The Good Shepherd

Read John 10:27-28.

Pray

*Before we dig into our scripture tonight I think it is important for us to understand a few things: What a Shepherd is, and were gonna talk about some sheep.*

Shepherd & Sheep Breakdown Section:

-Shepherding in biblical times was far more than a passive job of watching over livestock. It was a role of deep responsibility, requiring courage, endurance, and an intimate relationship with the sheep. Shepherds often lived in rugged, remote areas, enduring harsh weather conditions while constantly protecting their flock.

-The job was both dirty and dangerous. The sheep depended entirely on the shepherd for food, water, and safety. Predators such as lions, bears, and wolves posed constant threats. In 1 Samuel 17:34-36, David describes his experience as a shepherd, recounting how he fought off lions and bears to protect his sheep.

-Shepherds carried only simple tools, primarily a staff with a crook, used for guiding and rescuing sheep from trouble, and a rod, which served as a weapon to fend off wild animals.

-At night, the shepherd would lead the sheep into an enclosure, often made from natural materials such as rocks or thorny bushes. Importantly, these pens had only one way in and out, and the shepherd himself would lie across the entrance, essentially becoming "the door."

-This is a powerful image that Jesus uses in John 10:7-9, which we we will be unpacking in a few minutes. The shepherd would call each sheep by name, demonstrating a personal relationship with them, and they would recognize his voice (John 10:3-4).

-One of the most striking aspects of shepherding in ancient times is the extreme care given to a wayward sheep. If a particular sheep kept wandering away despite the shepherd’s guidance, the shepherd sometimes had to take drastic but deeply compassionate action:

-He would break one of the sheep’s legs and then carry it on his shoulders until it healed. This practice may sound harsh, but it was an act of deep love and correction. While healing, the sheep became fully dependent on the shepherd for movement, food, and water.

- During this time, a special bond would form between them. Once healed, the sheep would never stray again but instead would remain close to the shepherd for the rest of its life.

-This practice aligns with the way God disciplines His people in love. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives.” Just as a shepherd corrects a wandering sheep to save its life, God sometimes allows hardship or discipline in our lives to bring us back into closer fellowship with Him. Though painful in the moment, this correction leads to deeper trust and reliance on God.

Now lets talk Sheep in the Bible: A Significant Symbol

-As you read through Scripture, one thing becomes clear: sheep are a big deal in the Bible. They are referenced over 500 times, more than any other animal. And when sheep are mentioned, they’re often used to describe us—human beings.

-In todays passage, we see this comparison again. God calls us sheep, but why? What is it about sheep that makes them such an accurate picture of us? To answer that, we need to take a closer look at what sheep are really like.

-Understanding Sheep: Weak, Dependent, and Directionless

-If you’ve ever spent time around sheep, you know they aren’t exactly survivors. Unlike other animals, they are not strong, independent, or self-sufficient.

They are not fierce hunters. You’ll never see a sheep taking down prey like a lion or even defending itself like a dog.

They are not proud or powerful. You won’t see a sheep standing tall and majestic like an eagle or a stallion.

They are not intelligent problem-solvers. While some animals—like dogs or dolphins—can figure things out, sheep get stuck in the same situations over and over.

-In fact, sheep are almost entirely helpless without a shepherd. They are prone to wandering off, getting lost, and putting themselves in danger.

-One of the most fascinating (and tragic) things about sheep is something called a “cast” sheep.

-A cast sheep is one that has fallen over and can’t get up. It happens when a sheep lays down, shifts the wrong way, or rolls onto its back—suddenly, its legs are flailing, and it’s completely stuck.

-This is dangerous because a cast sheep will die if left alone too long. It can’t fix itself, and without the shepherd’s intervention, it will either suffocate, be attacked by predators, or starve to death.

-When David wrote in Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul,” this could be a reference to the way a shepherd restores a cast sheep, turning it back over and setting it on its feet.

The Three D’s of Sheep: Defenseless, Directionless, Dumb

As we continue today, I want you to keep in mind these three things about sheep —the three D’s:

Defenseless – Sheep have no natural defense mechanisms. No claws, no sharp teeth, no ability to outrun predators. Their only hope for survival is the presence of their shepherd.

