Jesus the Good Shepherd

Psalm 22 is the song of the dying Shepherd, crying out to the Father from the cross. Psalm 23 is the song of the risen Shepherd, guiding his sheep through life’s dark wilderness. Psalm 24 is the song of the ascended Shepherd who will reward those who have served faithfully.

James Montgomery Boice

Psalm 22 is the song of the dying Shepherd, crying out to the Father from the cross. Psalm 23 is the song of the risen Shepherd, guiding his sheep through life’s dark wilderness. Psalm 24 is the song of the ascended Shepherd who will reward those who have served faithfully.

James Montgomery Boice

Do you find your own heart sensitive to the Lord’s presence, or are you among those who are “samplers” and “nibblers”? God help you if you are, for the child of the King isn’t a sampler and a nibbler—he’s a sheep who loves his Shepherd, and he stays close to his Shepherd. That’s the only safe place for a sheep—at the Shepherd’s side, because the devil doesn’t fear sheep—he fears the Shepherd. Your spiritual safety and well-being lies in being near to the Shepherd. Stay close to Jesus and all the wolves in the world cannot get a tooth in you. Psalm 23; John 10:11–15 The Counselor, 17.

A. W. Tozer

Without a shepherd, sheep are not a flock.

Anonymous

1765As long as the church exists, I suppose she will have traitors among her number, for if Judas intruded under the watchful eye of the Chief Shepherd, we may be pretty sure that many a Judas will elude the far less watchful eyes of the minor shepherds.—22.75

Charles Spurgeon

The point of calling Jesus ‘the good shepherd’ is to emphasize the strange, compelling power of his love.

N. T. Wright

Shepherds glorified God, and so may you. Remember, there is one thing in which they had a preference over the wise men. The wise men needed a star to lead them; the shepherds did not. The wise men went wrong even with a star, and stumbled into Jerusalem; the shepherds went straight away to Bethlehem. Simple minds sometimes find a glorified Christ where learned heads, much puzzled with their lore, miss Him.

Charles Spurgeon

It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles.

Ellen Gould White

There are two ways of viewing him, as the Door and as the Good Shepherd, and he deals with them successively. Both have to do with salvation. As the Door he is the one way of entering salvation. As the Good Shepherd he is the one who cares for the sheep and provides for their salvation at the cost of his life.

Leon Lamb Morris

It is the part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

Anonymous

A preacher must be both soldier and shepherd. He must nourish, defend, and teach; he must have teeth in his mouth, and be able to bite and fight.

Martin Luther (Founder of the German Reformation)

The gradual disappearance of the idea and feeling of majesty from the Church is a sign and a portent. The revolt of the modern mind has had a heavy price, how heavy is becoming more apparent as the years go by. Our God has now become our servant to wait on our will. “The Lord is my shepherd,” we say, instead of “The Lord is my shepherd,” and the difference is as wide as the world.2

A. W. Tozer

Many of the flocks were communal flocks, belonging, not to individuals, but to villages. There would be two or three shepherds in charge. Those whose flocks were safe would arrive home on time and bring news that one shepherd was still out on the mountain side searching for a sheep which was lost. The whole village would be upon the watch, and when, in the distance, they saw the shepherd striding home with the lost sheep across his shoulders, there would rise from the whole community a shout of joy and of thanksgiving.

William Barclay (New Testament Scholar)

The occasion for this lesson was the excommunication of the beggar from the synagogue (John 9:34). The false shepherds did not care for this man; instead, they mistreated him and threw him out. But Jesus, the Shepherd, came to him and took him in (John 9:35–38)

Warren W. Wiersbe

The best way to keep the enemy out is to keep Christ in. The sheep need not be terrified by the wolf; they have but to stay close to the shepherd. It is not the praying sheep Satan fears but the presence of the shepherd. Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11–15, 27–29; Revelation 7:14–17

Clearly, Jesus is commissioning Peter as shepherd to the flock in his absence, and just as clearly the principle that “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (10:11) is still in effect.

J. Ramsey Michaels

Born After Midnight, 43.

A. W. Tozer

The Shepherd's Call: Following the Voice of the Good Shepherd

Bible Passage: John 10:1-21

Summary: In this passage, Jesus declares Himself as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His relationship with His sheep and the sacrificial nature of His love, contrasting His role with that of false shepherds who abandon the flock.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to trust in Jesus' guidance and protection amidst life's challenges, reminding them that they are secure in His care and love. It challenges listeners to reflect on their personal relationship with Christ and to recognize His voice amid a world filled with distractions.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, provides not only guidance but sacrificial love, contrasting His commitment with that of leaders who exploit or neglect their responsibilities. He knows each of His followers intimately and desires an ongoing relationship with them.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate Shepherd figure, fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament such as Ezekiel 34 and Psalm 23, and establishing the new covenant through His sacrificial death and resurrection—a shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

Big Idea: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, invites us to recognize His voice and follow Him with complete trust, knowing He lays down His life for our eternal safety and well-being.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical context of shepherding in the ancient Near East using Logos. Investigate the implications of Jesus' claims concerning false shepherds in John 10:8 and how they contrast with His nature. Look into Old Testament references to shepherds found in Psalms and Ezekiel for a deeper understanding of Jesus’ role and identity.

1. Prepare for Guidance

John 10:1-6

Perhaps you can emphasize that Jesus begins by contrasting true shepherds with thieves and robbers. He uses this metaphor to highlight the importance of listening to His voice among deceitful influences. Encourage your listeners to discern the voice of Christ amidst competing voices that seek to lead astray.

2. Pursue Abundant Life

John 10:7-10

You could focus on Jesus’ claim of being the gateway for the sheep, highlighting the promise of abundant life. Jesus offers both protection and provision, ensuring the security and flourishing of those who follow Him. Invite listeners to consider what it means to enter through Jesus and receive His life abundantly.

3. Proclaim Sacrificial Love

John 10:11-15

Perhaps explore the powerful truth of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. This sacrificial love contrasts sharply with that of hired hands, underscoring His deep commitment and intimate knowledge of each follower. Challenge your audience to reflect on Christ’s unwavering dedication to their well-being.

4. Promote Global Unity

John 10:16-18

You could highlight Jesus’ inclusive vision for His flock, where He speaks of gathering other sheep, indicating the global scope of His mission. This invites listeners to broaden their understanding of belonging and unity under Christ’s shepherding care. Encourage them to embrace this diverse community guided by His love.

5. Persevere in Faith

John 10:19-21

Maybe reflect on the varied responses to Jesus’ teachings as He faced division and disbelief. Highlight the importance of recognizing and responding to the truth of His words, encouraging listeners to stand firm in faith and discernment, despite societal pressures and skepticism.