Embracing Jesus: Our Good Shepherd's Care and Guidance
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound imagery of Jesus as our Good Shepherd, as depicted in John 10 and Psalm 23. We began by reflecting on the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus, who invites us to come and see Him, just as He invited people during His earthly ministry. This invitation is timeless and extends to us today. We examined the characteristics of sheep and how they parallel our human condition, emphasizing our need for guidance, provision, and protection.
In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them. This relationship is built on trust and recognition of His voice. We also delved into Psalm 23, which beautifully illustrates the comprehensive care of the Shepherd. The Psalm highlights six key aspects of Jesus' shepherding: He provides, restores, guides, supports, defends, and blesses His sheep.
We discussed how Jesus provides for our needs, not always in the way we expect, but in ways that are ultimately for our good. He restores our souls, often making us lie down in green pastures to ensure we get the rest we need. He guides us in paths of righteousness, and we must learn to recognize His voice amidst the noise of life. Jesus supports us through life's darkest valleys, offering comfort and peace that surpasses understanding. He defends us against spiritual attacks, having laid down His life for us. Finally, He blesses us with His goodness and mercy, which follow us all the days of our lives.
The sermon concluded with a call to deepen our relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who is always there to provide, restore, guide, support, defend, and bless us. We were encouraged to trust in His care and to seek a closer walk with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as the Good Shepherd: Jesus knows His sheep intimately and calls them by name. This personal relationship is built on trust and recognition of His voice. We are invited to come and see Jesus, to experience His transformative power in our lives. This invitation is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. [21:39]
2. Provision and Restoration: The Good Shepherd provides for all our needs and restores our souls. This provision may not always align with our earthly desires, but it is always for our ultimate good. Trusting in Jesus means believing that He will meet our needs in His perfect timing and way. [35:38]
3. Guidance and Recognition: To be guided by Jesus, we must learn to recognize His voice. This requires spending time with Him and turning off the distractions in our lives. The more we immerse ourselves in His Word and presence, the more clearly we will hear His guidance. [41:51]
4. Support in Dark Valleys: Jesus supports us through life's darkest moments. Whether we are facing illness, loss, or any other trial, the Good Shepherd is there to comfort and sustain us. His presence brings a peace that surpasses all understanding, enabling us to endure and overcome. [44:35]
5. Defense and Blessing: Jesus defends us against spiritual attacks and blesses us abundantly. His ultimate act of defense was laying down His life for us on the cross. Even in the midst of life's battles, He prepares a table for us and anoints us with His blessings, ensuring that His goodness and mercy follow us all our days. [48:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:46] - Announcements and Updates
[16:48] - Prayer and Psalm 93
[21:39] - Introduction to the Good Shepherd
[23:06] - The Invitation to Know Jesus
[24:23] - Jesus as the Shepherd in John 10
[25:47] - The Role of Sheep and Shepherd
[27:49] - Human Condition and Need for Guidance
[30:22] - Choosing Our Shepherd Wisely
[31:38] - Pastors as Shepherds
[32:59] - Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd
[35:38] - The Shepherd Provides
[39:02] - The Shepherd Restores
[41:51] - The Shepherd Guides
[44:35] - The Shepherd Supports
[47:10] - The Shepherd Defends
[48:31] - The Shepherd Blesses
[51:09] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
[56:06] - Closing Song and Fellowship Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:3-4, 14, 27-28 (NIV)
- "The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."
- "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."
- "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
2. Psalm 23 (NIV)
- "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 10:3-4, what actions does the Good Shepherd take towards His sheep?
