Statement four... part 2...

This Statement has one more point that must be clarified, and then we get to move into the fifth one.  However, I find I am a tad lost as to how I should say what I need to say about this final point here.  You see, it's so simple that I could just tell you and be done with it.  Yet, at the same time, it carries so much weight that it almost deserves many, many points of thought. 

Let me see how the simple approach fits: He is our Shepherd, and He died for us all.

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

John 10:11, HCSB

Perhaps I should reword the simple approach: He laid down His life for us all.

You see what I mean?  So simple!  If anyone can say that they have laid their life down, willingly, and without blemish, to cover the sins of all mankind throughout time, then I guess that person could lay claim to the title of "Good Shepherd."  It says right there in the Word that this is a requirement of a good shepherd with respect to the flock of animals he guards and serves, does it not?  Therefore, Jesus as our Shepherd laid His life aside for all mankind... and no one else can make that statement.  So here, I will point out clearly that Jesus Christ is the way to salvation, the way to grace, the way to Heaven.  He made it possible for us.

Further, please note that it doesn't just say that the shepherd dies for the sheep.  This is why I corrected my phrasing above, and why I show the correction to you now.  Jesus did die, and He certainly was murdered, and He certainly was violently beaten and mocked and reviled in front of a huge crowd.  But think with me for a moment about the amount of torture endured.  Anyone else probably would have died before the crucifixion.  Jesus didn't.  He carried the cross, was nailed to it, and hung there on display.  The other two died from that, with no mention of similar prior torture.  Jesus didn't.  Don't miss this one, folks, because in it lies the key to this Statement: He laid His life down of His own accord.  He chose to begin the next phase (moving to the Resurrection and conquering death), which had to start with physical death.  John 19:30 clearly states, "When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!'  Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."  He laid His life down for His sheep... that's us.

The deeper point to recognize there is that Jesus could've (looking to His Divinity as fully God and fully Man) endured more punishment and beating in His physical form than any man, because He is not just a man.  He endured more than the rest present, and more than most had ever seen or thought possible, and then DECIDED to pass through the doorway of physical death, so that the Lord's will for humanity could be spelled out clearly for us today. 

So the next time you think of who you follow, please think about the One that is Bread for you... the One that is Light for you... the One that is the Door for you... and the One that willingly laid His life down for you.  He is all these, and so much more!

God bless you all!!!