I AM= THE GOOD SHEPHERD

I AM= THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Prayer:Dear Lord,

Today, We thank You and give You glory today. We want to see You in a fresh, new way in our life. We pray to walk into this day with peace, confidence, and comprehension of who I am. Reignite our fire, give us back our enthusiasm, give us the tolerance to wait for Your plan to unfold and add some strength when we feel like we have none left; in Jesus name. Amen.

FOCAL TEXT: John 10:11-18 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

INTRO

Things are not always as they seem.

Is God Real?

Maybe it’s not that we don’t believe God is real.

Perhaps we are unclear about who God really is.

We will provide a clearer endorsement of God by exploring God’s qualities, characteristics, essence, and overall attributes.

BIG IDEA: If you listen, God will tell you who He is.

I. If you listen, God will tell you He is Responsible- John 10:11-13 (NIV)- “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheep pen to protect them from thieves, weather, or wild animals. The sheep pens were caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd often slept across the door-way of the pen to protect the sheep. Just as a shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus, the good shepherd, cares for his flock(those who follow him).

A hired hand tends the sheep for money, while the shepherd does it for love. The shepherd owns the sheep and is committed to them. Jesus is not merely doing a job; he is committed to love us and even lay down his life for us. False teachers and false prophets do not have this commitment.

A. The Shepherd laid down his life for the sheep.

B. The Shepherd protects the sheep.

C. TheShepherd cares for the sheep.

I. If you listen, God will tell you He is Responsible.

II. If you listen, God will tell you Who He is in Relationship-John 10:14-16 (NIV)- 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

In the sheep pen, the shepherd functioned as a gate, letting the sheep in and protecting them. Jesus is the gate to God’s salvation for us. He offers access to safety and security. Christ is our protector. Some people resent that Jesus is the gate, the only way to access to God. But Jesus is God’s Son-why should we seek any other way or want to customize a different approach to God? The “other sheep” were non-Jews. Jesus came to save Gentiles as well as Jews. This is an insight into his worldwide mission-to die for the sins of the world. People tend to want to restrict God’s blessings to their own group, but Jesus refuses to be limited by the fences we build.

A. The Shepherd knows the sheep.

B. The Shepherd brings ALL the sheep together.

C. The Shepherd takes ownership of the flock.

I. If you listen, God will tell you He is Responsible.

II. If you listen, God will tell you Who He is in Relationship

III. If you listen, God will tell you He is Reliable-John 10:17-18- 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

In contrast to the thief who takes life, Jesus gives life. The life he gives right now is abundantly richer and fuller. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of his overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. Have you taken Christ’s offer of life? Jesus death and resurrection, as part of God’s plan for the salvation of the world, were under God’s full control. No one could kill Jesus without his consent.

A. Jesus The Shepherd laid down His life to take it up again.

B. Jesus The Shepherd received this command from the Father.

C. Jesus The Shepherd has all power!

In conclusion:

I. If you listen, God will tell you He is Responsible.

II. If you listen, God will tell you Who He is in Relationship

III. If you listen, God will tell you He is Reliable

Do you think society has distorted who God is?

How might we reintroduce God to a world of sceptics and critics?

Who is God to you? I AM= THE GOOD SHEPHERD