Introduction

Welcome, beloved congregation. We are gathered here today under the banner of the Most High, to delve into the depths of His word, to seek His wisdom, and to find nourishment for our souls. Today, we are blessed with the opportunity to reflect on the words of John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

This powerful verse, my dear friends, is not just a statement, but a declaration of divine love, a testament of selfless sacrifice, and an invitation for us to follow the path of the Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a call to become bread for others, to build a servant's heart, and to bear the burdens of others.

Becoming Bread for Others

In the teachings of Christ, we find a profound call to selflessness, a call to give of ourselves for the benefit of others. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. The Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, laid down His life for us, setting a powerful example of sacrificial love. This is the essence of becoming bread for others.

The first aspect of this idea is the act of giving. When we think of bread, we often think of it as a staple food, a basic necessity. In the same way, we are called to be a necessary part of the lives of those around us. We are called to give of our time, our resources, our talents, and our love. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to put the needs of others before our own, and to make sacrifices. But it is through this act of giving that we truly become bread for others.

The second aspect of becoming bread for others is the act of nurturing. Just as bread nourishes the body, we are called to nourish the souls of those around us. This means offering words of encouragement, providing emotional support, and being a source of strength and comfort in times of need. It means being there for others, not just in their moments of joy, but also in their moments of sorrow.

Thirdly is the act of serving. In the Bible, we often read about Jesus serving others - healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and washing the feet of His disciples. These acts of service were not beneath Him; rather, they were a reflection of His love for humanity. In the same way, we are called to serve others. This does not necessarily mean performing grand gestures or making huge sacrifices. It can be as simple as helping a neighbor with their groceries, volunteering at a local charity, or offering a listening ear to a friend in need.

The fourth and final aspect of becoming bread for others is the act of loving. Love, in the Christian sense, is not just a feeling or an emotion. It is an action, a decision, a commitment by choosing to love others, not because of what they can do for us, but simply because they are children of God, deserving of love and respect. We must choose to love others, even when it is difficult, even when they have wronged us, even when they are hard to love.

Building a Servant's Heart

In the same vein, we find ourselves drawn to the notion of building a servant's heart ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO