“I am the Good Shepherd”
“I am” Series
I would like to take a few moments to congratulate our graduates today and share a few thoughts with them to keep in mind as they enter this next phase of their journey in life.
Opening Illustration and thoughts which are focused to the 2010 graduates:
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER- by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ’good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you’s." More "I’m sorry’s."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it. Live it and never give it back.
Stop sweating the small stuff.
I read these echoing words from Erma this week and they resonated in my heart. Erma is a great funny writer but when faced with the reality of her death she decided to pen for all us some words of wisdom. She shared what she would have done different in her life in light of the imminent prospect of death. As she lived life and got caught up in the business of life she in her own words admitted she made some mistakes. She missed and took for granted the precious moments in life and focused on things that were only temporary and even meaningless now that death was at the threshold of her life. I admire Erma Bombeck’s honesty and it has made me think this week – Here are some of my thoughts, “If I were facing my transition from here to eternity what would I have wanted to have changed in my life?” Many things cross my mind – more time with the girls, less focus on material things and more on eternal things ranks at the top. I read an e-mail I received this week from a fellow minister his “Napkin Dreams.” He resigned his church ministry position with the blessings of his wife and family. They no longer wanted to be the pastor or the pastor’s wife and family. They sold everything they had got out of debt, scaled back on stuff and bought an RV so they as a family can travel the USA for the next couple of years. He shares how he wants to live with less stress, and less pressure in life.
He wants to experience life, not just live it, not just exist but really live. What did I get out of his letter? I must admit I was envious of him! I have always wanted to do something like this in my life. This man is doing it and he is doing it with his family – wow – I applaud his step of faith.
As I read these two stories this week it caused me to ponder my life, my choices, my lifestyle, my dreams, my values in life and my imminent death. As I tossed these stirrings through my brain it made me look deeply at my past 50 years. I must admit it’s been a revelatory week for me especially when on Tuesday I was told that at 50 I am too old to sit on a planning committee for the FCA National Convention being hosted here in Chicago. That was a punch in the stomach for me!
But then I read the Gospels, the life of Jesus, His lifestyle, His teachings, His travels, His miracles and I get a glimpse into His eternal mindset. He lived His life with death and eternity in mind every day. He made His choices and decisions in life based on the fact that He wanted to please God the Father and do what God asked of Him. He was to choose to die on the cross – to die so that people like me could be set free from sin, so that I could be given the great gift of eternal life. Jesus never lived for himself, he never made decisions based on selfish motives, he never put value in things like houses, chariots, horses, gold or even rubies. His value system was rooted in Heaven, in God, in doing God’s will and also in dying to Himself. His many good and Godly qualities compel us to praise Him in worship today. Why? Because Jesus is a Good Shepherd!
Thesis: Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he laid down his life to save the sheep. He led and leads the sheep to life not to slaughter. He guards and protects His sheep because He loves them.
Scripture Text: John 10
The Shepherd and His Flock
1“I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.
2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.
3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a strangers voice.”
6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
7Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.
8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns 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.
13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16I 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.
17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.
18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
19At these words the Jews were again divided.
20Many of them said, “He is demon–possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
21But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
The Unbelief of the Jews
22Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,
23and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.
24The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
25Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me,
26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
30I and the Father are one.”
31Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him,
32but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”
33“We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
34Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’?
35If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken—
36what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?
37Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does.
38But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
39Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.
40Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed
41and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.”
42And in that place many believed in Jesus.
John 10:11 and 14
"I am the good shepherd... The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
Personal Illustration: How I learned about the heartbeat of a good shepherd and how difficult it is to lead and herd sheep. This personal story is drawn from my ministry time in Grygla, Mn. It was my first pastorate – I had just recently graduated from North Central Bible College now called North Central University:
I was excited, ready to take on the Devil and his demons in full time ministry. I was sure I would win the area to Christ. I actually took a compass and drew a 25 mile circle around Grygla to determine how many souls I could lead to Christ in this rural area of Minnesota. I was convinced the church of 30 or so would grow quickly. I was ready but my wife tried to warn me that country life was very different than the city life I had grown up in. She was a country girl and knew the dynamics of rural ministry. I was in for a life lesson here in this rural community.
The bulk of the area was filled with farmers and ranchers. One of my deacons and his wife a deaconess in my church were farmers and they also raised sheep and cattle. Gary invited me out shortly after we had moved to this little town to help with the sheering of the sheep. I was eager to learn what rural life and shepherding was all about. I had studied and read for years as Jesus made comparisons to Shepherding and the sheep. I knew this was a common trade in Jesus day and I desired to learn more of this culture.
Life in Grygla taught me some valuable lessons about shepherds. I was amazed to soon learn that the sheep farmers of this area had to battle against Timber Wolves. These large wolves were protected by the DNR and they liked to come into the shepherd’s herds at night and kill and eat their sheep. When I first heard how protective these shepherd’s were I admired their love for the sheep. I must admit it sounded exciting for me to be able to encounter a wolf in the wild – I had never seen a wolf in the wild. I had heard from Jesus how dangerous they were. I soon learned from the farmers and ranchers that they were deadly. One of my other deacons in the church raised English Springer Spaniels and one day in the afternoon a pack of Timber wolves invaded his front yard at his house and killed all of his pups and the parents and dragged them off into the woods. Their kids witnessed this horrible attack and it left them with nightmares. I had no doubt in my mind after hearing this story that wolves were very deadly. They kill, steal and destroy.
Gary shared with me as we walked his land how the wolves not only killed his sheep but they had also killed one of his prime steers. He showed me the half eaten carcass and a few remains of his many lost sheep. The farmers hated the wolves and stated so in this small rural country. So I learned a lot about wolves and how protective the shepherds were of their flocks. One of the ways the farmers dealt with the wolves was to bring in Great Pyrenees sheep dogs. They were great at driving off a pack of wolves.
Well the day came for me to learn more about the sheep they so faithfully protected. It was sheep shearing day. I got excited the morning of the big event. I was pumped that I could help shear sheep for the day. I remember the morning still to this day it was a little cool but the sun was out as I eagerly drove out to their farm. I thought over and over how this was going to be a great day! I was sure I would gain some great sheep illustrations for my sermons. I really had no idea what I was in for! Remember I was a city boy turned country pastor. I learned that God has a sense of humor and is able to put us in positions to be humbled, especiall when we think we know it all.
As I drove into the ranch, the sun was coming up and I first saw the farm crew huddled around their trucks sipping on their coffee. I noticed a large trailer had been setup by the coral. They had also set up narrow walk ways to herd the sheep through. We were to do this one at a time so the two sheep shearers could grab the sheep and then cut off the wool from these puffy fluffy creatures.
I greeted everyone and we talked farmer talk. I then went over to introduce myself to some of the sheep because some had already been herded into the corral. I reached out to pet the wooly beast and it jumped back away from my hand and looked at me with wide crazy eyes. I also noticed how much these animals stunk – they were dirty and muddy and not real cute at all. The lambs were cute but these guys were ugly, smelly and very jumpy.
Well we all finished our coffee and got to work rounding up more of the sheep. The sheep shearers were ready to cut so Gary asked me to go to the corral side were they had set up the narrow passage ways for the sheep. They would drive the sheep into this narrow passage so that only one sheep at a time would be allowed in the passage way. Once the sheep were lined up then the shearers could handle them one by one.
My assigned task was to make sure the sheep did not get stuck in the opening as they merged into the narrow passage way. I thought after I got my assignment, “This is a brainless job.” Off course, I was very mistaken. The herd was pushed to the opening and I became amazed at how dumb these sheep were. They would jump on top of each other, but heads with each other. Went every direction but into the passage way. They ran into each other and some even tried to go in two at a time or even three and then they would literally get stuck. So as the new good shepherd of this flock I tried to help them get unstuck. But these sheep would fight against me as I tried to help them, they kicked, they squirmed and struggled. I was out to help them from getting injured and they resisted my assistance over and over. I recall some of the other farmers and ranchers laughter at me as I literally fought with these sheep. One of the guys yelled out to me something like this, “Pastor Mike they are dumb animals and will fight you even when you try to help them!” I soon realized these sheep were stupid, rebellious, smelly and uncooperative. After a while I got the process moving ahead. I worked diligently at keeping my sheep from getting stuck in the opening. Another one of the workers came up to me and said, “It makes you wonder how God thinks of us when he calls us sheep – hugh?” I had to admit these sheep were a pain and they did not like to cooperate.
A little while later into the morning herding I recall that I was feeling a little exhausted from the constant battle with the sheep. I then actually had a sheep go into the narrow passage way up toward the shearing trailer and shearers. Then all of a sudden this sheep actually threw himself backwards onto his back to keep from moving forward. This sheep was upside down in the passage way stuck and blocking the traffic flow.
