July 29, 2022
Friday
Tenderness of the Shepherd
11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his
bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
Isaiah 40:11
Many artists have painted pictures of Jesus holding a lamb in His arms. Interestingly, there
is no reference in the New Testament to Jesus holding a lamb, though it is easy enough to
imagine the Good Shepherd doing so.
Perhaps the idea of Jesus holding a lamb arose from the image of God in Isaiah 40:11. In
words of comfort for Israel, God is described as gathering the lambs in His arms, embracing
them, and gently leading the mothers “who are with young.” It is a tender image of care
and concern—an image that was carried forward by Jesus. When speaking to His disciples of
God’s care and provision, Jesus referred to them as “little flock” (Luke 12:32). His disciples
were like lambs in terms of their faith—young, mistake-prone, and dependent. Yet He told
them that God the Father had given the kingdom of God to them—something they would
understand better in time. Jesus is a tender and compassionate Shepherd, ready to
embrace His flock.
Take advantage of Jesus’ tenderness as your Good Shepherd. Go to Him and find rest for
your soul (Matthew 11:28-30).
A point to ponder…
Faith is not a distant view, but a warm embrace of Christ.
John Calvin
Read the Bible through in a year
Isaiah 5-8
I love you!!!
© 2000-2022 B. Michael Goerlich