SF355 - THE GOOD SHEPHERD (John 10 11-18 27-30)

John 10:11-18, 25-30

INTRODUCTION

The Message of the Master

John 6, the Bread of Life ‑ God's Perfect Provision; John 8, the Light of the World ‑ God's Personal Revelation; John 10, the Door to Heaven ‑ God's Passage Way; John 10, the Good Shepherd ‑ God's Perfect Sacrifice

A Day in the life of a Judean Shepherd

He rises early and leads his sheep out calling them by name (John 10:4). Arrives at the pasture where he watches his sheep feed. If any stray he will go after them (Ezekiel 34:12, Luke 15:4). He supplies them with water, either a stream or from a well (Psalm 23:2). In the evening he leads them back into the pen. He makes sure that none are missing, by passing them “under the rod” as they enter into the pen (Leviticus 27:32, Ezekiel 20:37). Finally he lies at entrance and protects the sheep at night.

The shepherd's job required watchfulness (Luke 2:8). It also required tenderness toward the young and feeble (Isaiah 40:11), particularly in driving them to and from the pasture (Genesis 33:13).

He was exposed to the extremes of the weather (Genesis 31:40). He lived on the bare necessities. He had to protect the sheep from wild beasts (1 Samuel 17:34) as well as robbers (Genesis 31:39).

To meet these foes he was equipped with…

Ø A mantle: made of sheepskin with the wool still on it.

Ø A scrip or wallet: with food in it.

Ø A sling

Ø A staff: used to protect the sheep as well as to discipline the sheep.

Jesus adds a new dimension to the concept of shepherd. He is the "good" shepherd, “good (kalos),” beautiful, valuable or virtuous.

1A. The Sacrificial Death of the Shepherd

1B. His death was voluntary – “the good shepherd lays down his life”

This phrase occurs four times in this chapter (11, 15, 17-18)

Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2B. His death was vicarious (10:11) – “for the sheep”

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

Isaiah 53:5-6 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

The book of sin

3B. His death was victorious (10:17)

He won the victory over death and the grave!

1 Corinthians 15:55 O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?

He won the victory over sin

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

2A The Sovereign Knowledge of the Shepherd (10:14)

1B. He knows His sheep personally (10:3)

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.

Nathanael (John 1:45-51)

2B. He knows His sheep intimately

Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? 10 I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.

3B. He cares for His is sheep lovingly

Isaiah 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.

Luke 21:18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost.

Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."

3A The Security of the Sheep (John 10:25‑30)

1B. As believers, our security is based on God’s faithfulness not our feelings (10:28)

John 5:24 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

The Frozen Stream (the safety depended on the ice not on the faith of the men)

2B. As believers, our security was bought by Christ’s finished work, not our feeble works.

John 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Ephesians 2:8‑9

The Diamond Ring (a gift cannot be purchased)

3B. As believers, our security is built on Christ's intercession not our confession

Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

APPLICATION

The Ninety and Nine

The story is told of D. L. Moody and his song leader Ira Sankey as they traveled across England to a revival campaign. Sankey discovered a poem in the newspaper that caught his fancy. He clipped it out and put it in his pocket thinking someday he might compose music for it. That night Moody preached on the good shepherd. When he was through, he turned to Sankey and asked him to come and sing something. Sankey remembered the poem he had put in his pocket. He set it in front of him on his portable organ and began to sing, making up the tune as he went.

verse 5

But all thro' the mountains, thunder‑riven,
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of heaven,
"Rejoice! I have found my sheep!"
And the angels ecoed around the throne,
"Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own."

John 10:11-18; 25-30

1A. The ___________________ Death of the Shepherd

1B. His death was ___________________ – “the good shepherd lays down his life”

Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Romans 5:8

2B. His death was ______________ (10:11) – “for the sheep”

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God…

Isaiah 53:5-6

3B. His death was _______________________ (10:17)

He won the victory over death and the grave! (1 Corinthians 15:55)

He won the victory over sin (John 1:29)

2A The Sovereign Knowledge of the Shepherd (10:14)

1B. He knows His sheep ___________________ (10:3)

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.

2B. He knows His sheep ________________________