The Good Shepherd

Sunday Service

John 10:1-21

Having just rescued the man born blind from the shoddy shepherding of the Pharisees, here in this passage, Jesus compares Himself to these self-appointed, self-righteous shepherds of Israel and wanted them and His followers to know THREE REASONS why He was a better shepherd.

1.  SOUL-CARING SHEPHERD - He personally calls us by name and lovingly leads us (vv. 1-6).
Jesus wanted the Pharisees to know what it means to be a good shepherd and that they were anything but good. Jesus likened them to robbers, thieves, and wild animals disguised as shepherds (Matthew 7:15). How much more dangerous is it if the wolf is disguised as a Preacher. Jesus used the illustration of a communal corral, where each shepherd would call his own flock by some familiar name in a familiar voice. Only the sheep who recognized their shepherd's voice would respond and leave the corral. Likewise, the names of all of Christ's followers, who are recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 13:8), respond to His call of salvation. Those who respond to Jesus' call have been given to Him as a gift by God the Father.

2.  LIFE-GIVING SHEPHERD - He carefully guards us and abundantly provides us with life (vv. 7-10).
Here, Jesus refers to Himself as the 'door' of the sheep pen, which is tan illustration of a shepherd who at night lays down in front of the doorway of the sheep pen to ensure that no one entered and no sheep would get out (John 14:6). In a like manner, Jesus guards His flock spiritually. Placing our faith in Christ is the only way to be protected from sin and eternal damnation. Jesus's main goal for coming to earth was to protect His sheep and to give them abundant life while on earth with abundant blessing of true life with true meaning.

3.  SELF-SACRIFICING SHEPHERD - He willingly lays down His life for us (vv. 11-18).
By calling Himself good, Jesus is calling Himself the noble and honorable shepherd of Israel who was willing to sacrifice His own life to save His sheep. This was something that none of the false shepherds would ever do. Jesus's substitutionary death was the fulfillment of this promise.

Thank God for providing Jesus to be your Good Shepherd who was willing to lay down His life for you and who knows you and loves you and guides you and protects you and gives you abundant life here on earth and the hope of eternal life in heaven.