Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd.
A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd
and whose sheep are not his own,
sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away,
and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd,
and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;
and I will lay down my life for the sheep.”
—John 10:11-18
O loving shepherd of the flock,
the storm is rising high
and predators who stalk the dark
are circling nearby.
Your voice still sounds, a constant pulse
that rings out low and clear
amid the howling of the wolves
so swiftly drawing near.
O, let us hear you through the storm
and panic-stricken night,
and keep us safely in your fold
'til morning rises bright.
But if we're scattered to the winds,
still you would find us there.
If we are driven by our sins,
we have not left your care.
For you have climbed the farthest hills
and combed the valleys deep,
that even from the darkest vales
you will bring back your sheep.
Not one is lost forever, then,
though we have left the fold;
not one will slip out of your hand,
but you will bring us home.
James Tissot, The Good Shepherd.
Kate Bluett 