Laying Down Power
Notes
Transcript
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.
18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
Laying Down Power
Laying Down Power
Psalm 23 holds some of the Bible's most familiar words: "The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing." This powerful metaphor echoes throughout Hebrew scriptures. It uses the image of sheep, representing our tendency to wander, seek guidance, and need care. Even significant figures like Moses and King David were shepherds before leading Israel.
When Jesus claims to be "the good shepherd" in John 10, he taps into this rich tradition. It's more than just care and compassion; it's a profound statement about his identity as the Messiah. But his portrayal as the Messiah challenges expectations. Instead of a military leader, Jesus embodies the shepherd, willing to sacrifice for his flock. This challenges conventional thinking, introducing a kingdom that offers a different vision of fulfillment and liberation.
Picture a vast landscape with sheep grazing under a watchful shepherd. As night falls, the shepherd gathers them, leading to safety and rest. This scene reflects care, guidance, and protection—echoed in Jesus' declaration, "I am the good shepherd."
Jesus exemplifies the role of a caring shepherd. He knows us intimately, empathizing with our struggles and dreams, much like a shepherd knows each sheep. He sees us as individuals with unique stories, not just part of a crowd.
Imagine a rugged terrain where a shepherd tirelessly searches for a lost sheep. No matter the danger, he persists until he finds it, rejoicing at its safe return. Similarly, Jesus seeks out the lost and hopeless, offering repair, hope, and unwavering compassion. He celebrates when they return to him, just like the shepherd over a found sheep.
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus offers unparalleled care and guidance. Even amid life's challenges, he leads us to peace and nourishment. His deep love and understanding bring us calm and safety. Let's trust in him and follow his lead, knowing he'll never leave us behind.
In walking with the Good Shepherd, we find comfort and strength. His presence sustains us through life's darkest valleys and empowers us to overcome obstacles. With Jesus by our side, we navigate life's challenges, confident in his love and wisdom.
Just as a shepherd cares for his flock with unwavering dedication, Jesus cares for each of us with boundless compassion. He doesn't turn away from our brokenness but offers healing and forgiveness, guiding us toward wholeness.
As we journey through life, let's cling to the promise of the Good Shepherd's presence. His love surrounds us, shielding us from harm and leading us to places of peace and rest. In his care, we find refuge and strength.
In following the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, we discover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. His guidance leads us toward a life filled with meaning and significance. As we trust in his wisdom and follow his lead, we find ourselves on a path that aligns with our true calling and aspirations.
Moreover, the Good Shepherd's love compels us to extend compassion and care to others around us. Just as he seeks out the lost and the hurting, we are called to be agents of his love and grace in the world. Through acts of kindness and service, we reflect the selfless love of our Shepherd to those in need, offering hope and encouragement to all who cross our path.
As we continue on this journey with the Good Shepherd, we experience transformation and renewal in our own lives. His presence brings healing to our wounds, strength to our weaknesses, and joy to our hearts. With each step we take in faith, we become more like him, embodying his love and compassion in all that we do.
Now, let's take a closer look at what it means when we talk about sheep and shepherds in the Bible. Just like how Jesus takes care of his flock with love and protection, the images of sheep and shepherds help us understand our connection with God and why we need his guidance. So, let's move from thinking about the Good Shepherd's comforting care to understanding how we're like sheep who rely on him, and how shepherds play a crucial role in guiding us through life's twists and turns.
Sheep and Shepherds
Sheep and Shepherds
In Psalm 23, King David paints a vivid picture of God as our shepherd, declaring, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." This imagery speaks to our deep dependence on God for provision, guidance, and protection. Just as sheep instinctively rely on their shepherd for sustenance and safety, we are called to trust in God's care and provision in every aspect of our lives.
Sheep have a tendency to wander, sometimes finding themselves in precarious situations. They may drink from strong currents, risking being swept away and drowned. Additionally, they can easily become trapped in hard-to-reach places or areas devoid of food sources. Despite their vulnerability, shepherds tirelessly watch over their flocks, ensuring their well-being and safety.
Moreover, sheep are highly vulnerable to predators, lacking the physical defenses of claws or sharp teeth. They rely solely on the vigilance of their shepherds for protection.
In ancient times, shepherding was not esteemed as a prestigious occupation. Shepherds endured long hours, often spending nights with their flocks to ward off nighttime threats. Criticized for being away from their families and facing dangers such as harsh weather and thieves, shepherds sacrificially cared for their sheep.
Each shepherd had a unique call for their sheep, enabling them to distinguish between different flocks. When it was time to separate, the sheep relied on recognizing the sound of their shepherd's voice and unique call. Similarly, Jesus emphasizes that his sheep know him intimately. He has a distinct call—to salvation, freedom, and inclusion in God's kingdom—and his voice is characterized by gentleness, love, and compassion.
Jesus said a good shepherd would risk his life for his sheep and never abandon them. He'd stand up to danger, just like facing a wolf. See, a shepherd is different from someone who just works for pay. The hired worker cares only about staying safe, not the sheep. But a true shepherd always looks out for the sheep, even if it means putting themselves in danger.
