The Sheep are Guarded

In the Hands of the Good Shepherd

Big Idea: The real power of Jesus as our Good Shepherd lies in His ability to provide us with peace and security, allowing us to confidently navigate through life’s uncertainties while resting in His protective love and guidance.

Good morning,

I know that all of us are excited for Thanksgiving, all the good food, time with friends and family.

This morning we continue in the 10th Chapter, which is the last public address that Jesus gives in his ministry. Not his last teaching, but his last PUBLIC address.

We saw last week Jesus describing himself as the Good Shepherd, this morning He continues as he further explains the threat of the thief, the safety in the sheep fold, and the protection He gives.

John 10:7–18 NIV

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

1. Secure in the Shepherd's Gate

John 10:7–10 NIV

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Jesus tells us that he is the gate, not the gate keeper, but the gate itself.

This is an important distinction.

The gate keeper opens and closes the gate, but the gate itself is where the true protection is found.

Jesus again dispells false teachers and false messiahs.

He continues to press the point of exclusivity, that whoever enters through HIM will be saved.

The thief only has one goal, to steal, kill and destroy

We see this today

As people try to pull apart scripture, leading others astray, redefining Christ to fit their worldview. This leads to eternal death and desctruction

Only through Christ will we have life, and not just have life, but have it to the full!

This looks different than what the world tells us a full life is

People go their whole life working for something and finding that it brings them no true joy.

Money, fame, influence

When we are blessed with these things, what do we do with them?

Sadly, we see people who have humble starts, but as they grow, we see Satan begin to work within them and lead them, and those who happen to follow them, away.

This goes back to last week

We have to know the thief

We have to know the Shepherd

2. Secure in the Shepherd's Love

John 10:11–15 NIV

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Jesus makes his declaration

He has described everything to this point, and now He makes it clear

He is the Good Shepherd

Lays down His life

allusion to the Cross

He is not a hired hand

The sheep are his focus

The hired hands do this for money (glory, fame, influence)

When the wolf comes they run, they give in

Jesus stands firm, shows His love through his actions and promises protection.

Jesus knows His sheep, and they know Him

This is personal

Depart from me

3. Secure in the Shepherd's Sacrifice

John 10:16–18 NIV

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Jesus explains here that at that time, there were others he had to go get

Jews Vs Gentiles

Jesus’ message is for all people

There is no longer Jew and Gentile, we are unified in Christ as we accept Him.

Jesus’ sacrifice brings us together

He loves you so much that He was willing to give His life.

He let’s us know that no one can take His life, only He can lay it down

Speaks to the depth of His sacrifice and the depth of His love.

Conclusion

Are you safe in the sheepfold this morning? Have you entered through the only gate? If not, then you have not truly entered in. Are you easily led astray by the voices of the world, or have you tuned into the voice of the Good Shepherd. Maybe you need to reset you focus, get away from the world, and focus fully on Him. Jesus takes his final public address and uses it to paint a picture those around him would understand. Do you understand this morning? The shepherd has given his life for you, to protect you, to bring you in. This is for all people. And Upon accepting Him we commit to live our lives His way, not ours. We dont conform Him to our will, we live in His. Will you join Him today?