The Shepherd
Notes
Transcript
Connected with last Sunday’s scripture about the gate/door - a continuation of his thoughts
Jesus caused division among the Jews
Demon-possessed and raving mad BUT possessed don’t heal the blind!
Let’s hear the comment that stirred up the Jews listening to him
Please stand as we honor the reading of God’s Word
11 “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.
17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.
18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
THE WORD OF GOD - FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Many examples of the shepherd in the Old Testament - two prominent are Ezekiel 34 and Psalm 23
Love for Us
Love for Us
Love for Us
Identified himself as the Good Shepherd of Ezekiel 34
Ezekiel example:
Max Lucado once asked “Couldn’t God have thought of something better to describe us than “sheep?” Of all God's animals, the sheep is the least able to take care of himself. Sheep are dumb! Have you ever met a sheep trainer? Ever seen a sheep do tricks? Have you known of a sheep who could be taught to roll over? Have you ever witnessed a circus sideshow that features something like "Mazadon and His Jumping Sheep?" No. Sheep are just too dumb. And they’re defenseless. They have no fangs or claws. They can't bite you or outrun you.”
Good = “Model” or “True” or “Noble” - as a pastor - called to model Christ as a under-shepherd
Adminitedly, many pastors, including myself, feel that pressure
to lead, to pastor, like Christ
to love the sheep, like Christ
Rick Warren - EGR - Extra Grace Required
Relationship with Us
Relationship with Us
Relationship with Us
Psalm 23 example:
Orator reading - standing ovation; another reads and the response is silence and mediation; Orator states the difference - “I know the Psalm, He knows the Shepherd.”
David made it personal - He knew the Shepherd
We have this intimate relationship
His Life for Us
His Life for Us
His Life for Us
Jesus chose to lay down his life for us
We share in Communion today around the world
“In this together” during COVID
Jesus has always said that about his “sheep” the church
We’re in this together!
Hear the Good Shepherd
Accept the Good Shepherd
Follow the Good Shepherd