Embracing Our Role as Shepherds in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Great Shepherd

Jesus, the Great Shepherd, meets all our needs with perfect guidance and sacrificial love. He leads us to places of peace and restores our souls, offering us immense comfort and confidence in His care. In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, demonstrating His deep commitment and love. This metaphor of shepherding is rich with meaning, illustrating God's care, guidance, and sacrificial love for His people. As we reflect on Jesus as our Great Shepherd, we are reminded of His unwavering dedication to us and His ability to meet all our needs. [01:30:08]

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: Think of a time when you felt lost or in need of guidance. How did Jesus, as your Great Shepherd, lead you to a place of peace and restoration? How can you trust Him more in your current circumstances?

Day 2: Diversity of Shepherds

The church benefits from having many varied shepherds, each with unique gifts and perspectives. This diversity is essential for meeting the different needs of the flock. Recognizing and appreciating this variety helps us understand that no single pastor can meet all our needs, but together, they provide comprehensive care. The presence of multiple shepherds within the church community ensures that everyone receives the support and guidance they need. By valuing the diverse gifts and perspectives of different shepherds, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. [01:33:51]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: Reflect on the different shepherds in your life, whether they are pastors, mentors, or fellow believers. How have their unique gifts and perspectives enriched your spiritual journey? How can you show appreciation for their contributions to your life and the church community?

Day 3: Every Believer as a Shepherd

Every believer is called to be a shepherd in their own right, reflecting God's shepherding nature. This means taking responsibility for others, leading by example, and caring for those around us. As we grow more like Jesus, we naturally take on this shepherding role, contributing to a culture of care and compassion. By embracing this calling, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those around us and help build a stronger, more supportive community. [01:41:16]

1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Reflection: Think about the people in your life whom you can shepherd. How can you take responsibility for their well-being and lead by example? What specific actions can you take today to reflect God's shepherding nature in your interactions with them?

Day 4: Practical Shepherding

Everyday shepherding involves simple, practical actions like knowing people's names, practicing proper processes, leading by example, living generously, and sticking it out when times get tough. These actions help build a strong, supportive community where everyone feels seen, valued, and cared for. By engaging in these practical acts of shepherding, we can create an environment where people feel loved and supported, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the community. [01:43:26]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Identify one practical way you can shepherd someone in your community today. Whether it's learning their name, offering a helping hand, or simply being present during tough times, how can you show them that they are seen, valued, and cared for?

Day 5: Gratitude for Shepherds

Recognizing the shepherds in our midst and expressing gratitude for their care is important. Whether it's a pastor, a mentor, or a fellow believer, acknowledging their role in our lives helps build a culture of appreciation and support. This gratitude strengthens our community and encourages those who shepherd us. By expressing our thanks, we can uplift and motivate those who dedicate their time and energy to caring for others, fostering a spirit of encouragement and mutual support within the church. [01:52:44]

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV): "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."

Reflection: Take a moment to think about the shepherds in your life. How can you express your gratitude for their care and support? Consider writing a note of thanks or offering a word of encouragement to show your appreciation for their dedication and service.

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound theme of shepherding, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments to understand the role of God as our shepherd and how this metaphor applies to our lives. We began with a personal anecdote about a health scare that turned out to be a humorous misunderstanding, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on the importance of understanding and interpreting scripture correctly. This led us into the heart of the message, focusing on John 10, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd.

We unpacked the cultural and historical context of shepherding, noting how leaders in ancient times, including biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and David, were often shepherds. This imagery is rich with meaning, illustrating God's care, guidance, and sacrificial love for His people. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, not only leads and protects His flock but also lays down His life for them, a powerful demonstration of His love and commitment.

The sermon emphasized three key points:

1. As sheep, we have a great shepherd in Jesus, who meets all our needs and guides us with unparalleled wisdom and love.
2. As a flock, we benefit from the diversity of many shepherds, each bringing unique gifts and perspectives to care for the community.
3. As individual believers, we are all called to be shepherds in our own right, reflecting God's shepherding nature in our daily lives.

