It has always been fascinating to me that our Lord and Savior identified Himself with the lowest of the low class in the ancient world. How is it He didn’t call Himself the good carpenter or good teacher?

Today I believe He presented Himself as the lowest of the low to completely submit to His Father’s will. On earth He had no status, no home, yet paid for us the unmeasurable price. As the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for us all!

When He described Himself as the Good Shepherd, rather than just a shepherd, it is useful to understand the origins of the word we translate as “good.” In Greek, the word is Kalos and means much more than just good. It describes noble, wholesome, good, and beautiful in contrast to that which is wicked, mean, foul, and unlovely.

He acknowledged His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty as the protector and guide and nurturer of His flock. Remember He is contrasting Himself to the religious leaders of the day who were more concerned with power and prestige than tending to the poor and rescuing the lost sheep.