Directionless – Sheep are not like homing pigeons or migrating animals that can find their way home. They wander off constantly (Isaiah 53:6: “We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way.”).

Dumb – This is not to say sheep are stupid in the sense of lacking intelligence, but they are creatures of habit. They get stuck in patterns of behavior that lead to danger and don’t learn from past mistakes.

Now, let’s be honest—doesn’t that sound a lot like us?

-So, is God insulting us when He calls us sheep? Is He just saying we’re dumb and helpless? Not exactly. The point isn’t to degrade us—it’s to help us recognize our need for Him.

-Think about it:

How many times has God tried to teach me something, and I ignored Him?

How often do I try things “my way” first, only to realize later that God’s way was better all along?

How frequently do I let fear, stubbornness, or pride keep me from trusting the Shepherd?

-If we’re honest, we’ve all been there. I know I have. I’m stubborn. I’m opinionated. And sometimes, I voice my opinions way too loudly. But every time I try to do things without God’s guidance, I end up lost, stuck, or worse—just like a sheep wandering from its shepherd.

-I wanna be clear on something here to before we read the text. This passage is all about the love of a good Shepherd (Jesus) not the stupidity of the sheep (us).

John 10:1-10 Section:

-Read John 10:1-10.

Vs:1-2 Insights:

-In ancient times, sheepfolds were enclosed areas where sheep were kept safe at night. There was only one way in and out—a single gate guarded by the shepherd.

-Jesus is making an exclusive claim: There is no other way to enter God’s kingdom except through Him (John 14:6). Any other way—whether through religion, moral efforts, or self-justification—is a false path.

-The “thieves and robbers” Jesus refers to are not just the false teachers of His day but anything or anyone that tries to pull us away from Him. These distractions and deceptions can be:

*False teachings that distort the gospel

*The pursuit of material wealth as the ultimate goal

*The pressures of a performance-based faith

*The temptations of sin and worldly desires

Vs:3-5 Insights:

-In Jesus’ time, shepherds didn’t drive their sheep; they led them with their voice. The sheep recognized and trusted their shepherd.

-This speaks of intimacy—Jesus doesn’t just call a crowd; He calls you by name. He knows your struggles, your fears, and your past, yet He still calls you to Himself.

-The voice of Jesus is different from the noise of the world. False voices (fear, shame, legalism, materialism) may try to control or deceive you, but the Good Shepherd’s voice leads to peace, truth, and freedom.

Vs:7-9 Insights:

-Jesus is not only the shepherd but also the gate—meaning He is the only entry point into salvation and eternal life.

-In ancient sheepfolds, the shepherd would sometimes lie across the entrance, literally becoming the “door” that kept the sheep safe and ensured that nothing harmful entered.

-True safety, security, and provision are only found in Jesus. Anything else that claims to offer ultimate fulfillment is a counterfeit.

Vs:10 Insights:

-The thief represents anything or anyone that leads people away from Jesus—Satan, false teachers, worldly distractions, even our own sinful nature.

--Jesus is alluding to the religious leaders of Israel—particularly the Pharisees—who were self-righteous, self-appointed leaders. Instead of caring for the people, they burdened them with legalism, clinging to a works-based religion that could never lead to salvation. They did not love the sheep, nor were they willing to sacrifice for them.

-The enemy’s goal is to steal your joy, kill your faith, and destroy your hope. Anything outside of Christ leads to emptiness and loss.

-But Jesus brings abundant life—not just eternal life in heaven, but a life filled with purpose, joy, and peace right now.

-Abundant life is not about material wealth but about a deep, secure relationship with the Good Shepherd.

John 10:11-18 Section:

Read John 10:11-18.

-Jesus’ words in this passage reveal profound truths about His character, His mission, and His relationship with His followers. These realities remain just as powerful today as when He first spoke them.

Vs:11- Insights:

-Jesus contrasts Himself with hired hands who flee when danger comes. Unlike false leaders or temporary protectors, Jesus willingly lays down His life to save us.

-His sacrifice was not forced—He laid it down willingly, demonstrating both His divine authority and His deep love.

- In a world where people feel abandoned, used, or betrayed, Jesus stands as the ultimate protector and provider. His love is sacrificial, not self-serving.