Jesus pointed out two types of people who harm the flock: thieves who kill and steal, and others who might not do harm directly but don't stop it either. Jesus compared them to Theudas and the Jewish leaders who ignored their responsibility to care for the sheep. The prophet Ezekiel even scolded these leaders, saying they only looked after themselves, not the sheep. This selfishness is the worst kind of evil, causing all sorts of problems.
Paul also talked about this, saying people often look out for themselves instead of what matters to Jesus. Jesus sets himself apart from those who harm the sheep by saying he came to give them life, not take it away. He's committed to them, even willing to die for them so they wouldn't be lost. Even when people wanted to kill him, he didn't back down. Instead, he stayed true to his teachings and his followers, even to the point of sacrificing his life.
Therefore, when individuals claim to care for God's people but act contrary to the ways of the Shepherd, they reveal themselves as thieves or predators. Just as sheep trust their shepherd's voice for safety and guidance, we, as God's people, must discern the true voice of the Shepherd amidst the clamor of false shepherds. In doing so, we find security and assurance in knowing that those who embody love and compassion are aligned with the character and intentions of our Good Shepherd.
It’s important to have an understanding of the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep so that we can discover why Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was willing to lay down his life for his sheep. As we've seen, shepherds play a vital role in caring for and protecting their flocks, just as Jesus does for us. So, let's shift our focus to understand the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and what it means for us as his followers.
Laying Down His Life
Laying Down His Life
In John 10:15, Jesus declares, "just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep." Here, Jesus foreshadows his ultimate sacrifice on the cross, laying down his life for the salvation of humanity. His act of selflessness demonstrates the depth of his love and commitment to his flock.
15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Imagine a shepherd bravely standing between his flock and a ferocious predator, willing to sacrifice his own life to protect his sheep. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross embodies this selfless love, as he willingly lays down his life to save us from sin and death, becoming the ultimate Good Shepherd.
This profound statement by Jesus encapsulates the essence of his sacrificial love for humanity. He compares his relationship with the Father to the intimate bond between a shepherd and his sheep, highlighting the depth of understanding and unity they share. Moreover, Jesus emphasizes his willingness to lay down his life for the sake of his flock, demonstrating the ultimate act of selflessness and devotion.
In Psalm 23, the shepherd walks alongside the sheep, even through the darkest and most challenging times symbolized by the valley of the shadow of death.
Jesus illustrates the depth of his care for each individual by emphasizing in the parable of the lost sheep that even one lost sheep is of greater importance to the shepherd than the ninety-nine who are not lost.
Look at Paul’s word to the Romans
8 But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
This verse underscores the extraordinary nature of Jesus' sacrifice. Despite our unworthiness and rebellion against God, Jesus willingly gave up his life to reconcile us to the Father. His death on the cross stands as a testament to the incomprehensible depth of God's love for humanity.
John wrote something similar to Paul in I John 3:16
16 This is how we know love: Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
Here, the apostle John echoes the sacrificial example set by Jesus. Just as Jesus laid down his life for us, we are called to emulate his love by sacrificially serving and caring for others. Jesus' act of selflessness serves as the model for how we are to live out our faith in practical ways.
Sheep held significant symbolism in Jewish religious practices, often used as sacrifices to seek forgiveness from God. In a remarkable reversal, Jesus, as the shepherd, willingly takes on the role of the sacrificed lamb to save his sheep. This act of self-sacrifice is encapsulated in Jesus being called the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." It signifies the profound love and willingness of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to lay down his life for his sheep.
Love, compassion, and the incarnation—the embodiment of God in human form—are central themes in Jesus's teachings. God relinquishes power and might to intimately connect with humanity in our full humanness, demonstrating a love that transcends all understanding.
The kingdom of God, as taught by Jesus, contrasts with earthly notions of power gained through violence. Instead, it is characterized by gentle, loving kindness and sacrificial acts of love for others. Despite this, humanity often gravitates towards violence and power, yet Jesus's message reminds us of the transformative power of love and compassion.
One verse that illustrates this concept is found in Matthew 5:5
5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
This verse emphasizes the idea that the kingdom of God operates on principles of meekness and humility rather than aggression and force.
Imagine a mighty oak tree standing tall and strong, its branches reaching towards the sky. Despite its towering presence, the oak is firmly rooted in the earth, drawing sustenance from the soil below. In contrast, a small seedling nearby, barely visible amidst the grass, is tender and delicate, yet full of potential.
In the same way, the world often values power and dominance, like the mighty oak, seeing it as the path to success and influence. However, Jesus's teachings challenge this perspective, inviting us to embody the meekness of the humble seedling. It's the small acts of kindness, compassion, and sacrificial love that have the power to transform hearts and communities, like the seedling growing into a towering tree.
Despite humanity's inclination towards violence and power, Jesus's message reminds us of the profound impact of gentleness, kindness, and sacrificial love. Just as the seedling grows into a mighty tree, so too can love and compassion transform the world, one heart at a time.
