(NASB) Luke 23:44 “It was now about the sixth hour (12 noon), and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour (3 pm).”

  As Jesus was dying on the cross, in the darkness of those hours – what were some of the things He was doing? 

  Earlier in His ministry He said:
(NASB) John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
  He also said:
(NASB) John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,
15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” 

  Jesus was the sacrificial Shepherd Who laid down His life so His sheep would have His life in them.
  Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd.  He said what He would do for His sheep…He would lay down His life for them and He did. 

  Greater love was expressed by Jesus’ actions when He died on the cross.  He experienced excruciating pain, darkness and separation from His Father for you and me.

  Jesus, the Messiah, laid down His life for you and me.  Do you know Him as your Good Shepherd?

  Psalm 23 describes what a shepherd does…have you read it lately?
(NASB) Psalm 23:1-6 “THE LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Jesus, the Good Shepherd ~ is He your Good Shepherd?