In a recent new member’s class, we discussed the meaning of the 3rd commandment, “Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.” One of the students recounted a conversation with a friend who believed that those in power created the sabbath rest day to control the people by organizing their week. At first, I was surprised by this Marxist interpretation, but as we chatted, I realized it wasn’t a ridiculous theory at all. It happens all the time.

We have become so disenchanted by human beings and human structures, governments, and even religions that we don’t trust anyone!  People might even be open to God’s existence, but like any power structure, God wants to use us or control us. In biblical language, we have grown tired of wolves in shepherd’s clothing, or as Jesus calls them, hired hands who don’t care about the sheep.

All our gods use us. They don’t stop demanding from us. They are never satisfied. Sadly, how many Christian churches feel like work camps. They may talk about salvation by grace alone, but after that, it’s Arbeit Macht Frei! 

So when Jesus announces that He is the Good Shepherd, He makes it clear that He is not only God, but He is for us. He hasn’t come to control us for His benefit. He doesn’t have ulterior motives. He is the good shepherd who knows his sheep personally and intimately. He became one of us on Christmas. He gets us. Ultimately, He laid His life down for the sheep. He has poured out His whole being for us, even while we were still sinners. He let us mock Him, beat Him, pour our anger on Him, and kill Him.

Strangely, this Shepherd does not rule by punishment and reward but by forgiveness and mercy. We can let down our guard before this shepherd. We don’t need to protect ourselves against His ulterior motives. God is for us.

You are the goal of His grand conspiracy, and the end result of His grand plan is for you to enjoy life in Christ!