Speaking the Truth in Love
The Good Shepherd: Becoming of the Flock (3 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, 1 Peter 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: Becoming part of the flock of the Good Shepherd.
Read: John 10:1-30
Quick Review: Jesus – the Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd knows his sheep (John 10:14,27) and the sheep know him (John 10:4,14,27).
The Good Shepherd is the door (John 10:9) said another way he allows or does not allow entrance into the sheepfold – his protection.
The Good Shepherd protects his sheep (John 10:10-14) at all costs. A hireling shepherd is similar in today’s analogy 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.
The Good Shepherd provides for his sheep to thrive (shepherd’s the flock) (John 10:9-10).
The Good Shepherd desires all sheep to part of his flock (John 10:16)
How do we become part of the flock of the Good Shepherd?
Hear the Good Shepherd’s voice
- Jesus is speaking to us today: Hebrews 1:1-2
- The scriptures are inspired of God: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Trust (believe) the Good Shepherd
Confess that Jesus is your Shepherd, he is the son of God and that he laid down his life for you
Stop roaming around aimlessly (repent), change your life’s direction and follow the Good Shepherd
Obey the Good Shepherd’s voice (be baptized and remain faithful)
- Several previously read verses (Mark 16:16, Acts 10:43-48, Acts 8:36-39, Acts 2:38)
- I Peter 3:21
Examples of Sheep Coming to the Good Shepherd
- Pentecost: Acts 2:14-47
- Samaria: Acts 8:5-13
- Eunuch: Acts 8:26-39
- Saul: Acts 9:3-19; 22:6-21
- Cornelius: Acts10:1-11:18
- Lydia: Acts 16:13-15
- Jailer: Acts 16:25-34
- Corinthians: Acts 18:1-11
Next Lesson: Staying a Part of the Flock
