So you think you want to be a king? Well, the image of a king that the Bible gives us is that of a shepherd. Still OK? Great. Here are three things you need to know about being a shepherd-king.
First, it’s messy. I mean really messy. And it doesn’t smell good. So, you might think that you’d prefer to be some kind of “executive shepherd” that delegates the “messy” stuff. Sorry, that’s the second part. Shepherding is personal. No delegating. You have to do it. You have to personally know the sheep. Finally, even the king still has to answer to someone above him. Everyone is a sheep to someone, even if you’re a shepherd-king.
Today’s readings show us how Jesus is the perfect shepherd-king. He’s not afraid of our messy lives that stink of sin and troubles, and he definitely gets personally involved. He took on our human condition completely and got so personally involved he actually gave up his own life to save the sheep. He was also the perfect example of humble obedience to his father.
So you still want to be king? Good, Jesus is the perfect example. Be like him. It is good to be king… but it’s not easy.