Family Devotion: Shepherding Sheep & Saving Souls
- Dr. Toby Frost
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
📖 READ IT
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” - Isaiah 53:6
🔍 DISCOVER IT
Sheep are known for wandering. Without guidance, they drift into danger, get lost, and cannot find their way back on their own. Isaiah 53:6 paints a powerful picture of us. We are the sheep. Every one of us has chosen our own path instead of God’s way. Yet the focus of this verse is not our wandering, but in God’s rescue. He placed our sin – the full weight of our wandering – on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came to seek and save us. Shepherding sheep is a dirty, difficult job, but saving souls requires an even greater sacrifice. Jesus stepped into our mess so He could bring us home.
💬 ASK IT
What does it mean to “go astray” like sheep? Can you think of examples in everyday life?
Why do you think sheep need a shepherd? How are we similar in our need for
guidance?
What does it mean that “the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all”? How does that show God’s love?
How can we follow Jesus more closely as our Shepherd this week?
In what ways can we help “shepherd” others or point them toward Jesus?
🧭 LIVE IT
We are all prone to wander, but God lovingly pursues us through Jesus. So, stop running and be “caught” by Jesus!
Following Jesus means staying close to our Shepherd through His Word, prayer, obedience, and Christian community. So, join Christian small group today!
God not only rescues us. He also calls us to care about others who are wandering. So, fill your role in “save souls” by sharing the love and truth of Christ.
🙏 PRAY IT
Heavenly Father, we thank You that even when we wander like sheep, You do not give up on us. Thank You for sending Jesus to carry our sins and bring us back into Your fold. Help us to stay close to You, to listen for Your voice, and to follow where You lead. Give us hearts that care about others who are lost, and courage to point them to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. May our lives reflect Your love and truth each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.