The High Calling of Herding Sheep

I want to talk to this morning about organizing and mobilizing to make disciples. Specifically I want to talk about why it’s so important that we do so. Today I hope to convince you that making disciples is too important to be casual about it or assume we’re doing it effectively. I want you to see the need to be intentional and purposeful about making disciples. I want to do that by showing you the incredible benefits Jesus provides for those who follow Him.

But not everyone was happy. The religious leaders of the day were upset. They didn’t like Jesus. He exposed them for what they truly were. He threatened their status. They didn’ care at all about this man. They just wanted to use him to get to Jesus. And when he wouldn’t go along they banned him from the synagogue.

Do we as a church truly care about people? Or, are we just interested in advancing our own agenda?

Look with me to . Recap story of Jesus healing blind man and Jews reaction.

It was after this happened that Jesus told these religious leaders a story. Tell story of verses 1-6.

Do we as a church truly care about people? Or, are we just interested in advancing our own agenda?

If we really are going to be “The Church That Cares About People” then what is the best thing we can do to show we care for people? What would be the result of feeding and clothing people if we do not introduce them to the Good Shepherd? What would that say about us?

It is after this happens that Jesus begins to talk to these leaders about sheep and their shepherd. The way the religious leaders reacted to the blind man who was healed gave Him the perfect opportunity to point out what made Him the Good Shepherd. Read the text.

In verses 1-6 Jesus uses a figure of speech. In verses 7 and following He explains what it means. Recap Verses 1-6. In verses 7-18 there are three benefits for the sheep who belong to the Good Shepherd Jesus. As you see these incredible benefits Jesus offers to all who will follow Him, I pray that it will convince you of the importance to organize and mobilize to make disciples.

If we really are going to be “The Church That Cares About People” then what is the best thing we can do to show we care for people? What would be the result of feeding and clothing people if we do not introduce them to the Good Shepherd? What would that say about us?

Benefit 1: The Good Shepherd gives abundant life to His sheep.

Jesus is the door of the sheep. The religious leaders of His day cared nothing for the sheep, only their own power, prestige, and prosperity. The thief comes ONLY to steal, kill, and destroy. But the sheep in Jesus’ sheepfold are safe from predators and they have abundant provisions. Jesus came to give life in its fullest sense. He is the way to that life.

Friend (Michael) offering his daughter a good life if she came to live with him (nice home, nice car, good job). As opposed to staying with her mom who wouldn’t work and lived on welfare. Jesus is offering eternal life to all who will enter His sheepfold. This is why we must mobilize to make disciples.

What does Jesus mean by “abundant life”? How do some people misunderstand what Jesus means? What evidence is there in Scripture that indicates that interpretation cannot be correct?

Benefit 2: The Good Shepherd has sacrificial love for His sheep.

The hired hand does not have any investment in the sheep. They are not his sheep. He cares nothing for them. He’s only interested in his wages. So, when danger comes he flees. But Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. They are His own! He loves them and has a love relationship with them. He knows them and they know HIm. In the same way that He and the Father know each other. And His love extends to all of HIs sheep. He sacrifices His life for them all.

A woman who goes from a man who is abusive, self-serving, and mean to a man who is selfless, caring, and kind. A man who puts her ahead of himself, sacrifices for her, protects her, provides for her. That’s the kind of relationship Jesus has with His sheep. That’s why we must mobilize to make disciples.

Read . To what does Jesus compare His relationship with His sheep? What are the implications of that for believers? What practical impact should knowing the shepherd’s voice have on the sheep?

Benefit 3: The Good Shepherd is the living Lord of His sheep.

Jesus was given the command to give His life. He was given the power to lay it down and take it up. The Father is pleased with His Son’s willing obedience. This all means that Jesus is not a victim. No one took His life. He gave it in obedience to the Father. And He rose again. He is not a dead shepherd but a living Lord. He is alive and well to protect, provide for, and lead His sheep to eternal life.

John 13:36 ESV

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.”

He went to the grave, rose again, and went into the presence of God. In so doing He made it possible for us to do the same thing. This is why we musty mobilize to make disciples.

Read . Did Jesus see Himself as a victim? Why or why not? Does this have any impact for the way we should view persecution we face because of Christ? Explain.

Big Idea: Let’s get busy herding sheep because the Good Shepherd died so they could live.

What does it mean to be mobilized and organized to do a task? Would you say that our church is mobilized and organized to make disciples? Explain your answer.

How is our view of Jesus evidenced by how serious we are about making disciples? What does no interest in making disciples communicate about our view of Jesus? What does a passion for making disciples communicate about our view of Jesus?