THE MAGNIFICENT VII I AM “THE GOOD SHEPHERD”

Jn. 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” (NKJV)

Intro:

Honor and Definition of a Shepherd

Jesus, a great storyteller

Good and Bad leaders

Chap 9:

Man born blind, healed by Jesus on the Sabbath, thrown out of the temple. Leaders were spiritually blind, contrasting with Jesus’ healing.

Chapter 10:

Jesus compares shepherds to people in the Middle East. He contrasts the Pharisees’ blindness with the healed man. False shepherds (Pharisees) claimed insight but were spiritually blind. Jesus, as the True Shepherd, seeks and heals His sheep. His sheep hear and follow His voice.

Jn. 10:1-5

Jesus describes Himself as the door of the sheep, warning of thieves and robbers. Sheep recognize and follow the voice of their shepherd.

Jesus as the Door:

He is the only way to salvation and provision. The shepherd protects His flock and provides for their needs. False shepherds only take from the flock, but Jesus gives abundant life. John. 10:7-10

Jesus is the door through which His sheep are saved and find pasture. The thief comes to steal, but Jesus came to give life more abundantly.

The Good Shepherd:

Jesus is willing to give His life for His sheep (Jn. 10:11).

A hireling flees when danger comes, but Jesus cares for His flock and lays down His life for them (Jn. 10:12-13).

Jesus has intimate knowledge of His sheep and will gather others, including Gentiles (Jn. 10:14-16).

John. 10:17-18

Jesus willingly lays down His life; His death is voluntary, and He has power over it.

His obedience to God’s will brings special love from the Father.

Division Among the People: Jesus' teachings divided the crowd, with some claiming He was demon-possessed, while others recognized His power to heal.

Psalm 23 – The Lord is My Shepherd:

Psalm 23:1-6: God as our shepherd provides, restores, protects, and comforts. He takes care of all our needs, especially salvation, which He secured through Jesus' sacrifice.