? Surely, without the protection of a good shepherd, the vulnerable sheep can easily injure itself or get killed.

Jesus is the good Shepherd who protects His flock. Like the lost sheep which needs the protection of the shepherd, we too need Jesus to protect us from our enemy, the devil, who as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Children, if you want Jesus’ protection, you must follow Him and obey His words. You must believe that Jesus is the good Shepherd who came to die for your sins. He loves you, and wants you to listen to Him. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Therefore, let us come to Jesus, the good Shepherd, who protects His sheep from the enemy.