Jesus All in All

 

 

What does it really mean

Jesus our all in all?

Well, I will give you as much

As I can quickly recall.

 

And it is strange

Re the roles he fulfilled

For they are rather conflicting

Yet complementary still.

 

He is the shepherd

And he is also the sheep,

That he can be both of these

Is profound and deep.

 

 

He identified with both

As shepherd and lamb

And as to his care and protection

The ewe yet a ram.

 

He knew the sheep

Being a lamb himself

And as himself the shepherd,

He cared for its health.

 

He is the fold

And the door to the fold

And to declare that he is both

Seems rather bold.

 

The born-again child

Becomes one with Christ

And since he is also the door,

This more that suffice.

 

 

Jesus is the door

As well as the enclosure

Sustaining the sheep in himself

As Shepherd and Saviour.

 

Jesus is the sacrificer

As well as the sacrifice,

And the shedding of his own blood

Doth more than suffice.

 

He sacrificed his life

And he took it up again

Having satisfied his own demand

As he took our blame.

 

The lamb without spot

In whom was no sin

As both sacrificer and sacrifice,

Now calls all to him.

 

 

Look nowhere else

For whatever you need,

Jesus, both shepherd and lamb,

Is our all in all indeed.

 

Stewart Russell © July 29, 2024