2. In Psalm 23, what are the six key aspects of the Shepherd's care mentioned? ([35:38])
3. How does Jesus describe His relationship with His sheep in John 10:14 and 27-28?
4. What does Psalm 23:4 say about the Shepherd's presence during difficult times?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to know His sheep and for them to recognize His voice? How does this relationship impact their daily lives? ([24:23])
2. How does the imagery of the Good Shepherd in John 10 and Psalm 23 help us understand Jesus' role in providing for and protecting His followers? ([35:38])
3. In what ways does the Shepherd's guidance in Psalm 23:3 reflect the need for believers to discern and follow God's direction in their lives? ([41:51])
4. How does the Shepherd's defense and blessing, as described in Psalm 23:5-6, provide comfort and assurance to believers facing spiritual battles? ([48:31])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt Jesus' provision in your life. How did this experience strengthen your trust in Him as your Good Shepherd? ([35:38])
2. Psalm 23:2 mentions that the Shepherd makes us lie down in green pastures. Are there areas in your life where you need to slow down and rest? How can you intentionally create space for rest and restoration this week? ([39:02])
3. Jesus calls His sheep by name and they follow Him because they know His voice (John 10:3-4). What practical steps can you take to better recognize and respond to Jesus' voice amidst the noise of daily life? ([41:51])
4. Think about a recent dark valley you have walked through. How did you experience Jesus' support and comfort during that time? How can you share this testimony to encourage others? ([44:35])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of choosing our shepherd wisely. What are some "false shepherds" in your life that you might be tempted to follow? How can you refocus your trust on Jesus as your true Shepherd? ([31:38])
6. Jesus laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). How does this ultimate act of defense and sacrifice inspire you to live out your faith more boldly and sacrificially? ([48:31])
7. Psalm 23:6 speaks of God's goodness and love following us all the days of our lives. How can you cultivate an awareness of God's blessings in your daily routine? Share one specific way you plan to acknowledge and celebrate God's goodness this week. ([49:52])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Knows and Calls Us by Name
Jesus as the Good Shepherd is a profound image that emphasizes His intimate knowledge of us. He calls each of us by name, inviting us into a personal relationship with Him. This relationship is built on trust and the recognition of His voice. Just as He invited people during His earthly ministry to come and see, this invitation extends to us today. Jesus' call is not just a general call to humanity but a specific call to each individual, highlighting the personal nature of His care and guidance.
In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and calls them by name. This personal relationship is foundational to our faith journey. Recognizing His voice amidst the noise of life requires us to spend time with Him, immersing ourselves in His Word and presence. This deepens our trust in Him and allows us to experience His transformative power in our lives. [21:39]
John 10:3-4 (ESV): "To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt Jesus calling you personally. How did you respond, and how can you cultivate a deeper recognition of His voice in your daily life?
Day 2: Trusting in Jesus' Provision and Restoration
The Good Shepherd provides for all our needs and restores our souls. This provision may not always align with our earthly desires, but it is always for our ultimate good. Trusting in Jesus means believing that He will meet our needs in His perfect timing and way. He often makes us lie down in green pastures to ensure we get the rest we need, restoring our souls in the process.
Jesus' provision is comprehensive, addressing not just our physical needs but our spiritual and emotional needs as well. He knows what we need better than we do and provides accordingly. This requires us to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when it doesn't match our expectations. By resting in His provision, we allow Him to restore our souls and lead us to a place of peace and contentment. [35:38]
Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV): "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to trust in Jesus' provision. How can you surrender this area to Him and trust in His perfect timing and way?
Day 3: Learning to Recognize Jesus' Guidance
To be guided by Jesus, we must learn to recognize His voice. This requires spending time with Him and turning off the distractions in our lives. The more we immerse ourselves in His Word and presence, the more clearly we will hear His guidance. Jesus guides us in paths of righteousness, and recognizing His voice is crucial to following His lead.
In a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be challenging to discern Jesus' voice. However, by prioritizing time with Him through prayer, Bible study, and quiet reflection, we can attune our ears to His guidance. This intentional practice helps us to distinguish His voice from the many competing voices in our lives, leading us on the right path. [41:51]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: What distractions in your life are preventing you from hearing Jesus' voice? How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for His guidance?
Day 4: Finding Support in Life's Dark Valleys
Jesus supports us through life's darkest moments. Whether we are facing illness, loss, or any other trial, the Good Shepherd is there to comfort and sustain us. His presence brings a peace that surpasses all understanding, enabling us to endure and overcome. In these dark valleys, we can find solace in knowing that Jesus walks with us, offering His unwavering support.
