There is something tender, almost disarming, in the way Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd.

Not just a shepherd – strong, protective, and capable – but the Good Shepherd, the One who knows His sheep by name, who leaves the ninety-nine for the one, who calls out to each by the sound of His voice.

For women, this image is not only comforting but deeply personal. It speaks to the parts of us that long to be seen, guided, and safe in a world that often demands we lead, hustle, and hold everything together.

In John 10, Jesus doesn’t describe Himself as a distant ruler or an indifferent caretaker. He speaks of intimate care, of knowing and being known:

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:14).

The Good Shepherd Knows Her Name

How many times do women go unseen in the crowd? We can feel like just another face, another task on the to-do list, another role to play.

But the Good Shepherd sees us differently.

He calls us by name. Not the name the world gives us – “too much,” “not enough,” “forgotten,” “failure” – but the name He has written on His heart.

In a life where women are constantly pulled between expectations, Jesus whispers:

“You are mine. I know your heart. You are not overlooked.”

This isn’t just sentiment – it’s a promise. Even when we lose sight of ourselves, He never loses sight of us.

The Good Shepherd Seeks Her Out

Women are often the seekers – of love, of belonging, of purpose.

But in the story of the Good Shepherd, it is Jesus who seeks.

He leaves the safety of the fold to pursue the one who is weary, wandering, tangled in brambles of shame or fear.

This flips the script for women who feel they must always be the strong one, the initiator, the fixer.

Sometimes the holiest thing we can do is let ourselves be found.

Let Him chase after our restless hearts. Let Him pick us up, bruises and all, and carry us home.

The Good Shepherd Carries Her Wounds

Sheep are fragile creatures. They can’t fight off wolves. They get stuck. They panic.

Sound familiar?

There are days when we, as women, feel fragile, too – emotionally, spiritually, physically.

But Jesus doesn’t scold or shame His wounded sheep.

He gently gathers them, binds up their wounds, and carries them close to His heart.

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms” (Isaiah 40:11).

Our weaknesses are not inconveniences to Him.

They are invitations for His tenderness.

The Good Shepherd Leads Her Safely

Women crave direction – but not the kind that barks orders or demands blind obedience.

Jesus leads with presence. With voice. With trust.

“He goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:4).

He leads us not just to greener pastures, but through the valleys, the storms, the shadows.

His leadership is not domination, but accompaniment.

He is the Shepherd who walks ahead of us, through every unknown, whispering:

“I’m here. Keep close to me.”

For the Woman Who Longs to Be Shepherded

Maybe you’re exhausted from trying to be your own shepherd.

Maybe you’ve wandered off, hoping to find greener grass, only to end up stuck, isolated, or afraid.

Maybe you’ve been told your wounds disqualify you, your voice isn’t worthy to be heard, or your needs are too much.

The Good Shepherd doesn’t buy into any of those lies.

He comes looking.

He calls your name.

He lifts you up and places you near His heart.

Let yourself be shepherded today.

You don’t have to figure it all out, blaze your own trail, or hide your limp.

You have a Shepherd who delights in guiding you, carrying you, and speaking over you a love that doesn’t waver.

Reflection for Today

Where in your life are you trying to lead yourself instead of letting Jesus shepherd you?

What would it look like today to let Him pursue you, carry you, and speak to you personally?

How might embracing His voice over the noise of the world bring peace to your womanhood?