Vs:12-13 Insights:

-For believers today, the hired hand represents leaders, influences, or even personal pursuits that seem reliable but ultimately fail in times of crisis.

-This could be a false teacher who preaches what is popular rather than what is true, a worldly system that promises security but collapses under pressure, or even relationships and careers that provide identity but abandon us in hardship.

-Unlike Jesus, who never forsakes His people, the hired hand flees when the cost is too high. This passage reminds believers to place their trust not in temporary or self-serving sources, but in the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life rather than running away.Jesus never abandons His people. He remains faithful even in our darkest moments.

-Many today have experienced abandonment—by leaders, institutions, or even family—but Jesus never leaves us. He is trustworthy and steadfast.

Vs:14-15 Insights:

-This isn’t just knowledge about us; it’s an intimate, relational knowing. Jesus understands our struggles, fears, and needs.

-Just as the Father and the Son share a deep, perfect relationship, Jesus invites us into that same connection with Him.

-In a world where people feel unseen and unheard, Jesus truly knows us and calls us by name

Vs:16 Insights:

-The beauty of John 10:16 lies in the heart of Jesus for all people, all nations, and all backgrounds. Originally spoken to a Jewish audience, Jesus was revealing that His mission extended beyond Israel—to the Gentiles and ultimately to the entire world.

-This verse is a profound declaration that the gospel is for everyone—not just one race, culture, or social group, but for all who would hear His voice and follow Him.

-In a world that is divided by race, politics, and ideologies, Jesus offers true unity under one Shepherd. This means that in Christ, our ultimate identity isn’t found in our nationality, status, or past, but in being part of His flock—His family. 

-Today, this verse reminds us that the church should be a place where all walks of life can come in and experience the grace, mercy, love, forgiveness and restoration and reconciliation the Good Shepherd offers

-No matter our background, past, or status, Jesus welcomes all who follow Him. The gospel unites people beyond race, culture, or social standing.

Vs:17-18 Insights:

-Jesus’ sacrifice was not an accident—it was a divine plan. He laid down His life willingly and took it up again in victory.

-This confirms His power over death and His ability to grant eternal life to those who follow Him.

-We serve a risen Savior! His resurrection gives us confidence that death is not the end, and His authority means we can trust Him with our future.

-Jesus gave HIs life for His flock upon the cross…… Dying a death He didn’t have to, instead HE chose to… He laid HIs life down for His Sheep's sins….All of us have sinned and are broken.

-Even us who think we're good and we know the way Proverbs 14:12 tells us that :There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. We are broken lost people but because of what Jesus (the Good shepherd) did we have an amazing opportunity now. We can be apart of His flock and be in right relationship with the creator of the universe.

-He Made a way for us to become blameless and spotless in the sight of The Father not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus our good shepherd has done by being perfect and laying His life down for His sheep..

I pray that at tis point, as we are halfway done with walking through the book John that you are beginning to see Jesus like you never have before.

-Maybe you’ve been listening to all of this and thinking, NICK, That’s great for others, but not for me. I’ve messed up too much. I’ve wandered too far. There’s no way Jesus could still love me.

But here’s the truth: you are exactly the kind of person Jesus came for.

The Good Shepherd Seeks the Lost

-Jesus doesn’t abandon broken, struggling, or lost sheep—He goes after them. He said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

-If you feel like one of those three D’s—defenseless, dumb, or directionless—you’re not alone. We all fit that description at times. And yet, Jesus still calls us His own.

-Maybe you feel like a cast sheep—one that has fallen over, unable to get up on its own. But remember, a Good Shepherd never leaves His sheep like that. He doesn’t walk away in frustration. He gently lifts, restores, and strengthens them.

-No matter where you are or what you’ve done, hear these words from Psalm 23 and let them remind you that the Good Shepherd is still calling you home:

The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live. (Psalm 23, CSB)

The Invitation is Still Open

✅ We are deeply loved—Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. ✅ We are never alone—Jesus does not abandon His sheep. ✅ We are known—Jesus cares for us personally. ✅ We are secure—Jesus has ultimate authority over life and death.

-You are not too far gone. You are not beyond His reach. The Good Shepherd is still calling your name, still searching for you, still ready to lift you up.

Will you let Him?