Sermon Central
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Security In The Shepherd
Contributed by Christopher Nerreau on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: In a dialog with the religious leaders of Christ’s day, Jesus describes Himself as the "Good Shepherd". When we get a hold of what Christ was saying, then we will find security, peace and comfort. Today we will explore a little more closely what it means
Hired Hand:
Hired hands do not care about the flock, they care about themselves and are in it for the money. (Matthew 23:6 “They love the place of honor…)
Hired Hands flee when things get difficult, they have no vested interest. (Many Jewish leaders sold out to Roman Occupation)
Hired Hands Drive the sheep, because the sheep do not know them.
Good Shepherd:
Jesus cared enough to come in the flesh and die for us
Every other religion calls for them to die for God, but Christ came and died on our behalf.
When things got difficult, Jesus did not flee, he embraced the suffering of the cross on behalf of His sheep.
Jesus walks in front and the sheep follow Him, they know His voice.
Illustration:
When I was a kid I can remember the days when a substitute would fill in for our class. Many times the substitute did not care if we did our homework, class work or anything else, they just wanted to make it through the class and collect their check. There was always a sense disorder and chaos. The real teacher was very different, she brought security. She wanted to see the students blossom and grow. She had an investment in the children and sought the very best for them.
Application:
We cannot purchase peace and security, Peace comes through the position of the good shepherd.
The First way it is given is in knowing Christ the good Shepherded will not forsake or leave us. (Mt. 28:20) (Hebrews 13:5 Never leave… Forsake..)
Transition: So security comes through the protection and position of Christ but lastly…
III. The Shepherds Promise: “I will lay down my life for the sheep…” (v. 11+15) Observation: Our peace is found in the promise of Christ…
At the root of all true fear is death. Our greatest fear is our own mortality.
Trace back any fear you may have all the way to its conclusion and you will find it ultimately is the fear of death and dying.
The promise of Christ is that He will lay down His life for the sheep…
Isaiah 53:7 – Christ will be like a sheep led to the slaughter…
Isaiah 53:8 – Christ stricken for the transgression of people…
John 10:18 – Christ Lay His life down of His own accord…
The second promise of Christ to His Sheep…
John 11:25 - “he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Illustration:
Christ has overcome death – Turn To: 1 Cor. 15:55 “Death where is thy sting…”
Thursday, December 21, 1899, after cutting short a Kansas City preaching engagement and returning home in ill health, D. L. Moody told his family, "I’m not discouraged. I want to live as long as I am useful, but when my work is done I want to be up and off."
The next day Moody awakened after a restless night. In careful, measured words he said, "Earth recedes, Heaven opens before me!" His son, Will, concluded his father was dreaming. "No, this is no dream, Will. It is beautiful. It is like a trance. If this is death, it is sweet. There is no valley here. God is calling me, and I must go."
Application:
