"I lay down My life for the sheep." John 10:15
JESUS has a flock peculiarly His own; His Father chose them and gave them to Him; He received them and became their Shepherd; they wandered and were doomed to die, but He interfered and died for them. Oh, what an infinite love was the love of Jesus! He left His Father’s bosom, left the songs of angels, left the throne of glory, and became a man, that He might become a Substitute. He offered Himself for them. His blood for theirs, His life for theirs. The offer was accepted, and He redeemed them to God by His blood out of every nation, country, people, and tongue. They are doubly His, for He bought them when they had sold themselves, though before they were given Him by His Father in love. Herein is love; not that we loved Jesus, but that He loved us; and gave Himself to be the propitiation for our sins. Are we among His sheep? Are we like them? Do we love them, cleave to them, and walk with them? His sheep are gentle, harmless, peaceful, humble, dependant upon Him, and devoted to Him. They hear His voice, love His ways, and follow Him whithersoever He goeth.
When the Shepherd’s life was needful
To redeem the sheep from death,
Of their safety ever heedful.
Jesus yielded up His breath;
Faithful Shepherd!
Love like Thine no other hate.