Jesus Statue lovingly herds his flock in this amazingly detailed religious sculpture by artist Bronti. From the folds of his garment to the downy sheep cradled in his arm, the Good Shepherd is depicted in quality designer resin with a rich, antique stone finish.
Jesus identifies himself as the good shepherd who knows his sheep and lays down his life for them. The image of the shepherd brings together several aspects of Jesus’ identity.
First, leaders were often called shepherds. Good leaders were those who cared for people, in contrast to the negligent leaders or shepherds who did not. Jesus fits the role of a good shepherd by caring for others (see Ezekiel 34:1-2).
Second, the good shepherd was an image for the Messiah, who was to rule over the people of God. Here Jesus identifies himself as the one in whom this promise is fulfilled (see Ezekiel 34:23).
Third, God was known as the best of shepherds, who gathered and nurtured the flock. As the good shepherd, Jesus is the one in whom God comes to God’s people (see Ezekiel 34:11-12). Jesus also says that the principal trait of the good shepherd is laying down his life for the sheep. This occurs when Jesus lays down his life in crucifixion. By dying, Jesus reveals the lengths to which he will go to provide life for others. This is one of the seven “I am” sayings in John’s Gospel. Since the expression “I am” recalls the name of God, who is the “I Am” (Exodus 3:14), these sayings emphasize that Jesus is God’s Word in the flesh.
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. 12 But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flieth: and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep: 13 And the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know mine, and mine know me. 15 As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth the Father love me: because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18 No man taketh it away from me: but I lay it down of myself, and I have power to lay it down: and I have power to take it up again. This commandment have I received of my Father. ~ John 10:11-18 Douay–Rheims Bible
