I AM…good Shepherd

Introduction:

WE are continuing in the series called I AM… and today we are talking about Jesus being a good shepherd

This imagery draws on the Old Testament understanding of leaders as shepherds to their people and God Himself as the Shepherd of Israel (Psalm 23:1).

Jesus declaring Himself the Good Shepherd is both a claim to divine care and a promise of a new, intimate relationship with His followers.

1: What Is A Good Shepherd?

Context: Jesus identifies Himself as the "good" shepherd, setting Himself apart from others.

A. What is the role of a good shepherd?

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

“A Psalm of David. THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.” Psalm 23:1

In the Bible, the role of a shepherd is multi-faceted, embodying responsibilities of care, guidance, protection, and leadership.

1. Provider and Caregiver

Psalm 23:1–2 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”

- Shepherds are responsible for ensuring that the sheep have enough food (green pastures) and water (quiet waters), symbolizing God's provision for our needs.

2. Guide

Psalm 23:3 “He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

- Shepherds lead their sheep to places of nourishment and rest, just as God guides His people in paths of righteousness.

3. Protector

1 Samuel 17:34–35 “But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death.”

- Shepherds defend their flock from predators and dangers, illustrating God's protection over His people.

4. Healer and Comforter

Ezekiel 34:16 “I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!”

- The shepherd cares for the wounded and weak sheep, representing God's healing and comfort to those who are hurting.

5. Sacrificial Guardian

John 10:11 ““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”

- The ultimate expression of the shepherd's role is the willingness to sacrifice for the safety and well-being of the sheep, epitomized by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for humanity's salvation.

2: What is a bad shepherd?

“All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them.” John 10:8

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10

Only referencing the following verses:

Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God as the shepherd seeking His lost sheep, contrasting with the bad shepherds (leaders) of Israel.

1. Neglect and Abuse of the Sheep

Ezekiel 34:2–4 “…What sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn’t shepherds feed their sheep? You drink the milk, wear the wool, and butcher the best animals, but you let your flocks starve. You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the injured. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost. Instead, you have ruled them with harshness and cruelty.”

- These verses criticize shepherds (leaders) who neglect the welfare of their flock, focusing instead on their own gain. They neither nurture nor protect their charges, leading to a scattered and suffering flock.

2. Mislead the Sheep

Jeremiah 23:1–2 ““What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord. Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them.”

- Bad shepherds mislead and scatter the flock, failing to provide the guidance and care needed, leading their followers away from the truth and into danger.

3. Exploit for selfish gain

- The passages from Ezekiel and Jeremiah also hint at the selfishness of bad shepherds, who exploit their position for personal gain rather than serving the needs of their flock.

4. Show Lack of Genuine Care

Zechariah 11:16–17 “This illustrates how I will give this nation a shepherd who will not care for those who are dying, nor look after the young, nor heal the injured, nor feed the healthy. Instead, this shepherd will eat the meat of the fattest sheep and tear off their hooves. “What sorrow awaits this worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword will cut his arm and pierce his right eye. His arm will become useless, and his right eye completely blind.””

- This prophecy speaks of a worthless shepherd who lacks compassion and genuine care for the sheep, leading to their harm and neglect.

5. Leading to Destruction

- Bad shepherds, through their neglect, abuse, and misleading, ultimately lead their flock to destruction rather than to safety and flourishing.

False prophets are another form of bad shepherds.

APPLICATION:

3: What is our role as His Sheep

Context: Understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices for us calls for a response of trust, obedience, and following.

John 10:3 “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

“After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”” John 10:4–5

Hebrews 13:20–21“Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”

Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equips us to do His will.

WHAT IS OUR ROLE AS THE SHEEP

Jesus provides, protects, feeds and guides us…our role is to:

know his voice

and follow him.

When we do we won’t have to worry anymore.

Conclusion: