Embracing Jesus: The Good Shepherd's Call to Unity

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus' Divine Identity and Eternal Presence

Jesus' declaration of "I Am" in the Gospel of John is a profound affirmation of his divine identity, connecting him to the name Yahweh revealed to Moses in Exodus. This name signifies God's eternal presence and existence. By using "I Am," Jesus aligns himself with this divine identity, affirming his unity with God the Father and his role as the Savior. This understanding is foundational to recognizing Jesus' authority and care, offering believers assurance of his eternal presence and divine authority. In a world where identities are often questioned, Jesus' self-identification as "I Am" provides a solid foundation for faith and trust. [06:29]

Exodus 3:14-15 (ESV): "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.' God also said to Moses, 'Say this to the people of Israel: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the "I Am" influence your perception of his presence in your daily life? Can you identify a specific area where you need to trust in his eternal presence today?

Day 2: The Good Shepherd's Unconditional Love

In a world filled with rejection, Jesus as the Good Shepherd offers a promise of acceptance and care. He knows each of his sheep intimately, calls them by name, and promises never to abandon them. This assurance is a powerful reminder that in Jesus, there is no rejection. He seeks out every lost sheep, ensuring that none are left behind. This metaphor of the Good Shepherd is particularly poignant for those who feel marginalized or forgotten, offering a profound reminder of the unconditional love and security found in Christ. [14:16]

Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."

Reflection: Who in your life might feel like a lost sheep today? How can you extend the love and acceptance of the Good Shepherd to them in a tangible way?

Day 3: Embracing the Vastness of God's Kingdom

Jesus' mention of having other sheep not of this pen challenges believers to broaden their understanding of God's kingdom. It suggests that God's love and care extend beyond our limited perceptions and boundaries. This calls for humility and openness, recognizing that God's work and presence might be in places and among people we do not expect. Embracing this vastness requires a willingness to see beyond our own experiences and to acknowledge the diversity of God's creation and his redemptive work. [14:16]

Isaiah 56:6-7 (ESV): "And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Reflection: What preconceived notions do you hold about who belongs in God's kingdom? How can you actively challenge these notions and embrace the diversity of God's work today?

Day 4: Our Unique Role in God's Team

As part of Jesus' team, believers are called to use their unique gifts to build God's kingdom. Like athletes, they are equipped and guided by Jesus, the ultimate head coach, to fulfill their purpose. There is no rejection in this divine draft; every believer has a place and a mission. This understanding encourages believers to recognize their value and contribution to God's work, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within the community of faith. [14:16]

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."

Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you possess that can be used to serve God's kingdom? How can you actively engage these gifts in your community this week?

Day 5: Attentiveness to the Shepherd's Voice

Following Jesus requires attentiveness to his voice and guidance. As believers navigate life's challenges, they are encouraged to flock together, supporting one another in their shared mission to accomplish God's will on earth. Listening to the Shepherd's voice involves a commitment to discernment and obedience, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and a stronger connection with fellow believers. This attentiveness is crucial for spiritual growth and communal harmony. [14:16]

John 10:27-28 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper attentiveness to Jesus' voice in your daily routine? How can you encourage others in your community to do the same?

Sermon Summary

In today's exploration of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, we delve into the profound identity of Jesus through the "I Am" statements found in the Gospel of John. These declarations are not just metaphors but are deeply rooted in the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus, "I Am Who I Am." This name, Yahweh, signifies God's eternal presence and existence. Jesus, by using "I Am," aligns himself with this divine identity, affirming his unity with God the Father and his role as the Savior.

The Good Shepherd metaphor is particularly poignant in today's world, where many, especially the younger generation, face constant rejection. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, offers a stark contrast to this experience. He knows his sheep intimately, calls them by name, and promises never to abandon them. This assurance is a powerful reminder that in Jesus, there is no rejection. He seeks out every lost sheep, ensuring that none are left behind.

Moreover, Jesus' statement about having other sheep not of this pen challenges us to broaden our understanding of God's kingdom. It suggests that God's love and care extend beyond our limited perceptions and boundaries. This calls for humility and openness, recognizing that God's work and presence might be in places and among people we do not expect.

As we reflect on these truths, we are reminded of our role as part of Jesus' team. Like athletes drafted to play, we are called to use our unique gifts to build God's kingdom. Jesus, the ultimate head coach, equips us with the necessary skills and guidance to fulfill our purpose. There is no room for exclusion or rejection in this divine draft; every believer has a place and a mission.

In this season, whether we are watching sports or contemplating life's challenges, let us remember that we are part of a greater team led by the Good Shepherd. Let us listen to his voice, follow his lead, and work together to accomplish his will on earth.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus as the "I Am": Jesus' use of "I Am" connects him to the divine name revealed to Moses, affirming his unity with God and his eternal presence. This identity is foundational to understanding Jesus' role as Savior and Shepherd, offering assurance of his divine authority and care. [06:29]
2. The Good Shepherd's Promise: In a world filled with rejection, Jesus as the Good Shepherd promises acceptance and care. He knows each of his sheep intimately and seeks out those who are lost, ensuring that none are left behind. This is a profound reminder of the unconditional love and security found in Christ. [14:16]
3. Expanding Our Understanding of God's Kingdom: Jesus' mention of other sheep not of this pen challenges us to recognize the vastness of God's kingdom. It calls us to be open and humble, acknowledging that God's work may extend beyond our understanding and include people and places we might not expect. [14:16]
4. Our Role in God's Team: As part of Jesus' team, we are called to use our unique gifts to build God's kingdom. Like athletes, we are equipped and guided by Jesus, the ultimate head coach, to fulfill our purpose. There is no rejection in this divine draft; every believer has a place and a mission. [14:16]
5. Listening to the Shepherd's Voice: Following Jesus requires attentiveness to his voice and guidance. As we navigate life's challenges, we are encouraged to flock together, supporting one another in our shared mission to accomplish God's will on earth. [14:16]
** [14:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:36] - Understanding Rejection in Today's World
[06:29] - The Divine Name: I Am Who I Am
[08:45] - Jesus' Unity with the Father
[10:12] - The Good Shepherd's Promise
[12:00] - Other Sheep and Expanding God's Kingdom
[14:16] - Our Role in Jesus' Team
[16:30] - Listening to the Shepherd's Voice
[18:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the gate of the sheep" in John 10:7-9? How does this relate to His role as the Good Shepherd? [00:00]
In the sermon, how is the concept of rejection in today's world connected to Jesus' promise as the Good Shepherd? [02:36]
How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus using the "I Am" statements in relation to God's name revealed to Moses? [06:29]
What does the sermon suggest about the "other sheep" that Jesus mentions in John 10:16? How does this expand our understanding of God's kingdom? [14:16]

Interpretation Questions

How does Jesus' declaration of "I am the Good Shepherd" provide comfort and assurance to those who feel rejected by the world? [02:36]
What implications does Jesus' unity with the Father have for understanding His authority and role as Savior? [06:29]
How might the idea of "other sheep not of this pen" challenge traditional views of who belongs in God's kingdom? [14:16]
In what ways does the metaphor of Jesus as the ultimate head coach help believers understand their role in God's kingdom? [14:16]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt rejected. How does knowing Jesus as the Good Shepherd change your perspective on that experience? [02:36]
Jesus calls each of His sheep by name. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Him to better recognize His voice in your life? [00:00]
Consider the "other sheep" Jesus mentions. How can you practice humility and openness in your interactions with people who might be different from you? [14:16]
What unique gifts do you believe Jesus has given you to contribute to His kingdom? How can you actively use these gifts in your community? [14:16]
In what ways can you support others in your small group or church to listen to and follow the Good Shepherd's voice? [14:16]
How can you apply the metaphor of Jesus as the ultimate head coach in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or decisions? [14:16]
Identify one area in your life where you feel like a "lost sheep." What steps can you take this week to seek Jesus' guidance and care in that area? [00:00]

Sermon Clips

"So Jesus spoke again, I assure you that I am the gate of the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and outlaws, but the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so they could have life, indeed so they could live life to the fullest." [00:18:48] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. When the hired hand sees the wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and runs away. That's because he isn't the shepherd. The sheep aren't really his, so the wolf attacks them and scatters them." [00:44:56] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

