I Am the Good Shepherd(4)

I Am the Good Shepherd

John 10:1-18

The Main Idea: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who opens the door to eternal life through faith in him.

Life Application: If we follow the Good Shepherd, we find salvation and receive eternal life.

INTRODUCTION

Whenever we read the Bible, we pay attention to the chapter divisions. However, in the original text, there were no chapters or divisions. Thus, the discourse of Jesus with the Pharisees at the end of chapter nine continues in chapter ten. In chapter nine, Jesus healed the man born blind. Since the healed man gave credit to Jesus, the religious rulers, or Pharisees, expelled him from the synagogue. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees since they claimed perfect vision but were spiritually blind. Then Jesus went further and reprimanded these religious rulers who claimed to be shepherds of the sheep but, in practice, were thieves and robbers.

Since Jesus often communicated truth from daily examples, he chose the sheep pen to illustrate his kingdom. In the Jewish culture of the first century, sheep pens were plentiful. Many of these were adjacent to a dwelling place. The only way to enter the enclosure was through a door or gate. Sometimes, sharp thorns or briars were placed on the tops of the walls to discourage thieves or robbers. Because Jesus is the gate to eternal life, we can live in his sheepfold, safe from fear and anxiety. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus guards the doorway and gives protection to his sheep.

Transition Statement: If we follow the Good Shepherd, we find salvation and fresh pasture.

· The Good Shepherd calls his sheep. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Since he is the gate, the Good Shepherd enters the fold, “demonstrating his authority and integrity.” Those who attempt to enter by climbing over the wall are thieves and robbers. They try to imitate the Shepherd and will lead astray those sheep who are careless and ignorant. Although the fold may be secure, the Shepherd leads his sheep into fresh pastures. The relationship with the Shepherd offers security to the sheep, not the safety of the enclosure. “Without Christ, not one step; with him, anywhere” (Livingstone).

The reason Jesus came to earth was to provide a way for us to have life and have it to the full. Although sometimes taken out of context, we dare not omit these words. In relationship with Jesus, we find fullness rather than emptiness, victory rather than defeat. To have life in Christ surpasses mere existence. Too many Christians are content to exist in Christ but stop short of the fullness Christ wants them to have. Jesus went to the Cross to provide us with a way out of the sin problem. The gift of the Holy Spirit is to lead us away from the pattern of sin into a relationship with God that gives us purity of heart and life. If a shepherd died while watching a Palestinian sheepfold, his sheep were at risk. However, the death of the Good Shepherd brought eternal life to all destined to die because of their sin.

· The Shepherd leads his sheep. He goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

One of the characteristics of sheep is their willingness to follow their leader. While we drive cattle, we must lead sheep. The Good Shepherd never leads the sheep astray but directs them to pleasant pastures and still waters. Hearing his voice gives direction in times of confusion. The Good Shepherd wants what is best for each sheep. Some need nourishment: others need discipline. However, the Good Shepherd always desires his sheep to find restoration.

If sheep follow their shepherd, they must know his voice. They follow his voice since they know it and are familiar with it. Many sheep wander away from the fold because they ceased listening to the Shepherd. His voice, speaking through his word, was unfamiliar to them. The teachings of a true shepherd will always agree with all the Word of God. Any shepherd whose teachings do not agree is false, no matter how large his flock. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. (Mt.7:15). Be wary of self-professed shepherds who promise supernatural things in exchange for money. The true shepherd does not fleece the sheep. The Good Shepherd leads his sheep through the gate into the fold where they are continually safe. Thus, the gate represents a haven for the sheep who tend to wander into danger. God’s Word contains boundaries for the safety of the sheep.

· The Shepherd knows his sheep. I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

Even though the Shepherd knows us, we must know the Shepherd. Anyone who desires to lead others into the fold must first enter through Christ, the door. Although the Shepherd knows his sheep are sometimes wayward or distracted, he loves them because they belong to him. Even unworthy sheep are included in his sheep pen. It is not our responsibility to decide who belongs within the fold, since the Good Shepherd makes no mistakes: The Lord knows those who are his. (2Tim. 2:19). It is our duty to make sure we know the Shepherd, hear, and obey his voice.

Since Jesus is our example, we should pattern our lives after his. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus willingly lay down his life to provide eternal life. If we love the Good Shepherd and his sheep, we must abandon our self-centeredness. As sheep in the flock, we must desire a better knowledge of the Shepherd. To know the Shepherd must be our focus and desire. As the Father and the Son relate to each other, so the Shepherd relates to his flock. Although God chose and blessed the Jewish people, the Gentiles are not excluded from his sheepfold. Within the fold there is no division; one flock and one Shepherd.

Transition Statement: As we listen and follow our Shepherd, we find fulness of joy and everlasting life.

CONCLUSION

Within the boundaries of Christianity, we see many varied groups and societies, some tightly organized; others are loosely structured. However, there is only one Shepherd and one flock. Christ is the Good Shepherd while his church is his sheepfold. Despite opposition, the sheepfold remains secure since the Shepherd guards the gate. Yet, the Shepherd often leads us away from where we feel safe and secure. He may lead us up mountains or through dark valleys. As we follow our Shepherd, the sheepfold may seem far away. Yet, our main concern is not where we travel but who we follow. Our safety depends on our shepherd and not our surroundings. While we often prefer the sunshine on the mountaintop, we gain strength and vitality as we walk through the valley. But the valleys are not unprofitable to us. “The disappointments, frustrations, discouragements, and dark, difficult days through shadowed valleys need not be disastrous. They can be the road to higher ground in our walk with God” (Keller 76).

If we choose to follow and know the Good Shepherd, we are a part of his sheepfold. In the eternal kingdom of God, there will be no divisions or denominations. All believers will be one family, one flock. So let us strive to be one in spirit, hope, and covenant until we are eternally one with God throughout all eternity!

Song: He Leadeth Me

PRAYER

Lord, we are grateful today to have you as our Good Shepherd. Although the storms of life assail us, we know we are safe within your fold. We trust you to protect and watch over us. Give us grace to trust you when we cannot understand the pathway you lead us to take. Help us to follow you, Lord, without reservation. We know you want what is best for us. When you lead us through dark valleys, help us to rest in your goodness and mercy. When we reach a mountaintop, help us give you all the glory and honor. We acknowledge that we are weak, but we rely on your divine strength. We love you, Lord, and place all our hope and trust in you and your Word. Amen!

BENEDICTION

[May we] grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.