“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 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.”
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 10:10-18; 15:13
The epitome of abundant life to Jesus was laying down His life as Shepherd for His sheep, as Savior for His friends. While it sounds like an inconsistency in practice, He knew it was the way to redemption, giving up life in order to offer eternal life. Laying down His life was the purpose for which He was sent from the Father, and nothing gave Him more joy than to glorify His Father by fulfilling His will. (John 4:34; 17:1-5)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
We Christ’s sheep have opportunity every day to lay down our lives for our good Shepherd. As He had authority to give up His spirit and die for our sakes, we have His indwelling Spirit to enable us to live that exchanged life- ours for His, moment by moment. It takes deliberate offering of ourselves- our pride, dreams, regrets, selfish preferences- on His altar, no sliding off, to remain faithful and fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Matthew 27:50; Galatians 2:20)
Can we honestly say we have laid down our lives for Jesus? In what areas have we partially surrendered, yet hold onto a few little gods, ugly habits, greedy indulgences? Considering that Jesus gave His all, what might the Lord be calling me to lay down once-for-all in order to fulfill His will for my season of life? What harsh words, unloving attitudes, past shame, hot temper, or prickly arrogance need I sacrifice on Christ’s altar? Laying down means no retrieval.
Lord, help me lay down my life for You, Your people, and Your glory.
As the rain and snow 