The Job of a Shepherd

   When looking at jobs people had in the Bible most Christians know that the least appreciated job was a shepherd. Why is this? I mean a shepherd had to watch sheep, which were used for sacrifices that are kind of important. They had to spend their day outside in the heat or cold. And if any sheep ran away they had to go find it. My question for the shepherd would be: why do you search for just one sheep if it runs away?

   I don’t know the answer the shepherd would give but I know the answer Jesus would give. Over and over again in the Bible Jesus is called a shepherd. Why is this? It is because we are the sheep. No, I’m not saying we say “baa” and eat grass. But we do get led astray every once in a while. It would just be easier for Jesus to just let us wander off on our own, but he doesn’t. He wants all his sheep to be safe. He doesn’t want to leave any of us behind. Interesting to think about, isn’t it? Jesus cares enough about you that he leaves all the others just to bring you back.

   So what is the application for us? The answer is simple: follow Jesus’ example. He will not leave any of us behind because he loves us. We are called to love him and others. We need to tell others about his love for them. And we need to be a shepherd to others; dare I go even as far to say we need to teach others?

   Come on, you had to see this coming considering I’m studying to be a teacher. For those of you saying “I can’t be a teacher.” I hate to break it to you but we are all leaders, shepherds, role models, and teachers. I have a whole rant about this but I won’t go into that now. Even if you don’t think you can teach I want you to think about the job of a teacher. Who was one of your favorite teachers? What did your favorite teacher do that made her your favorite? Did she make learning fun? Did she help every student learn? Now, who was one of your least favorite? Why was she your least favorite?

   The job of a teacher is far from easy. I know other jobs are not easy but you tell me who has a profession that impacts the future of our world more than a teacher. Even though many know a teacher’s job isn’t easy, teachers are sometimes treated like a shepherd was treated.

   Teachers have sheep, I mean children, who come from many different backgrounds. Every child has their own story, different interests, abilities, home life, friends, culture, and so on. And, it is the job of a teacher to reach every single one of these students. On top of that teachers need to develop themselves professionally, take care of themselves, take care of their families, and many other things.

   The point of all of this is to say that we are all sheep that Jesus takes care of. He is our shepherd and teacher. We are to follow his example. Teachers are shepherds to students. They are required to reach all students and help them learn to the best of their ability. I want to encourage all of you to realize that teaching isn’t easy. But, we are all required to teach others; because that is what Jesus calls us to do. Teaching can be difficult but it can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.

   So are you following the good shepherd? Are you following Jesus’ example and teaching others? Are you thankful for the teachers you have had in your life?

   John 10:11, Proverbs 22:6, Luke 6:40