Jesus, the Shepherd
10 February 2013 PM – John 10:1-21 – Scott Childs
Introduction: Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Caring for sheep was a common occupation in Jesus’ day. “The loneliness of pastoral life bound the shepherd and his sheep together in companionship, dangers, and pleasures mutually enjoyed. There were dangers of ravines, torrents, wolves, thirst, the winter storms and mountain mists, and straying, in which the sheep looked to their shepherd for protection.” J. W. Shepard The shepherd was much more than a farmer. He was a provider, a protector, a guide, a nurse, and a friend to his sheep.
Transition: As we examine what Jesus said about himself as the Shepherd, his words ought to bring comfort and encouragement.
I. Jesus is the True Shepherd John 10:1-6
Note the “Verily, verily” in verse 1. This is a very very important statement.
A. Intruders are not the true Shepherd (1)
1. Sheepfolds protected the sheep at night.
These folds are simple walled enclosures. On the top of the wall is heaped thorny brushwood as a further safeguard. Sometimes there is a covered hut in the corner for the shepherd. ISBE
2. The sheepfold represents God’s secure salvation that protects his sheep (true Christians).
3. Intruders that climbed the wall were thieves and robbers. They are not trying to become sheep but they want to steal sheep. By these Jesus pictured false teachers.
False teachers abound in our day. Many are very convincing and we need to stay close to the Lord for protection. Know the Bible and Bible doctrine well so you can spot error quickly. Be discerning!
B. Strangers are not the true Shepherd (5)
1. Strangers tried to lure sheep away.
2. Sheep must know the voice of the Shepherd and not follow any other. Abide in Christ for safety!
C. The owner is the true Shepherd (2-4)
1. The true Shepherd enters the fold properly.
2. The sheep hear his voice as he calls them by name and leads them out. They know his voice and follow him.
This kind of close intimate relationship does not develop over night. As the sheep spend much time with the shepherd, they learn to trust him. As they sense his care for them, they learn to love him. There are no shortcuts to a close fellowship with Christ – the True Shepherd.
II. Jesus is the Saving Shepherd John 10:7-10
Here is another “verily, verily” statement.
A. Jesus is the door to the fold – the only entrance.
1. All who claimed to be the Shepherd before Christ came, were thieves and robbers.
2. Jesus is the only true entrance into eternal life. God’s sheep did not hear the false shepherds.
Today there are still false christs and false prophets. Many of the cults claim they believe in the Christ of the Bible, yet they say their christ is not eternal, not God Almighty, the brother of Satan, or an angel. Their christ is not the Christ of the Bible.
3. Jesus warned of such deceivers.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
B. Those who enter through Christ receive life.
1. All who enter through Christ become his sheep.
a) They are saved
b) They are able to go in and out and find pasture. This means they will be well-cared-for and will not lack.
c) They receive spiritual life eternal.
d) Their new life is more abundant. Pulpit Commentary states this is “‘abundance’ of supply beyond immediate possibility of use.” Thomas Constable adds, “Jesus on the other hand not only came to bring spiritual life to people, but He came to bring the best quality of life to them. The eternal life that Jesus imparts is not just long, but it is also rich.”
2. Thieves do the opposite. They steal, kill, and destroy.
III. Jesus is the Good Shepherd John 10:11-15
A. Jesus gave his life for the sheep.
1. Jesus gave his life to purchase our salvation.
2. Jesus gave his life to protect us eternally.
3. He proved that he was the Good Shepherd by giving his life for us.
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
4. Jesus knows his sheep and they know him.
B. The hirling will fee in time of danger.
1. A hireling is one who is hired to tend sheep. He has no personal interest in the sheep.
2. He is not willing to risk his life to protect them.
Charles Weigle was an itinerant Baptist evangelist. One day after preaching at a gospel crusade, he came home to find a note from his wife. She did not care for the life she led because of being an evangelist’s wife and she was leaving him. The next few years were a time of despair for Weigle. He even wondered if anyone really cared for him. After a time, his faith was again restored and he became active for the Lord again. During this time he wanted to put to paper a song that would share the feelings he had experienced while during his despondent days. From his heart came the words and the tune for the hymn, “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus.” – No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There’s no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3APG-NVUI
IV. Jesus is the Loving Shepherd John 10:16-18
A. He is loving because he accepted us.
1. The Lord’s sheep were Jews. He was a Jew. He ministered to Jews. Jews had nothing to do with Gentiles.
2. By “other sheep” Jesus spoke about Gentiles.
a) They will hear him.
b) His fold will include both Jews and Gentiles.
B. He is loving because he died for us.
1. Jesus laid down his life for us.
2. Being God, he took up his life again when he rose from the dead.
Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
V. Mixed Opinions John 10:19-21
People had mixed opinions about Jesus. Some said he was demon possessed and a madman. Others argued that his words were not those of a madman but of one who opened the eyes of the blind.
Men have always had mixed opinions about Jesus, but all who have repented of their sin and placed their trust in him for salvation, they know him as their Good Shepherd!
Conclusion: Jesus is the true Shepherd, the saving Shepherd, the good Shepherd, and the loving Shepherd, but are you positive that he is YOUR Shepherd? Do you know him personally? Does he know you as his child?
If you know him as your Shepherd, are you enjoying an intimate and close relationship with him? Are you enjoying the abundant life that he provides? Can you truly say, “No one ever cared for me like Jesus”?
Song: Jesus Loves Even Me – 492