阅读经文 

如果你养过宠物，你就会知道主人和动物会产生的那种连结。比如说，你有一只狗，你给它食物和住的地方，你训练它，摸它的肚子。作为回报，这条狗会对你建立很牢固的依恋关系，因为你为它提供了归属感和安全感。

在约翰福音第10章，耶稣视自己为一个好牧人——照顾羊群的人。你和我可能不喜欢被比作是羊，因为它们并不是很漂亮的动物。但耶稣是我们的牧人，这一描述有极大意义。

在那个时代的牧人既是照顾者，又是领导者。牧人会在羊害怕或受伤的时候安抚它们，如果它们走迷了路，牧人会把它们带回羊群。还有些时候，牧人会纠正和引导羊群走正确的路。一个好牧人的一切行为都是要给羊群带来最大利益。

这样来思想耶稣和祂为我们所做的一切，该是何等美好！祂不止是一位老师。祂是我们的头，是我们的主。祂的声音引领我们走人生路。祂的手供应我们的需要。祂的管教使我们远离灾害。祂的爱和看顾带给我们美好的生活。

If you have ever owned a pet, you know the bond that can form between an animal and its caretaker. For example, if you have a dog, you provide it with food and shelter, discipline, and belly rubs. And, in return, the dog forms a strong bond with you because you are giving it a sense of belonging and safety.

In John 10, Jesus identifies himself as the good shepherd—someone who takes care of a flock of sheep. You and I might not love the idea of being compared to sheep, because they are not very bright animals. But there's a lot of power in this picture of Jesus as our shepherd.

A shepherd in those days was both a leader and a caretaker. Sometimes the shepherd provided comfort to the animals when they were scared or injured, going as far as carrying them back to the flock when they had wandered off. Other times the shepherd had to correct and guide the sheep to get them where they needed to go. A good shepherd acted with the sheep's best interest in mind.

What a great way to think about Jesus and what he does for us! He is much more than a teacher. He is our Master and Lord. His voice leads us on the path of life. His hand provides for our needs. His discipline keeps us out of harm's way. His love and care give us the best life possible.