I am
I am • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 14 viewsJesus is the Good Shepherd, who knows His sheep and they know Him. He is not like other shepherds in that He doesn't run when things get bad. He is with us always.
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Introduction
Introduction
We are beginning a 7 week series on the I am statements of Christ leading to I am the Resurrection on Easter Sunday!
Transformation occurs because of who Christ is not b/c we focus on our strengths and weaknesses
Normally this passage is taught from the perspective of sheep being stupid
11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,
15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.
11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,
15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.
17 “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.
18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”
11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”
John 10:
Challenging questions dealing with failed leadership and false shepherds were raised during the season of Hanukkah. In the week Jesus gave his good shepherd sermon, synagogues had been reading prophetic critiques of leadership.
11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”
11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”
Challenging questions dealing with failed leadership and false shepherds were raised during the season of Hanukkah. In the week Jesus gave his good shepherd sermon, synagogues had been reading prophetic critiques of leadership.
Burge, G. M. (2005). Gospel of John. In C. A. Evans & C. A. Bubeck (Eds.), John’s Gospel, Hebrews–Revelation (First Edition, p. 97). Colorado Springs, CO; Paris, ON; Eastbourne: David C Cook.
The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: John’s Gospel, Hebrews–Revelation The Good Shepherd (1–18)
Jesus is tapping into a deep well of Old Testament history when he characterizes himself as the good shepherd of Israel. The culture of Jesus’ day understood shepherds and their sheep well. In the synoptics Jesus commonly uses shepherding as a metaphor in his speech (Matt. 9:6; 10:6, 16) and as a subject in his parables (Matt. 25:32; Luke 15:4). And in the Old Testament, God is the shepherd of Israel (Gen. 49:24; Ps. 78:52f; 80:1; Ps. 23). “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power.… He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (Isa. 40:10–11). Shepherding became a helpful image explaining the spiritual and practical leadership among God’s people (see Jer. 23:1–4; 25:32–38; Zech. 11; Isa. 56:9–12; Ezek. 34). Moses and David, for example, were shepherds. Moreover, impious kings in Israel were commonly called “false shepherds” (1 Kings 22:17; Jer. 10:21; 23:1–2).
1 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying,
2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?
3 “You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock.
4 “Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them.
5 “They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered.
6 “My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them.” ’ ”
7 Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord:
8 “As I live,” declares the Lord God, “surely because My flock has become a prey, My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock;
9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord:
10 ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My sheep from them and make them cease from feeding sheep. So the shepherds will not feed themselves anymore, but I will deliver My flock from their mouth, so that they will not be food for them.” ’ ”
2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?
3 “You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock.
4 “Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them.
5 “They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered.
6 “My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them.” ’ ”
7 Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord:
8 “As I live,” declares the Lord God, “surely because My flock has become a prey, My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock;
9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord:
10 ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My sheep from them and make them cease from feeding sheep. So the shepherds will not feed themselves anymore, but I will deliver My flock from their mouth, so that they will not be food for them.” ’ ”
ezek 34:
ezek 34:2-
Christ’s Mission Statement
Christ’s Mission Statement
j
John 10:11-18
John 10:
10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
In your journey there are days that are easy to follow and days that are harder. This statement helps us to obey in the face of difficulty.
Sometimes obedience is easy
Sometimes obedience is hard
This statement helps point us to the truth of Christ in the face of difficulty. Truth isn’t determined by our feelings but by the Word.
When the day comes that obedience is more difficult, your confidence can be in the Good Shepherd and that He is leading you toward abundant life and not away from it!
Obedience is usually difficult because there is a cost to be paid or second guessing whether or not God has our best interest at heart.
Don’t forget there is a way that seems right to a man but the end leads to death!
The text we just read probably goes against how we think God views us...
If we are really honest, we think God just puts up with us
We also see some promises as begrudging promises.
What do I mean by that? How many times have you made a promise to someone only to realize you wish you hadn’t when you start following through with your word?
How does Jesus bring us life and bring it abundantly?
He is going to be the Good Shepherd.
John 10:12-
12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Jesus is not a hired hand
He watches the sheep with personal angst.
When He looks at us, He sees something that belongs to Him!
As the wolf comes, He will not leave us, He will not flee, He will not forsake us.
The wolf is not just some random difficulty in our life.
Remember, we have been promised difficulty
This is sin and death that Jesus is talking about, the enemy of all souls.
We are His sheep and He will not leave us b/c He is the Good Shepherd and lays down His life in the face of sin and death.
This is a text explaining the Gospel.
Jesus lives in perfect obedience and is tempted in every way we are without sin, fulfilling the law. He dies on the cross and absorbs the wrath of God for all sin. And now when God sees us, He sees us as blameless b/c of the work of Christ. The word spotless is used to explain how we are seen.
By laying down His life for the sheep, He has rendered sin and death powerless. He has basically defanged and declawed the wolf.
The wolf may howl and snarl and growl but has no power.
Snake charmers
John 10:16
16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.
Jesus is probably talking to 100% Jewish audience
I bet you and I were on His mind when He said this!
And to this day, Christ is still about this same thing; seeking and saving the lost.
This is Jesus talking
12 “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? 13 “If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. 14 “So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.
mat 18:
All around the world...
Middle East
Middle East
China
N Korea
Iran
With God, is there really a closed nation?
And even in the face of persecution, the church flourishes!
That is because Jesus died for those who will be saved, not those who might be saved or could be saved.
So What?
So What?
What does this mean for you and I?
Three ways people generally respond to this:
2 are wrong
1 is right
Can’t be true, at least for me!
Can’t be true, at least for me!
People feel they have out sinned the grace of God.
You can hear this and want it to be true but in the middle of hearing comes the remembering of former things.
Or something you are currently wrestling with and you feel there is no way God could forgive you...
If this is true, it is not true for me!
God doesn’t love people like me
God doesn’t forgive people like me
Even some Christians feel there is that one thing they wish they had done differently
They find it difficult to accept the grace of God
18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
God wants you to hear something! He wants to reason with you.
Though your sins be as scarlet, they will be white as snow.
Purity for sinfulness
An absurd exchange
Billion Dollars
What if someone wanted to give you a billion dollars?
Would you say, no way, I am not set up for that kind of absurd cash. I can’t even handle what I make each year, so there is no way I can handle that!
Shut up and take the money.
Take the money and then figure out how to handle it.
Shut up and take the forgiveness and then figure out how to walk in the grace.
Don’t wait until you have figured out how to walk in it.
Well of course He loves me!
Well of course He loves me!
Compare yourself to others and consider yourself good b/c your friends are idiots
I am a good husband, father, friend b/c I don’t do the things these other people do
Your self-righteousness is not based on the righteousness of Christ but is based on those around you.
Bible is clear that this is filthy rags.
6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Is 64
6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 64
For all of us have become like one who is unclean,
And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;
6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
Rom 10:1
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 64
For all of us have become like one who is unclean,
And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;
Well of course He loves me
Well of course He loves me
Or we Theologize it
We put it in our head and it doesn’t take root in our heart
It doesn’t lead to worship
You miss out on all that God has for you
This leads to a dry, dead faith
6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Respond with worship and obedience
Respond with worship and obedience
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
col 3:
1 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. 2 You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. 3 True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
When we understand what has been done for us, our hearts should long for the love of Christ.
We should rest in the grace of Christ and not struggle to create our own
Believers: I encourage you to dwell on
Nonbelievers: I encourage you to take the billion dollars
One of the most recognized texts about shepherds is
Let’s read that together as we close…and dwell on it as we read…don’t rush through it.
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Let’s pray