The Good Shepherd - Youth Focus Message

Following the Good Shepherd: The Call to Trust and Belong

Bible Passage: John 10:11–18, Matthew 18:12–14, Luke 15:3–7, Isaiah 40:11, Ezekiel 34:11–16, Psalm 95:6–7

Psalm 23 KJV 1900

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Summary: The Good Shepherd theme showcases the compassionate and protective nature of Christ, highlighting His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep and to seek out the lost.

Application: Understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd helps teens recognize their value in God's eyes. They can find hope and assurance in His care, especially during times of loneliness or confusion. This message encourages them to trust Him while exploring their identities and relationships.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that Jesus's role as the Good Shepherd encompasses love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the lost. It calls the audience to see themselves as cherished members of His flock and to embrace their journey towards spiritual maturity within a loving community.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, the Good Shepherd imagery connects with the overarching narrative of God’s care for His people, culminating in Jesus, who fulfills the promises made in the Old Testament about shepherding and redemption. This connection emphasizes His divine authority and the intimate relationship believers can have with Him.

Big Idea: Each of us is a valued member of God's flock, loved and led by the Good Shepherd who lays down His life and seeks us out, calling us to trust Him and belong to His family.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on the Good Shepherd, consider digging into the cultural significance of shepherding in ancient Israel using your Logos library. Pay special attention to the connections between Ezekiel 34 and John 10 regarding God’s promise of leadership. You might also explore how the metaphor resonates with contemporary youth experiences, particularly feelings of belonging and security.

1. Sacrifice of the Shepherd

John 10:11–18 KJV 1900

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

You could begin by highlighting Jesus as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices Himself for His sheep. This passage shows His deep commitment and love for each one of us, suggesting that understanding this sacrifice can reassure teens of their worth and importance to Jesus. By embracing His sacrificial love, they may find a source of strength and belonging when faced with doubt.

2. Seeking the Straying

Matthew 18:12–14 KJV 1900

12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Perhaps focus on how Jesus intentionally seeks out those who are lost. This passage depicts His relentless pursuit of each individual, implying that even when teens feel isolated or overlooked, Jesus is actively seeking them. Sharing this pursuit can inspire them to see their unique value within God’s family and motivate them to reach out to others who might feel lost.

3. Celebration in Heaven

Luke 15:3–7 KJV 1900

3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Maybe illustrate the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, as shown in this parable of the lost sheep. This joy underscores their intrinsic value and the celebration of their return to God. For teens, knowing they bring joy to God and heaven can encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith journey and invite others to experience this joy.

4. Care of the Comforter

Isaiah 40:11 KJV 1900

11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with his arm, And carry them in his bosom, And shall gently lead those that are with young.

You could emphasize God’s tender care and gentle guidance, as illustrated in this verse. Portraying God as one who carries and nurtures His flock can assure teens of His constant presence and gentle leadership, especially during challenging times. This understanding can help them develop a personal relationship with Him, characterized by trust and reliance.

5. Promise of Providence

Ezekiel 34:11–16 KJV 1900

11 For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Maybe highlight God's promise to search for His sheep and rescue them. This promise of divine intervention showcases His sovereignty and intentional care. For teens, this can be a powerful reminder of God’s active role in their lives, reassuring them that they are never forgotten or abandoned.

6. Responding in Reverence

Psalm 95:6–7 KJV 1900

6 O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the Lord our maker. 7 For he is our God; And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Perhaps conclude by inviting teens to respond to God’s leadership with worship and gratitude. As this passage calls believers to acknowledge God as their Creator and Shepherd, emphasizing worship encourages teens to cultivate a heart of gratitude and adoration, reinforcing their identity as part of His flock and their communal bond with other believers.