Gary yelled to me Pastor Mike you have to jump into the passage way and get that stupid sheep onto his feet again because he will not be able to get up on his own. So I went to were the stupid sheep was lying upside down on its back. This sheep was laying there with four hoofs in the air wedged between the two rails. I climbed over the fence in front of the upside down sheep kicking, and wailing. I don’t recall how long I tried with all my strength to get this sheep turned over. It seemed like forever. It kicked, he bellowed, it twisted, it turned every way but the right way, it fought me tooth and nail but finally I got this sheep right side up and it then butted me. This sheep was holding up the shearing process everyone was watching me fight with this one rebellious sheep. Well I got it up, got it moving forward and as I was trying to climb out of the way of the other on rushing sheep, who now wanted to run forward for their hair cut, I was butted again half way up the fence. The butt was so hard it knocked me off balance and I fell. As I fell my back pants pocket caught on the post and my pants ripped totally across my backside. My whole butt was now hanging out and I was picking myself up off the ground as sheep were trying to jump over me or run over me. I got out of the way as quick as I could and then noticed - that everyone was laughing hysterically at my sheep battering.
The sheep had gotten the best of me, I was embarrassed, frustrated, hanging open in the back and thinking to myself, “God compares us to these stupid sheep?” I was totally insulted. Someone else yelled out Pastor Mike what do you think of sheep herding now? I said “They are stupid!” and I plan on staying a pastor.
Later that day a thought hit me, “You are called to Shepherd the flock of God and you will continue to battle against the sheep like you did today but remember they don’t realize what they are doing. You must help them get free even when they fight against you. Some of the sheep you help will get turned right side up and then will turn on you, they will try to knock you over and even cause rips in your heart. But forgive them and keep directing the sheep.” I was to remember this day as a reminder of how hard it is to be a good shepherd (pastor) and I was never to forget that I will be rewarded form sacrificial labors.
So that is my personal sheep and shepherding story to open us up with this morning. Shepherding from my limited experience is difficult, sometimes unrewarding, and often it’s lonely. The same could be said about pastoring or shepherding God’s flock. I am continually reminded by the Lord that my struggle is not with the sheep but with the spiritual forces of evil which influence them and battle against my divine call from God. The enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy – He wants to destroy me and my family. He wants to destroy you and your family. He wants to destroy this church. The Devil is working hard on that task. Some of you need to realize that our battle is not with each other it is with the enemy.
The Lord continues to remind me that my reward will ultimately come when I stand before the Great Good Shepherd in Heaven. This world cannot offer anything in comparison to what He will bless me with in Heaven. Because He is the Good Shepherd.
So that was my sheep and shepherding experience.
Introduction:
So have you ever wondered why there is so much shepherding illustrations in the Bible? Why did Jesus refer to it often in his teaching? The reason is it was one of the most familiar sights in Eastern countries. You would daily see the shepherd leading his flock either to pasture or to the fold. Webster reminds us that, “A shepherd is one who herds, guards, and tends the sheep.” This was a common cultural scene of Jesus day.
In Middle Eastern culture shepherding is a way of life for many. The two "I Am" statements in this chapter are both associated with the common practice of shepherding. When Jesus united the door and good shepherd "I Am" statements the Jews would have understood His terminology. They would have understood the comparison Jesus was making.
If you have studied Jesus sayings you would observe that He taught His followers by using actual experiences that they could relate to. You could say Jesus was culturally sensitive to where his followers mind sets were.
Chilton notes, "The sheepfold Jesus was thinking about was an open space surrounded by a wall, with but one opening and here the shepherd took up His position as the door. It was this that the sheep literally and actually came in and out through Him. Thus they were watched over, cared for, counted and examined to see if any were hurt. If they were hurt, the Good Shepherd would anoint with a healing oil to help facilitate healing in the sheep. He would know His sheep so well they would be named and the sheep would also know their shepherd’s voice (pg. 49.)
Illustration: H.V. Morton gives an account of this sort of thing: "Early one morning I saw an extraordinary sight not far from Bethlehem. Two shepherds had evidently spent the night with their flocks in a cave. The sheep were all mixed together and the time had come for the shepherds to go in different directions. One of the shepherds stood some distance from the sheep and began to call. First one, then another, then four or five animals ran towards him; and so on until he had counted his whole flock" (In the Steps of the Master, London 1935, pg. 155). George Adam Smith similarly tells of three or four shepherds separating out their flocks solely by their peculiar calls (The Historical Geography of the Holy Land, London, 1931, pp. 311f).
At night the sheep were in the fold and protected. By day the shepherds would for the most part, let their sheep graze on the pastures. It’s interesting when you read of the Good Shepherd your mind could reflect back and recall Psalm 23 if you know it by heart.
