The image of Jesus as good shepherd draws on the imagery of Psalm 23 and elsewhere, and is a familiar symbol for God/Jesus used in both the Old and New Testaments. Here, Jesus makes a contrast between the shepherd and a hired hand, and the ways in which they care for the sheep. He clearly designates himself as the good shepherd, making it no longer a symbol but an opportunity for a relationship as he knows his sheep by name.

Living in community always comes with difficulties but being known and cared for also offers security. We measure so much in society by output and targets; how does our value system change if we measure instead by relationships?

This week we explore 'good shepherd' as a model for community.