The Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd 22x28 676This year we will focus on The Good Shepherd as our primary center of reflection, devotion, discussion, and meditation. Of the many powerful images of Christ in Scripture, perhaps none is as well known and beloved as that of the Good Shepherd. Jesus referred to himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. As the One who tends his own people like a shepherd, our Lord goes before his own to provide, protect, and lead them into his way.

The image of the Good Shepherd invites us to carefully and precisely meditate upon the care and ministry of our Lord Jesus on behalf of his people. The image of the shepherd is a strong pastoral theme which has been deeply influential throughtout the history of the Christian Church. For centuries, the believing community worldwide has associated the ministries of Christian leadership with the shepherding image, granting this imagery great significance in the work of the bishop, the priest or pastor, the elder, and the Christian leader. The meaning is rich and virtually integrated: to be a Christian leader is to be an underhepherd on behalf of the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, the Lord Jesus Christ. “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, [21] equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Heb. 13.20-21).

  • The Season of Advent and Celebration of Christmas: The Coming and Birth of Christ
    ~ Immanuel Is Come, Matt 1.18-25 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ Immanuel is come, Matt. 1.18-25 (Prayer Guide pdf)
  • The Season after Epiphany: The Manifestation of Christ
    ~ Let Your Light Shine, Matt. 5.13-20 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ Let Your Light Shine, Matt. 5.13-20 (Prayer Guide pdf)
  • The Season of Lent and Observance of Holy Week: The Lowliness and Passion of Christ
    ~ The Sacrifices of God, Ps. 51.1-19 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ The Sacrifices of God, Ps. 51.1-19 (Prayer Guide pdf)
  • The Season from Easter to Pentecost: The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ
    ~ Christ Has Risen! He Has Risen, Indeed!, Matt. 28.1-10 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ Christ Has Risen! He Has Risen, Indeed!, Matt. 28.1-10 (Prayer Guide pdf)
  • The Season after Pentecost: The Coming of the Holy Spirit
    ~ Come Holy Spirit, Acts 2.1-21 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ Come Holy Spirit, Acts 2.1-21 (Prayer Guide pdf)
  • The Season after Pentecost: A Season of Christ's Headship
    ~ Sometimes He Calms the Storm, Matt. 14.22-33 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ Sometimes He Calms the Storm, Matt. 14.22-33 (Prayer Guide pdf)
  • The Season after Pentecost: A Season of Christ's Harvest
    ~ Laborers in the Vineyard, Matt 20.1-16 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ Laborers in the Vineyard, Matt 20.1-17 (Video)
    ~ Laborers in the Vineyard, Matt. 20.1-17 (Prayer Guide pdf)
  • The Season after Pentecost: A Season of Christ's Hope
    ~ Come to the Wedding Feast, Matt. 22.1-14 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ Come to the Wedding Feast, Matt. 22.1-14 (Prayer Guide pdf)
  • The Season after Pentecost: Remembering the Saints, Exalting the King
    ~ The Coming of the Lord, 1 Thess. 4.13-18 (Audio and Teaching Outline)
    ~ The Coming of the Lord, 1 Thess. 4.13-18 (Prayer Guide pdf)