Embodying the Love of the Good Shepherd

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound declaration of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" from John 10. This statement is not just a metaphor but a revelation of God's character and Jesus' mission. The "I am" sayings of Jesus, rooted in the divine name revealed to Moses, underscore His divine identity and purpose. Jesus contrasts Himself with the hired hands, who abandon the sheep at the first sign of danger, highlighting His commitment to lay down His life for His flock. This self-sacrificial love is the essence of His shepherding, a love that seeks out the lost and binds up the wounded.

Reflecting on my own journey, I shared a personal story from my early career days, illustrating the difference between merely doing a job and truly excelling in one's calling. This ties back to the idea of being a "good" shepherd, as opposed to just any shepherd. The Good Shepherd is one who knows His sheep intimately and is willing to go to great lengths for their well-being.

The narrative from Ezekiel 34 serves as a backdrop, where God rebukes the leaders of Israel for failing to care for their people. This prophetic word resonates with Jesus' critique of the Pharisees, who, like the hired hands, fail to truly care for the flock. Jesus, however, embodies the true shepherd, one who seeks out the lost and rejoices over their return, as illustrated in the parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15.

The imagery of the mother bird sacrificing herself to save her chicks during a wildfire poignantly captures the essence of Jesus' sacrifice. This is the heart of the Gospel: a God who lays down His life for His people, offering them eternal life and reconciliation. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this love, reaching out to those who are lost and sharing the good news of salvation.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Jesus as the Good Shepherd reveals God's self-sacrificial love, contrasting with the hired hands who abandon the sheep. This love is not just protective but deeply personal, as Jesus knows His sheep and they know Him. [38:13]
• 2. The prophetic rebuke in Ezekiel 34 highlights the failure of Israel's leaders to care for their people, a failure that Jesus addresses in His critique of the Pharisees. True leadership in God's kingdom is marked by care and compassion. [46:06]
• 3. The story of the mother bird in the wildfire illustrates the sacrificial nature of Jesus' love, a love that shields and saves. This is the heart of the Gospel, calling us to lay down our lives for others. [51:23]
• 4. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 emphasizes God's relentless pursuit of the lost. Jesus' mission is to seek and save, and as His followers, we are invited to join in this mission, bringing others into the fold. [54:05]
• 5. Our call as disciples is to share the true nature of God as the Good Shepherd, countering misconceptions and inviting others into a reconciled relationship with Him. This is the good news we are to proclaim. [58:20]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [35:55] - Introduction to the "I Am" Series
• [36:14] - The Significance of "I Am"
• [36:54] - Jesus as the Good Shepherd
• [37:28] - Context of Jesus' Teaching
• [38:13] - The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice
• [39:23] - Personal Journey and Reflection
• [41:12] - Lessons from the Call Center
• [44:54] - The Meaning of "Good"
• [45:14] - Ezekiel's Rebuke of Israel's Shepherds
• [47:29] - Characteristics of a True Shepherd
• [49:38] - Jesus' Self-Sacrificial Love
• [51:23] - The Story of the Mother Bird
• [53:30] - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
• [55:18] - Our Call to Share the Good News
• [59:59] - Closing Hymn: "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us"

1. John 10:11-18
2. Ezekiel 34:1-6
3. Luke 15:1-7

1. In John 10:11-18, how does Jesus describe His role as the Good Shepherd compared to the hired hand? What specific actions does He say He will take for His sheep? [38:13]
2. According to Ezekiel 34:1-6, what are the failures of the leaders of Israel, and how does this passage set the stage for Jesus' critique of the Pharisees? [46:06]
3. In the parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15:1-7, what actions does the shepherd take when one sheep is lost, and what is the response upon finding it? [54:05]
4. How does the story of the mother bird in the wildfire illustrate the nature of Jesus' sacrificial love? [51:23]

1. What does Jesus' willingness to lay down His life for the sheep reveal about His understanding of leadership and sacrifice? How does this contrast with the hired hands mentioned in John 10? [38:13]
2. How does the prophetic rebuke in Ezekiel 34 inform our understanding of what true leadership should look like in the context of the church today? [46:06]
3. In what ways does the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 challenge our understanding of God's pursuit of the lost? How might this shape our view of evangelism and outreach? [54:05]
4. Reflecting on the pastor's personal story about his early career, how does the difference between merely doing a job and excelling in one's calling relate to the concept of being a "good" shepherd? [41:12]

1. Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep intimately. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus to better recognize His voice in your life? [38:13]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt like a "hired hand" in your responsibilities. What steps can you take to approach your roles with the self-sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus? [41:12]
3. The story of the mother bird sacrificing herself for her chicks is a powerful image of love. How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in your relationships this week? [51:23]
4. Considering the rebuke in Ezekiel 34, how can you ensure that your leadership or influence in your community is marked by care and compassion rather than self-interest? [46:06]
5. The parable of the lost sheep emphasizes God's relentless pursuit of the lost. Identify one person in your life who may feel lost or disconnected. How can you reach out to them this week to share the love of Christ? [54:05]
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of sharing the true nature of God as the Good Shepherd. How can you counter misconceptions about God in your conversations with others this week? [58:20]
7. Reflect on the closing hymn, "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us." What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus' guidance and care? [59:59]