Speaking the Truth in Love
The Good Shepherd: Jesus (1 of 6)
Base Text: John 10:1-30
Series Introduction: Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, Hebrews 13:20 describes Jesus as the Great Shepherd, 1Peter 5:4 as the Chief Shepherd. This analogy is not new to describe God’s people; it can be seen amongst other places in the Old Testament in Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34. There are many things John 10:1-30 teaches and shows us about Jesus and who are his sheep. There are also some items the passage does not teach but others have said it does. This six part series is intended to introduce you to Jesus the Good Shepherd and teach you how to become part of his loved flock!
Tonight’s Topic Introduction: There are so many great lessons from John 10:1-30, for now let’s focus in on one lesson: Jesus – the Good Shepherd.
Read: John 10:1-30
Basic Understanding Points:
1. Sheep: A trusting animal, is relative to its predators defenseless, and left to themselves are an easy source of a meal to various wild animals. People raise sheep primarily for their fur (wool) and as a source of meat.
2. Sheepfold: A walled in or naturally surrounded area that has one entrance and exit. Typically in this region and time period a wall about three feet in height made of stacked stone with a simple gap in the wall to be used as the entrance/exit.
3. Shepherd: The person responsible to care for the sheep. Without a shepherd sheep would roam far away from the flock as they graze. The shepherd is charged to protect the sheep from predators and thieves.
Jesus – the Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd knows his sheep (John 10:14,27) and the sheep know him (John 10:4,14,27).
1. Rich Young Ruler: Mark 10:17-22
2. Peter denied knowing Christ: Matthew 26:31-35,69-74
The Good Shepherd is the door (John 10:9) said another way he allows or does not allow entrance into the sheepfold – his protection.
1. No one enters except through Jesus: John 14:6
2. Notice in John 10:3 the gatekeeper opens and closes the door and in John 10:9 Jesus says he is the door, conflicting – No! Jesus is the door and God is the gatekeeper and the passage makes sense once it is understood that God and Jesus are one (John 10:30)!
The Good Shepherd protects his sheep (John 10:10-14) at all costs. A hireling shepherd is similar in today’s society to a part-time employee at a mega chain store that when you have a question or issue could care less if you shop there or not and makes it clear when you talk with them. Jesus is more similar to a small business owner whose very livelihood is based on your customer satisfaction and therefore is very diligent to listen to their customers’ questions and issues.
1. Jesus was not afraid of unpopularity: John 10:31ff
2. Jesus spoke the truth: Luke 4:16-30
3. Jesus taught the lost: John 8:2-12 (shows many of the Good Shepherd's qualities)
4. Jesus provides escape: 1 Corinthians 10:13
5. Jesus did laid down his life:
a. Prophesied: Isaiah 53
b. Fulfilled: Matthew 27:15-54
The Good Shepherd provides for his sheep to thrive (shepherds the flock) (John 10:9-10).
1. Jesus gives us rest while here on earth: Matthew 11:28-30
2. Jesus is the example for proper shepherding: 1 Peter 5:1-4
The Good Shepherd desires all sheep to be part of his flock (John 10:16)
1. All are invited to come to Christ: Matthew 11:28-30
2. Jesus wants to shepherd the weary and lost: Matthew 9:36
3. Each sheep is important: Luke 15:1-7
How do we become part of the flock of the Good Shepherd?
Hear the Good Shepherd’s voice
1. Jesus is speaking to us today: Hebrews 1:1-2
2. The scriptures are inspired of God: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Trust (believe) the Good Shepherd
1. Mark 16:16
2. Acts 10:43
Confess that Jesus is your Shepherd, he is the son of God and that he laid down his life for you
1. Romans 10:10
2. Acts 8:36-37
Stop roaming around aimlessly (repent), change your life’s direction and follow the Good Shepherd
1. Acts 2:38
Obey the Good Shepherd’s voice (be baptized and remain faithful)
1. Several previously read verses (Mark 16:16, Acts 10:43-48, Acts 8:36-39, Acts 2:38)
2. 1 Peter 3:21
