Jesus Christ — the Good Shepherd
John 10:1-21
September 11, 2022
A few years ago I was running some errands one afternoon when I noticed that one tire was almost completely flat. I slowly made my way to a tire store. There was a long line and wait (with mild irritation). Finally, I spoke to an employee: “I see my car parked over there…has the tire been repaired?”
“Let me check…you’re good to go,” he said as he handed me the keys.
“I think we need to settle up, first. I haven’t paid yet.”
“It’s all taken care of…next time you need some tires, think about us.”
It was only about $10, but I felt like I’d hit the lottery! I had a need (admittedly, a pretty small one), and it was just nice to have someone extend a little extra kindness.
As you come to worship this morning, you probably have a need too. It may be that you are processing an illness of someone close to you, or perhaps even yourself. Perhaps the harshness of death has invaded your life this week, or sin (yours or someone else’s) has intruded and produced its deadly “fruit” in your life. Perhaps there is a significant decision or event that awaits you this week, and the uncertainty of it has created no small stress in your life. Maybe there is no major issue, but the tyranny of multiple daily distresses is just wearing you out.
You are needy. And you need a little extra kindness this morning. In fact, the people of God are needy (that Scripture uses the image of sheep for us may not be the most flattering illustration!).
Beginning next week, we are going to look at an OT book that is all about Jesus Christ — Zechariah. In preparation for that time, I want to paint a NT picture of Jesus Christ first. Who is this Man, and what was His role? John’s gospel pictures Christ as Healer, Teacher, the Water of life, the Bread of life, the True Vine, the Way, the Truth, the Resurrection and the Life. But another image dominates as well.
In John 10 Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd. It speaks of His character, His work, and His person. This is your leader when you are lost. This is your guide when you are weary. This is your Savior.
Follow Christ in the same way that dependent sheep follow a faithful shepherd.
How is Jesus the Shepherd of His sheep? John provides five attributes of Jesus as Shepherd.
- Jesus is the True Shepherd (vv. 1-6)
- Jesus is the Exclusive Shepherd (vv. 7-10)
- Jesus is the Sacrificing Shepherd (vv. 11-16)
- Jesus is the Submissive Shepherd (vv. 17-18)
- Jesus is the Dividing Shepherd (vv. 19-21)
Download the rest of this sermon on John 10:1-21.
The audio will be posted on the GBC website by tomorrow.
“Shepherd” by Reza Vaziri is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
Words of Grace 