My Good Shepherd – April 26, 2026

One key truth: The risen Jesus lives to be our Good Shepherd, guiding and protecting us.

A 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.
John 10:10–11 EHV

My Good Shepherd

Sheep aren’t known for being wise. They wander off without noticing danger. They follow each other into trouble. They get stuck and tangled in the brush, or they just get lost. Left on their own, they do not survive for long. They don’t mean to get in trouble—they just drift there.

That picture is closer to our lives than we often like to admit. You chase after what looks good in the moment, only to find it leaves you empty. You listen to voices that promise happiness, but they stir up worry instead. You go along with the crowd, even when it leads you away from what is right. You think, “Everyone else is doing it… it’ll be fine.” But it usually isn’t. It’s easy to be drawn off course, and it’s hard to find your way back. You need someone who sees more than you can see, someone who will not leave you when danger comes.

Jesus says he is that Good Shepherd. He calls his sheep by name. He leads them to safe pastures. He places himself between them and the thief who comes to steal and destroy. He lays down his life so that his sheep might live. That is exactly what happened on Easter. Jesus faced death in your place. He took the punishment of your sin onto himself. He rose to lead you into life with God, a life that is full and lasting. When he says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly,” he’s not talking about a perfect life—he’s talking about a real life filled with his forgiveness, peace, and purpose he means your life.

Following Jesus doesn’t mean every path will be smooth, but it does mean you never walk alone. Jesus is your Good Shepherd. He knows your name. He knows the dangers you face and the temptations that pull at you. He knows the burdens you carry and the fears that weigh you down. And still, he calls you his own. He guides you when you are uncertain. He guards you when sin and temptation come calling. He carries you when you are weak. When you wander, he doesn’t give up—he comes after you.

Jesus is the Shepherd who gave his life for his sheep and then took it up again. His resurrection proves that his care for you never ends. The dangers around you are real, and the weight you carry can feel heavy, but his voice still calls through it all and leads you forward. The empty tomb stands as lasting proof that your Shepherd is alive. He guards you, he guides you, and he will not let you go. You don’t have to figure life out alone. Stay near him, and you will never walk alone.

Prayer:

Good Shepherd, thank you for laying down your life for me and taking it up again in victory. Keep me close to your voice. Guide me in every path, guard me from every danger, and carry me safely to eternal life with you. Amen.