REMEMBERING ALL THE NAMES OF GOD USING THE 23RD PSALM reminding us that He is the Good Shepherd.
Psalm 23A DAVID PSALM (THE MESSAGE)
1GOD, my shepherd!
(Jehovah – Rohi –our shepherd)
I don’t need a thing
(Jehovah-Jireh-our provider).
2You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from (Jehovah-Shalom-our peace).
3True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction (Jehovah-Tsidkenu--our righteousness).
4Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.
[Jehovah-Shammah--He is There!]
Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
5You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
[Jehovah-Nissi--our Standard of Victory]:
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
[Jehovah-M’Kaddesh--our Holiness; our sanctification]
6Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.
From http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://agodlywoman.org/images.
T.S. - I believe when Jesus made His two "I Am" proclamations, He wanted the Jews and especially the Pharisees and Sadducees to see what a true Good Shepherd looked like.
I. THE MEANING OF "GOOD SHEPHERD".
A. Characteristic of the Good Shepherd – what makes Him so good?
a. Good - Kalos’ or Agathos valuable, virtuous, pure without spot or defect.
1. Good comes from the root Word, God. God is good - world is not.
2. Good as opposed to bad with defect and blemishes, not as it should be defective in quality, rotten or spoiled.
b. Shepherd - poy-mane’ - tends the flock by protecting, ruling, leading, guiding but does it with care and nurturing.
c. The term Agathos Pumen is used in Eph. 4:11 in reference to pastors. The term is used 17 times in the New Testament.
1. The Shepherd is a figure of God Himself, Luke 15:4.
2. Jesus describes His mission by the image of gathering in the flock. Matt. 15:24.
3. Jesus uses the shepherd comparison in anticipation of His death and return with an illusion to Zech. 13:7
"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones."
d. Old Testament usage of term.
1. God is clearly called the shepherd of Israel. Ps. 68:7
2. God guides it. Ps. 23:3
3. Good Shepherd leads it to food and water. Ps. 23:2
4. Shepherd (God) protects it. Ps. 23:4
5. God carries its young. (Isa. 40:11)
6. Ezekiel 34: 23-24; 37:22, 24 point the term to Messianic significance: "I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken." " I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. 23 They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, they will be my people, and I will be their God. 24 "`My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees."
7. In Jeremiah 3:15; 23:4: " Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding" (15)…"I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD" (23:4).
* These verses speak of God appointing new shepherds because the others are corrupt. God also will set up new shepherds, yea one shepherd who will reunite the people Zech. 12:10; 12:1. "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit {[10] Or the Spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on {[10] Or to me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 13:1 "On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.”
* Jeremiah 23:1-8 (READ) develops this prophetic concept even more after the exile bad shepherds bring down judgment, but a shepherd suffers death according to God’s will and in so doing ushers in the time of salvation. (Gerhard)
B. Characteristics of Sheep - What are some characteristics of sheep? From http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_some_characteristics_of_sheep. They are of a gregarious nature...meaning they love to be with the herd, they are herbivores. Sheep must have a leader (shepherd) and must be told what to do and where to go, other wise they’ll wander off and get lost.
1. Timid, fearful, easily panicked
2. Dumb stupid, gullible
3. Very vulnerable to fear, frustration, pests, hunger
4. Easily influenced by a leader, by the shepherd
5. Stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psychology
6. Little or no means of self-defense; can only run
7. Easily killed by enemies
8. The shepherd is most effective, calming influence
9. Jealous, competitive for dominance
10. Constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture
11. Have very little discernment in choosing food or water
12. Best water source is early morning dew
13. Perverse, stubborn - will insist on their own way , even eating poisonous plants or drinking dirty water
14. Easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves
will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd; helpless
15. Frequently look for easy places to rest
16. Don’t like to be sheared, cleaned
17. Too much wool can cause sheep to be easily "cast"
18. Creatures of habit; get into "ruts"
19. Need the most care of all livestock
20. Need to be "on the move"; need a pre-determined plan, pattern of grazing
21. Totally dependent of shepherd for every need
22. Need "rod and staff" guidance
* Did you notice how needy sheep are? Can you know understand why the sheep need a Good Shepherd to lead them? The truth is if the sheep don’t have a Shepherd they are scattered and the reality is they will die!
T.S. – We have just learned what makes a good shepherd – Good and we have also learned why sheep need a good shepherd. Let’s look to see how the Jewish leaders responded to Jesus “I am claim of being the Good Shepherd!”