Jesus is basically saying, "Look, I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do, and the Father agrees." He doesn't need a command to do what's good and just. It's like saying, "A good shepherd looks after his sheep because it's in his nature to care for them." Jesus is showing that he and the Father are on the same page.
So, when Jesus says he's laying down his life, it's not just a physical act. It's a symbol of his love and sacrifice for his followers. And because he willingly gives up his life, it also means he has the power to take it up again. This isn't something anyone else can do. It's a demonstration of his divine authority and his ability to conquer death.
By explaining all this, Jesus is reassuring his followers that he's in control. Even though he's about to face death, it's not something he's afraid of or powerless against. He's doing it out of love and obedience to the Father's will.
So, when he talks about receiving a command from the Father, he's not saying he's being forced to do something against his will. He's simply acknowledging his unity with the Father and his commitment to carrying out the divine plan.
Now that we've talked about Jesus' sacrifice for us, let's move on to how we can follow his example. Just like Jesus showed us love and compassion, we can learn how to do the same for others. So, let's shift from talking about Jesus' sacrifice to figuring out how we can be more like him in our everyday lives.
Living the Way of the Good Shepherd
Living the Way of the Good Shepherd
In John 10:27-28, Jesus provides comforting assurance to his followers, saying,
27 My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life. They will never die, and no one will snatch them from my hand.
These words convey a profound sense of security and belonging for those who trust in Jesus as their shepherd. As followers of Christ, we are called not only to hear his voice but also to heed it, following his example and sharing his love with others.
Imagine a shepherd leading his flock to a lush pasture, where the grass is green and plentiful, and the water is clear and refreshing. In this idyllic setting, the sheep can graze and thrive under the watchful care of their shepherd. Similarly, living the way of the Good Shepherd entails guiding others to the abundant life found in Christ. It means sharing his love, grace, and truth with those around us, inviting them into a relationship with Jesus where they too can experience the fullness of life.
Just as the shepherd knows each of his sheep by name and leads them to safety and provision, so too does Jesus know each of his followers intimately. He offers us eternal life, a life characterized by an unshakeable assurance of salvation and a promise of protection from any harm that may come our way. This assurance empowers us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that we are secure in the hands of our loving Shepherd.
Living the way of the Good Shepherd requires more than just hearing his voice; it requires active obedience and a willingness to follow where he leads. It means embodying his love, compassion, and humility in our interactions with others, reflecting the character of Christ in all that we do. As we follow Jesus' example and share his love with those around us, we participate in the transformative work of the kingdom of God, bringing hope, healing, and reconciliation to a broken world.
If we define the path of the Good Shepherd by compassion, love, sacrifice, and relinquishing power, then anything that doesn't reflect these qualities doesn't align with the Good Shepherd's ways.
God values the safety and well-being of his followers, not just in a spiritual sense, but also in a tangible, physical way. Just as a shepherd cares for and protects his sheep, we, as embodied beings, matter to the Good Shepherd in both body and spirit.
As followers of Christ, who heed his voice, we should empathize with and care for those who are suffering at the hands of others. The kingdom of God operates on principles that diverge from worldly kingdoms, where the emphasis is often on accumulating wealth and power. Instead, the kingdom of God calls us to surrender these pursuits and follow Jesus, even to the point of sacrificial love.
When we listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd, what is he urging us to do?
Perhaps in this season of Lent, Christ calls us to distance ourselves from habits, places, or things that hinder our relationship with God.
We are summoned towards a life abundant in grace and mercy.
Additionally, we are called to emulate the selfless love of Christ, who willingly sacrificed his life for his followers. Where can we demonstrate this sacrificial love for those around us?
Sometimes, this call to sacrificial love has led faithful followers of Christ to give up their lives in a literal sense. ii. Other times, we are prompted to relinquish certain privileges or powers out of love for others.
As we embody Christ's sacrificial love, we participate in the glory of his resurrection. By living out Christ's sacrificial love in the world, others encounter the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, leading to profound changes in entire communities.
The Call
The Call
As we journey through the season of Lent, we are reminded of the call to sacrificial living—laying down certain things in order to embrace others that bring us closer to God. The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd serves as a powerful reminder of God's profound love and sacrificial nature. Just as Jesus gave up everything to love us well, so too are we called to respond to his voice by following his example.
Imagine a shepherd leading his flock through a rugged wilderness, his voice gentle yet firm as he guides them to safety. Along the way, the shepherd encounters obstacles and dangers, but he never wavers in his commitment to protect and care for his sheep. In the same way, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls us to follow him through life's trials and challenges, laying aside our own desires and comforts to embrace a life of sacrificial love and service.
As we heed the voice of the Good Shepherd and walk in his footsteps, we become agents of transformation in a world longing for hope and redemption.
Just as Jesus laid down his power, privilege, and ultimately his life for us, so too are we called to lay aside our own ambitions and comforts to embrace others in love. In doing so, we become vessels of God's grace and instruments of his peace, allowing the power of the resurrection to permeate every corner of the world. Let us, therefore, embrace the call to sacrificial living, knowing that in laying down our lives for others, we find the truest expression of God's love and the greatest fulfillment of our purpose as followers of Christ.