Jesus Is Our Good Shepherd

JESUS IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD (Outline)

May 3, 2020 - Easter 4 - JOHN 10:11-16

INTRO.: Who is in charge? Who is in charge of our lives? Who has the answer? Who really knows the truth? These questions are swirling in the minds of many in our society. Maybe even in our own minds. Or homes. Today we gather around the Word of God for the answers to all these questions. Simply put Jesus IS the answer. Always is. Always will be. We find great comfort in the knowledge that our Savior Jesus Christ is also our Good Shepherd. He guides us. Directs us. Provides the answers to our most pressing needs. "Like a shepherd he will care for his flock. With his arm he will gather the lambs. He will lift them up on his lap. He will gently lead the nursing mothers” (ISAIAH 40:11). Our Good Shepherd cares…gathers…lifts up…gently leads us. Comfort. Joy. JESUS IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD. I. Jesus sacrifices for the flock. II. Jesus seeks out other sheep.

I. JESUS SACRIFICES FOR THE FLOCK

A. Verse 11. “I am the Good Shepherd.” The word for good here means not just good but great, best.

1. Jesus was the Good Shepherd because he was the perfect Shepherd for imperfect sheep.

2. “The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Only the Good Shepherd would do that.

B. Verse 12. Hired man was paid to watch over the sheep. Wolf comes. Hired man leaves.

1. These sheep are not his. His life worth more than a sheep’s life. Runs away.

2. The wolf attacks the sheep. Attack = snatch. Later no one will snatch from Jesus’ hand.

3. Verse 13. Hired concerned more about money. Only the Good Shepherd loves the sheep.

C. Verse 14. Again, “I am the Good Shepherd.” Jesus knows his sheep and his sheep know him.

1. Verse 15. This knowing very intimate. Same knowing of Father and Son and sheep.

2. Jesus is the only Shepherd who always will and always does lay down his life for sheep.

D. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” This is profound. Je-sus lays down his life for his sheep. No questions asked. The Lord Jesus knows us intimately. Knows us inside and out. Our hearts are darkened by sin. Our thoughts are clouded with wickedness. Still, the Good Shepherd willingly, freely gives up his life for his wandering, wayward sheep. "Jesus Christ…gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are his own chosen people, eager to do good works” (TITUS 2:14). We are God’s own people. His chosen people. We are saved by God’s choice. This is grace. Undeserved love. God chose us to be his own.

E. A danger for the flock of sheep is the ravenous wolf. Wolves attack. Scatter. Destroy. They are dangerous to the welfare of the sheep. Jesus uses this language to remind us of the dangers of those who oppose us. It is no mistake that the Lord Jesus Christ described false teaches as “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Double danger of false teachers. They are wolves. They are disguised. We need to be alert. Do not listen to the voice of strangers. Especially not strange teachings. We want to listen to God’s voice. "Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on guard against people" (MATTHEW 10:16, 17a). As sheep we would be no match against wolves. As God’s sheep we are not alone. Our Good Shepherd is always guarding his flock.

F. The life of Jesus was a life of sacrifice. The sacrifices that Jesus made were for our benefit. For our salvation. For our eternal welfare. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We are not able to save our-selves. No sacrifice is ever enough. That is, of course, humanly speaking. Our Good Shepherd is also that Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. “And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (EPHESIANS 5:2). Our Good Shepherd changes our lives forever. Jesus’ sacrifice teaches what love is. Teaches us how to love. Live.

JESUS IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD. Jesus willingly and freely sacrifices himself for the flock.

II. JESUS SEEKS OUT OTHER SHEEP

A. Jesus emphasized to the crowd that he was the Good Shepherd. They needed to hear. Believe.

1. In verses 1-10 Jesus told the crowd he was the door. Only one Way to enter into flock.

2. The previous verses stated that the crowd did not understand what Jesus was saying.

3. It was all so simple. Jesus was the door. Jesus was the Good Shepherd. Both.