Series 2 The Good Shepherd

Sermon 2: The Good Shepherd

Text: John 10:11

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

Introduction: Scripture Reading- John 10:11-15

The Role of a Shepherd

A. Cultural background: shepherds in ancient Israel (Psalm 23 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake."; I Sam. 17:32-37).

B. The shepherd's responsibilities: provision, protection, and guidance.

Discussion:

I. Christ as the Good Shepherd

A. His care for His sheep: John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."

1. It’s important for leaders to know their followers.

2. God knows what we need and if we are faithful, then he hears our prayers and knows what we want (won’t always get what we want but we will get what we need).

B. The connection between the Shepherd and His sheep. Trust on the part of the sheep. We trust because He listens, keeps His promises, and cares for us.

1. 2 Sam. 22:3;31 “3. The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. 31. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”

2. Jackson teaching about boxing.

II. Christ’s Sacrificial Love

He lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:15).
1. John 15:12-14
2. As the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ laid down his life willing.
Contrast with the hireling who abandons the sheep in danger (John 10:12-13).
1. The hireling doesn’t care for the sheep like the shepherd does.
2. The hireling is just in it for the money and not a livelihood.
3. If danger approaches, the hireling will say, “It’s not worth losing my life.”
4. David foreshadowing Christ and with both we see the responsibility and care in the mind of the True Shepherd.

III. Christ's Leading and Guiding

Christ as the shepherd who leads us to green pastures (Psalm 23:1-2).
1. We need nutrients to survive. The Good Shepherd knows exactly what we need and He provides that through His guidance.
2. Matt. 6:25-26; 32-34

B. The importance of listening to His voice (John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”).

As the Lamb of God, according to Heb. 5:9, for all but to receive salvation, for all that obey him.
We hear his voice now through hearing the Word. (Rom. 10:17).
My dad is dead and gone but I can still hear his voice when certain things happen.
Christ is at the right hand of the Father, but we can know his voice if we read, study, and meditate on His Word, daily.
The key is that sheep have to want to follow the shepherd, a good shepherd can get the sheep to trust and follow.

Conclusion: The Eternal Shepherd

Revelation 7:17: "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters."
1. Jesus did die but he was also raised from the dead. The Good and True Shepherd still leads, guides, and cares for His own today.
Invitation