Emphasis Preaching Journal

The bus full of tourists pulled noisily to a stop along the dusty road between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The tourists stepped off the bus to view some large pools of water which had been built just outside of Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon. After listening to the prepared speech by the tour guide concerning the pools, the tourists prepared to board the bus. As they did, they spotted a scene reminiscent of the days when Jesus, himself, had walked along this road.

Striding confidently in front of a small group of his sheep, a young shepherd led his animals right past the tourists as they hurriedly adjusted their cameras for this tremendous photo opportunity. He was following in the long tradition of shepherds in the manner in which he dealt with his sheep. Carrying a small stick for occasional minor direction changes, he chiefly used his voice to call them along behind him. They did not seem to even notice the tourists or be frightened by them as they walked past. After all, their shepherd was calling them along. They evidently trusted him to lead them along safe pathways to the next pasture for feeding. They knew his voice and they would follow that voice wherever it led them. From their trusting behavior, it was evident that he was a good shepherd.
-- Thompson