Most of us know very well Psalm 23 which begins, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Have you ever thought about what it means to be Christ’s lamb? A shepherd cares very much for his sheep. He faces many dangers to protect the creatures in his care.

Sheep do not always have an easy life. They do not see dangers, and often get lost and cannot find their way home. They get sick more easily than goats do, and must have very clean water and nice, fluffy green grass to stay healthy. They need to be protected from wolves who would sneak up and eat them. So, the shepherd’s care is important. The sheep come to trust their shepherd because they learn that he always watches out for their good. When they hear his voice, they gladly come, since they know it is best for them.

Jesus used this scene to show His care for us: “He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. . . . The sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. . . . I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:2–5, 14).