Jesus Knows You

The following is a preview of this summer’s curriculum, “Who Are You Jesus.” This is written by Karen Matthias-Long from the ELCA Outdoor Ministries Curriculum. Karen is an alumni staffer from Camp Mount Luther. Our theme on Day 3 is “I Am the Good Shepherd.”

On the first day of camp, Julie’s cabin leader suggested that Julie and the others play a game to get to know one another’s names. The girls thought the game was really a waste of time. Julie and her cabin mates discovered that the game really did help them learn one another’s names. Julie was glad when her new friends called her by name instead of “hey you”. She felt as though people knew her.

People aren’t the only ones with names, of course. People give names to their pets. Zoo animals and farm animals are often given names as well. Long ago, the Israelite shepherds gave names to their sheep. The sheep were able to recognize the shepherd’s voice when the shepherd called them by name. By calling their names, the shepherd led the sheep.

That’s what Jesus was trying to tell his listeners when he said that he was the good shepherd. He knows and calls us by name. He wants us to follow him. Even though our lives are filled with both good and bad times, Jesus can lead us through them all it only we listen for his voice. One way to listen for Jesus’ voice is through prayer. How do you listen for Jesus’ voice?

God’s Word: Israelite shepherds would often risk their lives to save their sheep. Jesus did just that for us. Read about Jesus, the good shepherd, in John 10:1-16.

Think about it: In Baptism we are made children of God. The pastor calls us by name when we are baptized. What does it mean for you to be called a child of God?

What you can do: What kinds of things do you do to follow Jesus? What kinds of things do you do that really aren’t following Jesus.? Choose a new way to follow Jesus each day this week.