Sermon Tone Analysis

Start:

Entice: Understanding the Bible requires understanding the intertextual conversations going on between the various texts, particularly the way that New Testament books summarize and conclude long threads of revelation from the Old Testament.

Psalm 23 we know well.

Ezekiel 34 not as much.

The imagery we find in these passages is the background for what Jesus says in John 10.

The words written there find fulfillment in Jesus' claims there

Engage: In John 10 Jesus, having stepped into the world makes that promise a reality.

We are His gathered flock.

Responding to His voice, following where He leads, receiving and passing along His love and care.

Expand:

Our Shepherd has called us.

Our Shepherd has saved us.

Our Shepherd has gathered us

into His flock, His people, His Church.

Built upon His loving care we make it our purpose to help Him to gather the scattered and bring them into the fold.

Excite: The shepherding image is both practical and theological.

Shepherds don't just have theories about sheep, lots of sheep anecdotes, and sheep jokes.

they know sheep.

They are fully invested in their sheep.

So, it is with Jesus.

As our shepherd Jesus is present, persistent, and patient with us.

Explore:

Jesus is the Shepherd who can lead through this life to the eternal sheep-fold.

Explain: According to Jesus there are several practical characteristics of the Good Shepherd who is also the gate for His flock...

Body of Sermon:

1. Assumes the Risk

1.1 Recognizes threats to the flock.

Sneaks, Thieves, & Robbers.

(Bandits, Bullies, Bamboozlers)

1.2 Provides Security for the flock.

Integrity of the Sheepfold...

Entry to the Sheepfold

Identity to the Sheepfold.

2. Acknowledges our Relationship.

2.1 Right Door.

(I am the door of the Sheep)

2.2 Right Shepherd

(I am the good Shepherd)

Obedience.

Salvation

Abundant Life.

3. Acts Responsibly.

3.1 Knows His flock.

3.2 Calls His flock.

3.3 Sacrifices for His flock.

3.4 Expands His flock

Shut Down:

In an uncertain world Jesus is certain.

The cross is His symbol of responsibility.

His Church is the venue for a Relationship with Him.

He mitigates our eternal risk and engages under-shepherds to extend His loving care within our fallen world.

Sheep listen to their shepherd, learn from their shepherd, follow their shepherd, depend upon their shepherd, and love their shepherd.

We love the Good Shepherd because of His gracious love to us.

If you hear His voice, obey.

If you feel threatened, come.

If you feel lost, follow.