The Good Shepherd
Bible Reading: John 10:1-18
Years ago, while driving back to the campground near Roseburg, I came across a distressing scene. In a pasture adjacent to the road a sheep had gotten its head stuck in the fence. I had no idea how long it had been there, but it was bleating away, having no idea how to get out of its predicament. Fortunately, we managed to find the owner who then rescued the poor creature.
The Bible repeatedly compares us humans to sheep. And there’s a reason for that. We, like sheep, tend towards making stupid choices which lead us in to trouble. Jesus once looked upon the crowds and “had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Things haven’t changed much, have they?
King David had been a Shepherd. He praised God as his Shepherd, recognizing his need to be fed, watered, and protected, and kept safe from wandering (Psalm 23). Spiritually speaking, and whether we realize it or not, we all have need of shepherding. The problem is there are those who would pretend to be shepherds, but are instead “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Having no concern for the sheep, these “would-be” shepherds come only to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). The religious leaders of Jesus’ day fit into this category, as did the false prophets and teachers of Ezekiel’s day (Ezekiel 34).
By way of contrast, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd cares for His sheep. He enters by the door and “calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (10:3). Their ears are tuned to his voice and they follow him as he goes before them (10:4). He knows his sheep and his sheep know him (10:14). His love for his sheep is so strong he “lays down his life” for them (10:11, 15, 17, 18; 1 Peter 1:19). As the Good Shepherd, he came that we “may have life and have it abundantly (10:10). King David praised the Shepherd Lord, saying, “my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5). So Jesus has come so we might have the abundant life which is bound up in knowing Him; experiencing the love, joy, peace and purpose He alone can provide.
In these distressing times how good it is to know we have a Good Shepherd who loves us. In fact, he cares so much he was willing to die to save us from our sins. Peter wrote of this: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:24-25). The word “overseer” in verse 24 has special relevance. It refers to someone who watches over, superintends, or exercises vigilant care. Jesus is your Good Shepherd. Through His saving work, He has availed to you the eternal and abundant life bound up in knowing Him (Cf. John 17:3). As Your Good Shepherd He is even now watching over your soul–everywhere and always. No one, or nothing can snatch you out of His loving hands (John 10:28)! A Good Shepherd indeed!!!
Lord Jesus, we praise You as the Good Shepherd who was willing to lay down Your life for us. No detail in our lives is outside Your concern, as You provide for us and protect us and lead us along. Thank You for watching over our souls and for the security of knowing nothing can work to snatch us out of Your loving hands. Grant us grace that we, Your sheep, might listen and follow well.
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are!
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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