The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

John 10:1-21

Prayer-

Father as we prepare our hearts for your word, may our hearts be open to receive the blessing that comes to us from your word. Your word is powerful and your word brings healing. May you accomplish all that you intend for each of us. In Jesus name. Amen.

This morning if you could turn to the book of John chapter 10, we will be looking at Jesus being the Good Shepherd and we will look at the sheep that follow him.

John chapter 10:1-6

We see the red letter words, we know that these are the words of Jesus Himself and he is directing his words to the Pharisees who were taking one of the many rebukes that Jesus had with them about their teachings.

The Pharisees supported their actions against Jesus because they said they were the pastors and shepherds to the church.

Jesus having no commission from them was an intruder and an imposter.

In the minds of the Pharisees, the people’s duty was to stick with the Pharisees and oppose all that Jesus said and did.

In opposition to the Pharisees, Jesus himself describes who are the false shepherds, and the ones that are interfering with the plan of God.

Jesus shows evidence of a thief or a robber coming to do damage to the flock.

(Illustration – paints a picture of a thief trying to get in by alternate way than the gate)

Coming in by way of deception and not coming in by the gate as designed but coming in by a breach in the wall, a window, or a broken board, or under something.

He is not coming in by way of an entrance as designed by a gate with a shepherd to guard the gate.

The thief or robber has no reason to enter because he is not invited. His plan was unlawful and only desires to harm the flock or stealing from the owner.

The Pharisees didn’t get it- they did not understand his figure of speech parable and Jesus has to get a little more forceful.

Not the first time that Jesus had to get into the face of religious people and share the truths of God with them

(V 7-21) Clearly Read Scripture

There are two paths of life-

One leads to life, that is in Jesus Christ.

The other leads to death and destruction- life without Jesus.

You are given a choice which path you will take.

There are two kingdoms,

One of light and one of darkness.

Every human being has a choice which road they will go and who they will follow.

“Jesus says that “He is the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by him.”

Jesus says of Satan and deceivers “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”

Jesus says that “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Clearly we have a choice-

Will you accept the truth of God found in salvation through Jesus Christ?

Will you choose to be deceived into believing it is all about you and allow the enemy of your soul to steal what God is offering you?

Jesus says- I have come to give you life… full life, abundant life. Life worth living!

Which road will you decide to travel and who will you follow?

The Bible talks a lot about doors.

Some doors are to be opened and some are closed and need to remain close.

Doors paint a spiritual picture of what and how we are to approach them.

Jesus in the painting here in the sanctuary is standing at a door and knocking and wanting to come into our hearts and lives.

It is an invitation where you must open the door.

He does not slam on the door like a bill collector or demand a hostile takeover.

The door of our hearts is controlled by us- when He knocks will we let him in?

“Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

The gate from our text is a form of a door in which Jesus the Good Shepherd says that he stands by for us to enter.

Jesus says- “I am the gate for the sheep. All who come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”

Jesus as the Good Shepherd makes us some pretty radical promises-

Jesus promises to protect His sheep (The emphasis on His!)

Whoever enters through me, the narrow gate will be saved.

Narrow road unto salvation