The Good Shepherd

“THE GOOD SHEPERD”

Over the past 6 weeks we have looked at the “I AM” statements of Christ. We have explored significant lessons Jesus gave as He made these descriptive statements about himself.

“I AM” - He clearly used it to identify himself as God

“I AM the way, the truth & the life” – In Him all we seek is found.

“I AM the Light of Day” – thru Him we’ll never walk in dark or get lost.

“I AM the gate – He is our only true protection

“I AM the Bread of Life” – He brings a satisfaction that last for eternity.

“I AM the Resurrection & the life” – able to gives us that eternity today.

Today, we’ll look at the last “I AM” statement found in John 10:11-19,

Here Jesus said, “I AM the good shepherd.”

By this statement, Jesus not only made a great claim about himself, but also gave an example for His disciple to follow. A disciple is someone that not only knows the truth, but follows it no matter the cost.

“You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31

“by this the world will know that you are my disciple, in that you love one another.” John13:35

Today we’ll look at Jesus’ claim about himself & learn how to apply it to our own life, if we are truly to be His disciple.

I. What did Jesus mean when He said He was The Good shepherd. What makes Jesus different from all other shepherds?

1. His goodness. (v. 11 & 14). “ I am the good shepherd"

He didn’t say, “I am A Shepherd,” or “I am A GOOD shepherd,” He said,

“I am THE GOOD shepherd.” Only one like him!

All of us like to claim that we are “good”, but are we really good?

· I’ve been good spouse-yet cheated on his/her mate.

· I am a good worker-yet comes late, leaves early & pats time sheet.

· I am good Christian-yet the evidence is sufficient to indict & convict us of the crime of hypocrite.

Bible says in Psalm 53, that there is none that are good, not one.”

Bible says in Matt. 19, that only God is good.

So how can Jesus call himself good? Because He is good-He’s God! And only God is able to demonstrate true goodness.

Just read Psalm 34, especially verse 8, “O taste & see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”

2. His commitment. (v. 11) “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep"

Jesus was committed to one thing-fulfilling father’s will. Greatest proof of His commitment-willingness to lay down His life for you & me.

Some might be willing to give their life in substitution for one they love. But how many would sacrifice all they have to save one who is evil, ungrateful and disobedient?

Phil. 2 says Jesus, “while being in the very form of God emptied himself, taking the form of a servant & being made in the likeness of men, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, and death on a cross.” He gave up all he had in heaven to come and save us! And by His sacrifice, open the doors of heaven to ALL!

Only God could be committed to such a cause!

Only God would be able to do that! And that is what He did. He lay down his life for you & me that we might not perish to Hell for eternity.

3. His Courage. (vv. 12-13) "He who is a hired hand & not a shepherd, sees the wolf coming & leaves the sheep, and flees and the wolf snatches them & scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand & is not concerned about the sheep."

Many are willing to do some dumb & dangerous things for old might dollar. Every Sunday NFL players risk their life for the opportunity to cash in on some money. Many jeopardize their health, family & future, for something that can not be taken to eternity.

Question: How many would be willing to suffer a painful, agonizing death for an ungrateful stranger? Let’s be honest, none!

Yet Jesus was not only willing, He did it! He died in our place because He is concern for those who are lost!.

Many of Jesus disciples said they would be willing to die for Him.

But after his arrest, how many did? None! They all ran for cover.

They denied Jesus.

They abandoned His call to them.

They returned to what was comfortable, even though not profitable!

So Jesus went to war against enemy (Satan & death) all by himself. When He had defeated them, returned for those who gave up on Him.