When I think of shepherds, the farmer in the movie “Babe” comes to mind. He had complete control over his flock with simple grunts, murmurs, or hand motions. The farm animals look at him like a god. But then there was Babe, the pig. He wanted more. As a pig he was supposed to simply eat and get fat. His future was the dinner table. But he wanted to be a shepherd. Why? Because shepherds protect. They lead. They have a love for their flock. At first, Farmer Hoggett resisted. And Babe persisted. What followed was a beautiful story of the Shepherd teaching and guiding another to become a shepherd as well. I love the little song Farmer Hoggett sings to Babe:
Can’t you just imagine Jesus quietly singing these words as he walked with the disciples along the Sea of Galilee? Or around the campfire in the Garden of Gethsemane before the soldiers came? Yes, Jesus was quite a force when it came to speaking to Pharisees and Sadducees but throughout His ministry, I sense a quiet force. With just a nod, a whisper, a few well-placed words He touched thousands.
God spoke to Jeremiah about the coming of Jesus and His trained shepherds: “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jer 3:15. He also warned of shepherds that would come against the people of God. Shepherds who “set traps to catch people.” Ones whose evil deeds have no limit. Shepherds who do not have the spiritual health of their flock in mind.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, stands as the touchstone for our spiritual shepherds. As his sheep, we listen only to His voice, his murmurs. When he gestures for us to come and follow we turn from the distractions and place our eyes only on him.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10:14-16
Jesus leads us out of danger. He leads us to pastures that will sustain us. He brings us safely home to our Father. He loves us with His own life. He is the gatekeeper for our eternal salvation. Thank you, great Shepherd.
Do you have a favorite movie that has hidden meanings about God and His Kingdom? Share it in the comments below along with your praise for our Good Shepherd!
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