As I had mentioned previously, I am reading through the book The Desire of Ages. The chapter I most recently read is entitled "The Divine Shepherd". The concept of Jesus being a shepherd is perhaps one of the most common ways in which Jesus is portrayed. If you go into practically any church or cathedral that has stained glass windows there will be some reference to this concept. Why is it so popular? Out of all the word pictures found in the Scriptures, why does this one resonate with people as much as it does? I would venture to say that it is because of this fact. We all want Someone to take care of us.
Sure there are many who with much bravado will say that they don't need anybody, that they can take care of themselves. I will be bold enough to say that those people are simply fooling themselves. We are in constant need of care, and that is why Jesus referred to us as sheep. Now as I mentioned some months ago, being a sheep is not a popular analogy for many people. This is mainly due to this false sense of independence that was just as prevalent back then as it is today. Someone once told me that the parables were often meant to offend people in one way or another. To a self-made man or woman, this concept would be quite offensive. We have to be humble and realize our need.
In closing, remember this,
"Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust." -- The Desire of Ages pg. 483
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