God is …
Jesus is a Shepherd
April 10, 2021
John 10:11-16 NIV
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 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. 13 The 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— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 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.
We must admit we’re sheep before the Lord can be our shepherd.
We would rather be called lions, eagles, or tigers, but not sheep.
Sheep are defenseless, helpless creatures who couldn’t survive long without the care of a shepherd. (VIDEO)
Sheep, more than other class of livestock, require endless attention and meticulous care.
They have mob instincts, are especially prone to parasites and diseases, are stubborn, and panic at the first sign of danger.
The perfect sacrificial lamb of heaven is now our shepherd.
This is the story of Good Friday – our savior saved us with sacrifice.
We need a real shepherd because the Wolves are real.
Matthew 7:15 NIV
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Jesus is always looking for his sheep.
Matthew 18:12-14 NIV
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
One Flock. One Shepherd.
The church is a community of revolutionary unity, together in soul, like an orchestra.
We’re all looking for comfort, protection, and care.
We all have a shepherd. Our money can be a shepherd, or our talents and skills can be our shepherd.
Psalms 23 NIV
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
He cares about my rest.
He cares about my emotions.
He cares about my daily decisions.
He cares when I’m sad.
He cares when I’m lonely.
He cares when I’m afraid.
He cares when I’m threatened.
He cares when I have a financial need.
He cares about my eternal future.
Isaiah 40:10-11 NIV
“See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
