Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to explore a beautiful passage from the Gospel of John that speaks to the heart of our relationship with Jesus Christ - and that's all about The Shepherd's Love for His Sheep, The Shepherd's Protection of His Sheep, and The Shepherd's Sacrifice for His Sheep.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "Jesus delights to meet His people. He is no sooner risen from the dead than He sends a message by an angel to say that He will meet His disciples." This is the essence of Jesus' heart for His people. This morning, we’ll see this truth vividly illustrated in John 10:11-16. Let's read the passage together:

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

"Jesus delights to meet His people. He is no sooner risen from the dead than He sends a message by an angel to say that He will meet His disciples." —Charles Spurgeon

The Shepherd's Love for His Sheep

Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." What an incredibly intimate and personal relationship that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, has with each one of us, His sheep. It is a relationship that is marked by deep love, care, and concern for our well-being.

One of the most striking aspects of the Shepherd's Love for His Sheep is the fact that Jesus knows us intimately. In the same way that a shepherd knows each of his sheep by name, Jesus knows each one of us by name. He knows our strengths and weaknesses, our joys and sorrows, our victories and defeats. He knows every detail of our lives, even the number of hairs on our heads. This intimate knowledge of us is a clear demonstration of His love for us. It shows that He is not a distant, impersonal deity, but a loving, caring, and compassionate Shepherd who is deeply involved in our lives.

And isn’t it true that Jesus tenderly cares for us? In the ancient world, shepherds were responsible for the well-being of their sheep. They would lead them to green pastures and still waters, provide shelter and protection, and even carry them when they were injured or weak. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, does the same for us. He provides for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, guiding us through life's challenges and difficulties. He comforts us in our pain, strengthens us in our weakness, and encourages us in our despair. His love for us is not passive or indifferent; it is active, involved, and deeply committed to our well-being.

Jesus also protects us from harm. In the passage we read, Jesus contrasts Himself with the hired hand who abandons the sheep when danger approaches. Unlike the hired hand, Jesus does not run away when we face trials, temptations, or attacks from the enemy. Instead, He stands by our side, defending us, shielding us, and fighting for us. He is our refuge and fortress, our ever-present help in times of trouble. His love for us is not weak or timid; it is strong, courageous, and fiercely protective.

Furthermore, He seeks out and rescues those who are lost or have gone astray. In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, in which a shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep in the open country to search for the one that is lost. This parable shows the lengths to which Jesus will go to find and restore those who have wandered away from Him. His love for us is not conditional or limited; it is relentless, persistent, and all-encompassing.

But the ultimate expression of his love is found in Jesus' willingness to lay down His life for us. In John 10:11, Jesus says, "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." This statement points forward to the cross, where Jesus would willingly and sacrificially give His life to save us from our sins. His love for us is not cheap or superficial; it is costly, selfless, and sacrificial. It is a love that is willing to endure the pain, shame, and suffering of the cross in order to secure our eternal salvation.

As we reflect on the Shepherd's Love for His Sheep, let’s remember that this love is a living, breathing reality that we can experience and enjoy every day of our lives. As we draw near to Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we can experience His love in tangible and practical ways. We can feel His presence, hear His voice, and receive His guidance, comfort, and protection. We can also share His love with others, as we become instruments of His grace, mercy, and compassion in the world.

The Shepherd's Protection of His Sheep

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