The Good Shepherd
John 10:1-21
Introduction
The Shepherd brings many things; provides many things; gives his life for sheep
- Read John 10:1-21 / Pray
∆ Point 1 – The Shepherd gives Security
Jesus begins to testify about Himself
V1 – The sheep pen is familiar to 1st century Jews
Watchmen are more than likely a reference to the Holy Spirit
Shepherd would be Christ
Thief represents those who come to destroy; who try to enter falsely
John describes a very common item of this time
Round pen; secured walls; only entrance is through the gate
The shepherd would stand guard and protect the sheep
V3 – The sheep know the voice
Notice the action words of Christ: opens, calls, leads: action by protecting
V4-5 – They not only listen; but they know the voice
The voice is of the Shepherd is comforting
A stranger is not known; it’s someone who may want to do harm
V6 – Inserted to show their understanding
As He taught, they didn’t get it
∆ Point 2 – The Shepherd offers Shelter
V7 – Jesus id’s himself as the gate
Many have tried to imitate Him then, and today
V8 – But the sheep did not listen
Those who knew the Shepherd (voice of God) were faithful
V9-10 – The shepherd also provides (thief = kill/destroy)
Shepherd = provide life to the fullest; not perfect life, but FULL life
V11 – If the shepherd provides life … how?
He is the one who makes life possible (Genesis 1; John 1)
He also willingly gives His life for the sheep
V12-13 – No one cares for the sheep like Him
Note: The hired hand reference: He is not the same as the Shepherd
He does not value the sheep’s life as the Shepherd does
When the enemy comes, he willingly deserts the protective stance
Peter warned the elders to not be like this hired hand, but to be devoted
1 Peter 5:1-7
∆ Point 3 – The Shepherd brings Salvation
V14 – I am the good shepherd; relays intimacy and closeness
V15 – He knows the sheep; same as the Father knows the Son
Five times Jesus referred to as laying down His life
V16 – Who are the “other sheep”?
-- Non Jews
-- Gentile believers (Acts)
He will meld them into one flock
In a multi-flock pen, knowing the Shepherd’s voice is CRITICAL
V17-21 – Know his words …
Lays down His life willingly for the sheep’s protection
Isa 53:6 refers to this same substitutionary atonement for sin
V17 (rephrased): Because the father loves me; I lay down my life
∆ Big Idea
Incredible picture of sacrifice
Irritates the Jews … causes division even in their own group
V21 – Refer back to who Jesus is
Pivotal question: “How can someone who is evil do good things?”
Will we submit to the good that the Shepherd has done and praise Him in our life?
