Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. I am so glad to be here with you today, as we gather in fellowship and unity, bound by our shared faith and love for our Lord, Jesus Christ. As we come together, let's remind ourselves of the beauty of community, the strength in unity, and the joy of shared worship. We are not only a congregation, but a family, a flock under the loving care of our Good Shepherd.

Today, we are going to focus our hearts and minds on the powerful and profound words found in the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11. It reads,

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

These words, spoken by Jesus Himself, are a testament to the depth of His love for us. They paint a vivid picture of a Shepherd who is not distant or detached, but one who is intimately involved in the lives of His flock. A Shepherd who loves His sheep so much, He willingly lays down His life for them.

Sacrificial Love of the Shepherd

When we think about the love that Jesus has for us, it's not just any ordinary kind of love. It's a love that goes beyond our understanding, a love that is willing to give up everything, even life itself. This is the kind of love that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, has for us. He didn't just talk about love, He showed it in the most profound way possible - by laying down His life for us.

A shepherd out in the fields with his flock: The shepherd's job is to take care of the sheep, to make sure they are safe and well-fed. But what if a wolf comes? What if the sheep are in danger? A hired hand might run away, leaving the sheep to fend for themselves. But a good shepherd? A good shepherd would do everything in his power to protect his sheep, even if it means putting his own life at risk.

That's exactly what Jesus did for us: He saw us, lost and in danger, and He didn't run away. He didn't abandon us. Instead, He stepped in between us and the danger. He took the hit that was meant for us. He laid down His life so that we could live. That's sacrificial love. That's the love of our Good Shepherd.

The motivation behind sacrifice: Jesus didn't lay down His life out of obligation or because He had to. He did it willingly, out of love for us. He saw our need, our helplessness, our hopelessness, and His heart was moved with compassion. He chose to give up His life for us because He loves us. That's the heart of our Good Shepherd.

This sacrificial love isn't just something that happened in the past: It's a love that is still active and present today. Jesus continues to care for us, to watch over us, to protect us. He guides us, provides for us, and comforts us. He is always there for us, ready to help us in our time of need. He loves us with a love that is constant and unchanging. That's the faithfulness of our Good Shepherd.

This is a love that transforms: It changes us from the inside out. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are no longer lost. We are no longer in danger. We are no longer alone. We are now part of His flock, under His care and protection. We are now children of God, loved and cherished. We are now free to live a life of love, following the example of our Good Shepherd.

Shepherd's Intimate Relationship with His Flock

The words of Jesus in John 10:14: "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO