Our Holy Father John Chrysostom (the Golden-Mouthed), Archbishop of Constantinople (407)
Read
Hebrews 7:26-8:2; John 10:9-16
In the Gospel lesson, the Lord identifies with himself a common image of leadership in the ancient world that of a shepherd. Naturally, this image is found in the Old Testament in Psalm 22 (23), Isa 40:11 and many other places. The significance of Jesus using the image of shepherd goes far beyond the simple meaning of leadership, but rather finds its fulfilment in the promise God made through the prophecy of Ezekiel—who lived during the time of the Babylonian exile (6th Century BC). In Ezekiel 34:11,14,15,16 God promises that:
Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out… I will feed them with good pasture… I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God…. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the crippled, and I will strengthen the weak…
By proclaiming himself as the Good Shepard, Jesus is claiming that the prophecy is fulfilled in him, thus stating that he is Divine—one with the Father. He has the divine authority to grant rest in this life and in eternity for only God is able to grant us the pasture of salvation, which our human heart and soul longs for. And He displays His infinite compassion and care for us as he is willing to lay down his life for us. What shepherd is willing to sacrifice his life for livestock? He can always acquire more sheep but only has one life. Yet, this is exactly what Jesus is willing to do for you and me. I am the sheep of your pasture: Shepherd me, Lord Jesus.