“I am the good shepherd.” Another of the statements Jesus makes recorded in the book of John. This is a sermon series that brings to light some important statements that we should all be familiar with.
Jesus is being questioned by some of the Pharisees after he has healed a blind man. We actually see two of Jesus’ I Am statements in this text.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns 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. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.”
John 10:11-13
Sheep are not exactly the smartest animals, but they know who their shepherd is, and they will follow him because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger because they don’t know his voice.
What does this say about you and your relationship with Jesus? Do you know hIs voice? When was the last time you talked to him? That’s what he wants, you know? He wants a relationship with each of us. It’s not enough to know who he is. He wants your heart, so that when you hear him, you’ll listen to him. So that you’ll follow the plan he has for your life. He wants what’s best for you.
- The good shepherd sacrifices his own life to protect his sheep. People who are not invested in something will walk away.
Think about a wedding. It’s an all or nothing commitment. You’re either all in or you’re not. If you aren’t willing to be fully committed to a spouse why get married?
That’s how our commitment to Jesus should be. We should be all in or why spend our time just dabbling in something we’re not willing to investigate further and learn more about?
God can fix anything if we’re following Him.
2. The Shepherd knows his sheep and they know him.
Do we “know” Jesus? He knows not only your name, but He knows you inside and out. He knows everything about you.
3. He has other sheep. He loves them all.
HE PROVIDES
We want our freedom, but the invitation is still there. He wants us to be part of His flock. The gift is a connection with God. The goal is to bring all of his sheep into one flock. But without his protection, they get lost.
We’re like sheep. Left to ourselves, we get lost, too. We stray from the path. Sheep are filthy. They can’t clean themselves. We need our Shepherd to cleanse us, too.
Do you recognize God’s voice? Have you spent time in prayer cultivating a relationship with him? He will pursue you relentlessly because he wants you to be his. We spend much of our lives just holding on, but God wants to provide so much more for you! He’ll do whatever he has to to keep you from running yourself ragged. Eventually you’ll break down. Enjoy his grace.
HE CORRECTS
Nobody like to be disciplined, but we need it. We don’t know what’s best for ourselves.
The tradition of the time, was that as long as your cup was full, you were welcome to stay. If your cup overflows, you’re where God wants you.
HE PROTECTS
Being in God’s presence, means that he won’t leave you. He doesn’t quit pursuing you! Know his voice.
JESUS IS THE GATEKEEPER
”I tell you the truth. I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves an robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”
John 10:7-9
Jesus loves us unconditionally. We can trust him.
I can’t imagine life without knowing Jesus. How dark it can be when we aren’t near the light. Knowing that he is my Savior gives me peace that tomorrow is going to be okay. I hope that you can find that peace in Him, also!
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 