Life's challenges can often feel overwhelming, but Jesus' promise to be with us provides a source of strength and comfort. His presence reassures us that we are not alone, and His peace helps us navigate through difficult times. By leaning on Him, we can find the courage and resilience to face whatever comes our way. [44:35]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or dark valley you have faced. How did you experience Jesus' support during that time, and how can you lean on Him more fully in future challenges?
Day 5: Embracing Jesus' Defense and Blessing
Jesus defends us against spiritual attacks and blesses us abundantly. His ultimate act of defense was laying down His life for us on the cross. Even in the midst of life's battles, He prepares a table for us and anoints us with His blessings, ensuring that His goodness and mercy follow us all our days. This assurance of His defense and blessing gives us confidence and hope.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of His love and defense for us. He continues to protect us from spiritual harm and blesses us with His presence and provision. By embracing His defense and blessing, we can live with a sense of security and gratitude, knowing that His goodness and mercy are always with us. [48:31]
Psalm 23:5-6 (ESV): "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Reflection: Reflect on the ways Jesus has defended and blessed you in your life. How can you live with greater confidence and gratitude, knowing that His goodness and mercy follow you always?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The truth is, people look for meaning. People look for hope. People look for, for all sorts of everything in all sorts of different ways with different people. But what people need more than anything is a real encounter with the living God. And that can change their lives. And that can change their lives. And that can change their everything." [23:06] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. The literal translation of that is I will lack nothing. I lack nothing. And you might read that and be like, wait, I've been a Christian for a long time. I want to be a shepherd. I want to be a general student. I want to be a time, and I've got some needs, and it would be really cool if this was true, but I have not experienced this to be that way for me." [35:38] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We serve a great shepherd. We serve the great shepherd, the chief shepherd. And he says to come and see. Come and have this encounter. Come and have this interaction. And you can dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The good shepherd is there for you." [49:52] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The truth is, all of us need a shepherd. And the, the, the fact is simple. All of us already have a shepherd. We all have something that leads us and guides us. Whatever is controlling you, whatever guides you, whatever leads your life, that is your shepherd." [30:22] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The God of the Bible, the Bible clearly teaches that God is not an out there kind of God. That he's a personal God who desires a relationship with you. That you are meant to experience God and have a relationship with God every single day. And that is a huge difference." [34:11] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We, we can, we can say, well, I'm religious. I mean, I'm sitting in church today. That's religious. That's what I do. I, I mean, I believe some of these things. But just like the Pharisees, we can end up with a knowledge of Jesus. But if we're not careful, we can miss out on the relationship with Jesus. We can miss out on what Jesus is doing together." [23:06] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you have a personal relationship with him, you may not get everything that you want, but you will have all that you need. And the problem is, and we're all guilty of this, is that we like to take matters into our own hands. I can control this better. And when we take it out of the hands of the shepherd and we put it in our own hands, we begin to worry." [37:56] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you're aligned with the Holy Spirit and you're listening to his voice, he will lead you. The shepherd guides. Here's the fourth. The shepherd supports. The shepherd supports. This is, from verse 4 in Psalm 23. If all of us have a shepherd, and that shepherd is not Jesus, I'll say that shepherd is your career or your relationship. When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, that shepherd will not be there for you." [43:07] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The rod and the staff, yes, there is a portion of that that is for correction. But it is also there to protect from the wolves and the bears and the lions and whatever comes after the sheep. It's protecting from the evil that is out there against the sheep. And the same way the shepherd protects us against the war that's going on that sometimes we can't even see." [47:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We serve a God who loves us. Who has a plan and a purpose for our lives. The rod and the staff, yes, there is a portion of that that is for correction. But it is also there to protect from the wolves and the bears and the lions and whatever comes after the sheep. It's protecting from the evil that is out there against the sheep." [47:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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