II. Jesus tells us and the original listeners and hearers that, “The sheep know His voice,”
*The Jewish leaders had the wrong response to Jesus "I AM’ STATEMENTS and actions and so he addresses in this chapter – “You don’t know my voice therefore you don’t know or represent me - (John 10:22-42)
A. The historical and cultural setting of this section.
1. They were celebrating the Feast of Dedication – also called Hanukkah.
a. Historically this is a minor Jewish festival. But note there is no Old Testament reference to this feast.
1.) It has evolved into one of the most celebrated Jewish festivals since Christ’s death because it falls so close to Christmas.
2.) Hanukkah is observed for 8 days.
a. This feast commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over King Antiochus Epiphanes and his Syrian-Greek forces in 165 B.C.
b. The primary sources for knowledge of the events of Hanukkah are the 1st and 2nd books of Maccabees, which although not canonized as part of the Jewish Bible itself, do constitute part of Jewish apocryphal literature.
c. Note Eckstein: "Like the book of Maccabees, both Maimonides and the special liturgical prayer recited on this holiday suggest that the principle miracle celebrated on Hanukkah is that of the military victory that enabled the Jews to rededicate the temple and to worship God freely. Hanukkah marks the victory of the few over the many, of the weak over the mighty, and of those with faith in God and commitment to religious freedom over the pagan tyrants of the world. The Talmud and later tradition maintain that in addition to the miracle of the military victory, another miracle took place. They suggest that as the Jews purified the temple, they were able to find only one remaining flask of pure olive oil, capable of keeping the eternal light burning for only one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days and eight nights, after which time they were able to find new oil." (Pg. 138)
B. The challenge from the Jewish leaders – the bad shepherds - and their unbelief in Jesus as the Messiah.
1. Verse 24 could be an unspoken challenge by the Jews to Jesus Christ to take action against their oppressors, they were saying “If your Christ – the Messiah - lets military over throw the Romans!”
2. Jesus statement is to these bad shepherds and a warning to them that “His sheep know His voice.” It was obvious they could not even recognize the voice of their Savior. Jesus challenges them on their blindness and deafness.
3. Jesus affirms once again He and the Father are ONE in the same. He is the "I Am" of the Old Testament. He has come to lay down His life for the sheep so they can be delivered.
4. He references His miracles because they always point to Jesus’ divinity and Messiah-ship. They are always a sign of God’s presence and a confirmation of His power and of Jesus’ authenticity.
T.S. – The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as their “Good Shepherd” because they thought they knew more than their Messiah, their Lord – Jesus tried to open their eyes to their deception but they refused to see the truth. We too can become deceived if we do not listen to Jesus teachings and His voice today.
III. APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 10 - “I am the Good Shepherd and my sheep will listen to my voice, they will come to me, and follow me.”
A. Christ is the Good Shepherd and He is the one we are to follow. He is the one who is calling His church to follow Him not the ways of the world.
1. We can apply this chapter to us by stressing that Christ is our Good Shepherd who protects us, rules us with love, and guides us with gentleness and firmness. He does use His staff to get us back into the flock and to keep us from falling into holes.
2. He is the Shepherd who does not neglect His sheep but cares for them enough to die for them.
a. The death of the Good Shepherd means life for His sheep.
b. Morris notes that Palestinian Shepherds would not lay down their life for their sheep. They felt it was better to live for the sheep. A shepherd does not characteristically give their life for the sheep. The Good Shepherd does. To Palestinians the death of the Palestinian Shepherd meant disaster for his sheep. (510).
c. 1 Peter 2:25: “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Conclusion:
We can practically apply this chapter to us by stressing that Christ is still today the, "I Am" present tense our gate into heaven and He is our Good Shepherd today. He is a shepherd who does not neglect His sheep. He cares for His sheep by guiding, correcting, comforting and nurturing this sheep. He is the one who should lead us, not Bad Shepherds preaching another way. Paul also warned us about being deceived by bad shepherds.
I Timothy 6:3-10: "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
The Good Shepherd protects us from the thief and danger in the world. The key is to enter through His door and find rest in the Kingdom and let His staff guide us.
Altar Call:
Have you today walked through the gate to gain eternal life? If not, come down to the altar and walk through the door and embrace the Good Shepherd.
Maybe today you have walked through times which have been very tough. The Good Shepherd the "I Am" is here today to comfort you, nurture and to anoint you with His healing oil. He is waiting at this altar to embrace you with His love and forgiveness, to heal the hurt inside of you.
