The prophet Isaiah prophesied a day when God would come to be with his people. He would come to tend his people like he was their Shepherd and they were his little lambs. “Like a shepherd he will care for his flock. With his arm he will gather the lambs. He will lift them up on his lap. He will gently lead the nursing mothers” (Isaiah 40:11)
The prophet Ezekiel also promised the day when God would search for his lost sheep and gather them to himself like a shepherd searches for his flock. “I myself will seek the welfare of my flock and carefully search for them. As a shepherd searches for his flock when his sheep that were with him have been scattered, so I will search for my flock and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. … I will seek the lost. I will bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured. I will strengthen the weak” (Ezekiel 34:11, 12, 16).
Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies and promises. He says, “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me (just as the Father knows me and I know the Father). And I lay down my life for the sheep. I also have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:14-16).
The hymn, "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb," celebrates Jesus, our Shepherd and Savior, who came among us as the prophets foretold. It is a simple hymn that children love to sing. Unfortunately, many adults shy away from singing the hymn because they consider it too childlike. Yet, that’s exactly why we should sing it! All of us – children and adults – are Jesus’ little lambs. This hymn presents simple – but profound – truths.
Verse one: I am Jesus’ little lamb; ever glad at heart I am, for my Shepherd gently guides me, knows my need and well provides me, loves me ev’ry day the same, even calls me by my name.
The hymn speaks of the Shepherd's love for us and our joy in his care. It doesn’t matter our age – the hearts of all of us quicken as our Shepherd is near. We are excited that he gently guides us. He made us his own in Baptism. He calls us by name. This simple truth that Jesus knows our needs and provides for those needs is a profound confidence in the basinet and on the hospice bed.
Verse two: Day by day, at home, away, Jesus is my staff and stay. When I hunger, Jesus feeds me, into pleasant pastures leads me; when I thirst, he bids me go where the quiet waters flow.
The Good Shepherd takes care of us day by day. We don’t ever have to wonder or worry about where our next meal is coming from. When we are hungry, Jesus feeds us. When we are thirsty, Jesus gives us something to drink. He feeds our hungry bellies and thirsty throats with food and water. He feeds our starving souls and thirsting faiths with the Bread and Water of Life of his Holy Word.
Verse three: Who so happy as I am, even now the Shepherd’s lamb? And when my short life is ended, by his angel host attended, he shall fold me to his breast, there within his arms to rest.
There are times when we wander from the Shepherd, as lambs often do. We look for greener pastures and sweeter waters. But Jesus keeps a watchful eye on us. He calls us back to him. He corrals us back into his flock with his staff. He beats away the predatory lions and wolves with his rod. He seeks out his wandering, doubting, fearful lambs. He rescues us with his forgiveness and love. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for us. Now we know that when our life is ended, Jesus will send his angels to gather our souls so that we will find eternal rest in the green pastures and quiet waters of the Good Shepherd’s paradise.
Whatever your age, you are Jesus’ precious little lamb. The Good Shepherd loves you every day the same. And every day he calls you by your name. Never tire of hearing your Shepherd’s voice calling his lambs to come near.