"most of the time when we think about these statements from jesus we are concentrating on the tangible parts of these the shepherd the vine the bread these are things we can touch these are things we can see these are things we understand today i want to look at the first part of these statements the i am part because i think a lot of us have forgotten our readings from exodus the time that moses spent with god because at one point moses when he's getting ready to go to egypt he's like okay when i get to egypt they've got a lot of gods there and they're going to ask me which god has sent me to free the israelites i need your name what's your name god and god says i am who i am i am who i am this is god's personal name is god's personal name like pat or sue or nicky or randy i am is the personal name" [00:316:40] (61 seconds) Edit Clip

"so lord with all small caps the capital l and then o -r -d in capitals but smaller ones that means they are using this most holy name of god yahweh i am who i am now if you see lord without capitalize it is a less holy name that the jewish people started using adonai as a way to refer to god without using his most holy most personal name now some of you are like i don't know this yahweh thing if you've heard the word jehovah that is another way of pronouncing yahweh so in john chapter 8 58 jesus says this blasphemous phrase before abraham was i am now only god could be i am so the pharisees the jewish religious authorities get hot and bothered you" [00:435:73] (55 seconds) Edit Clip

"this in john 14 8 to 9 philip asks jesus to show them the father jesus responds whoever has seen me has seen the father this reinforces how jesus and the father are part of one being the trinity which includes the holy spirit we have these two places in john where jesus is explicitly saying i am one with the father i am i am in other words jesus is the same i am god who sent moses to egypt to free the slaves so as we're going through john i want us to pay attention anytime jesus says i am" [00:489:64]

"of take this for granted but let's go back to that whole rejection thing when we hear that jesus is the shepherd we are being told there is no rejection here no matter how the world is treating you no matter whether the world is taking care of you or rejecting you jesus is saying i am the shepherd in fact there's another story where jesus says i've got a hundred sheep and if even just one wanders off i'm going to go looking for the one i am going to make sure i find every single one of my sheep i will not leave any of you behind i will protect every one of you from the wolves so jesus is calling each of the sheep to him jesus is caring for each of the sheep and jesus will look for any sheep that becomes lost and wanders away" [00:609:38] (53 seconds) Edit Clip

"now there's another passage if you keep reading in here and it's one that we often overlook jesus goes on to say beyond the reading we had today i have other sheep that don't belong in this pen i lead them also they also know my voice now this is not one that i've ever heard very many people really focus on but as we jesus goes on to say beyond that right" [00:664:84] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

"have been debating who has a place in the sheepfold of the church there are more and more people who are starting to pay attention to this and some other verses that we have not paid as much attention to verses such as someday i will be the god of the egyptians but here what does this mean i have other sheep i have another pen they also know my voice i am also taking care of them" [00:690:05]

"to me that there are more sheep than we know about and we need to be humble we need when we are thinking oh we've got all the sheep collected and well those people don't belong here we need to realize those people might be the other sheep that Jesus is talking about and maybe they don't have a place in our pen but maybe they have their own pen and Jesus is caring for them as well we need to be careful that we are not setting up barriers ourselves to sheep that still know Jesus voice in their own way all the sheep are Jesus so we need to care for all the sheep that come our way we cannot be adding to the rejection that people feel by saying some sheep don't belong here some sheep don't belong in our church in our club on our team" [00:767:90]

"to be his sheep to be his athletes on his team deployed on his field his kingdom to use the personal skills he has contributed to us to help win the championship to build God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven we have been drafted to play on Jesus team Jesus is coaching us Jesus is giving us the plays it is our job to make it happen there is no rejection in Jesus draft and every sheep will be found and will be given a task that is important" [00:856:17]

"so this week whether you're watching March Madness and the basketball players or you're preparing for the NFL draft in a few weeks think of ourselves as spiritual athletes Jesus has a job for us to do on his team and the good shepherd the ultimate head coach is calling each" [00:899:97] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

"of us to hear his voice and get his work done. Let's flock together and let's see what we can accomplish as we follow the voice of our Good Shepherd. Amen." [00:919:40]

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