We concluded with practical applications of everyday shepherding, encouraging everyone to practice proper processes, know people by name, lead by example, live generously, and stick it out when times get tough. These actions help cultivate a culture of shepherding within our community, making us more like Jesus and better able to care for one another.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus as the Great Shepherd: Jesus is not just a good shepherd; He is the great shepherd who meets all our needs, leads us to places of peace, and restores our souls. His guidance is perfect, and His love is sacrificial, laying down His life for us. This understanding should bring us immense comfort and confidence in His care. [90:08]
2. Diversity of Shepherds: The church benefits from having many varied shepherds, each with unique gifts and perspectives. This diversity is essential for meeting the different needs of the flock. Recognizing and appreciating this variety helps us understand that no single pastor can meet all our needs, but together, they provide comprehensive care. [93:51]
3. Every Believer as a Shepherd: Every believer is called to be a shepherd in their own right, reflecting God's shepherding nature. This means taking responsibility for others, leading by example, and caring for those around us. As we grow more like Jesus, we naturally take on this shepherding role, contributing to a culture of care and compassion. [101:16]
4. Practical Shepherding: Everyday shepherding involves simple, practical actions like knowing people's names, practicing proper processes, leading by example, living generously, and sticking it out when times get tough. These actions help build a strong, supportive community where everyone feels seen, valued, and cared for. [103:26]
5. Gratitude for Shepherds: Recognizing the shepherds in our midst and expressing gratitude for their care is important. Whether it's a pastor, a mentor, or a fellow believer, acknowledging their role in our lives helps build a culture of appreciation and support. This gratitude strengthens our community and encourages those who shepherd us. [01:52:44]
### [112:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[65:21] - Personal Anecdote: Health Scare
[67:03] - Introduction to Hermeneutics
[71:01] - Theme of Shepherding
[71:57] - Reading John 10
[73:04] - Ancient Shepherding Practices
[74:59] - Jesus as the Gate and Shepherd
[76:14] - Good Shepherd vs. Bad Shepherds
[77:55] - Jesus Lays Down His Life
[79:15] - Prophecy of Reuniting God's People
[81:34] - Jesus' Authority to Lay Down and Take Up His Life
[82:47] - Metaphor of Shepherd and Sheep
[84:01] - Biblical History of Shepherding
[87:26] - Parenting as a Reflection of God's Shepherding
[89:49] - God Chooses Shepherds
[93:51] - Many Varied Shepherds
[101:16] - Every Believer as a Shepherd
[103:26] - Practical Shepherding
[112:44] - Gratitude for Shepherds
[114:17] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In John 10, what are the characteristics of the Good Shepherd as described by Jesus? ([01:12:30])
How does Jesus differentiate between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand in John 10? ([01:16:14])
What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the gate for the sheep"? ([01:14:59])
According to the sermon, what historical figures in the Bible were also shepherds, and how does this imagery relate to God's care for His people? ([01:24:01])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep? How does this deepen our understanding of His sacrificial love? ([01:16:14])
The sermon mentions that every believer is called to be a shepherd in their own right. What does this mean in the context of your daily life and interactions with others? ([01:41:16])
How does the diversity of shepherds within the church benefit the community, and why is it important to recognize and appreciate this variety? ([01:33:51])
What practical steps can we take to ensure we are shepherding others well, as Jesus did, in our everyday lives? ([01:43:26])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt Jesus' guidance and care as the Good Shepherd. How did this experience impact your faith and trust in Him? ([01:30:08])
The sermon encourages us to know people by name as part of everyday shepherding. How can you make an effort to learn and remember the names of people in your church or community? ([01:45:04])
Leading by example is a key aspect of shepherding. In what specific ways can you lead by example in your family, workplace, or church this week? ([01:48:02])
Living generously is another practical way to shepherd others. Identify one act of generosity you can perform this week to reflect Jesus' sacrificial love. ([01:49:21])
The sermon talks about sticking it out when times get tough. Think of a challenging relationship or situation you are currently facing. How can you demonstrate commitment and perseverance in this context? ([01:50:53])
Expressing gratitude for the shepherds in our lives is important. Who is one person you can thank this week for their guidance and care, and how will you show your appreciation? ([01:52:44])
As an everyday believer, you are called to be a shepherd. What specific steps can you take to embrace this role more fully in your community? ([01:41:16])

Sermon Clips

1. "We all are reading the same thing But we do come to very different conclusions As to what it means we also come to different conclusions As to how it should apply to us today Some things are really simple We know that the Bible says To sacrifice animals know that's what it says We know that's what it means It means to literally sacrifice animals Take them to the priest at the temple We know that's what it means And we're pretty clear as Christians On how it matters to us today We don't do that today Because between that piece of history And us today Is a thing that we don't do today It's a thing called the cross." [01:09:09] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "One of the reasons that many Christians Maybe don't read their Bible as often as they should Or we should Is because we find it a bit complicated And convoluted And even complicated And contradictory at times But we can handle the word of truth And this book is designed for ordinary people Like Australians Simple people To walk them through that process If you don't have a copy Please grab one I don't want to take them home I think there's 15 left And I'll be out on the table As you go out today Book promo done Embarrassing story done Let's get into the word." [01:10:05] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "As a sheep I Have A great Shepherd I don't want to tell Jesus How to do his job You know He's pretty good at it But Jesus You're selling yourself short mate When you only call yourself A good shepherd You're way better Than a good shepherd You know You are a great shepherd And literally The book of Hebrews Calls him that It calls him The great shepherd He is the shepherd According to David That when he leads me I shall Not Be In Want." [01:30:08] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you are feeling vulnerable today Displaced If you've experienced A scattering A wound An injury Or an attack Look to your shepherd You have a great shepherd Embrace that truth today And everybody said Second point As a sheep You have a great shepherd But as a flock You have many shepherds This is now a collective picture As a flock You have many Varied shepherds Jesus tells his sheep Hey don't worry I'll lay down my life Only to take up again." [01:33:20] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "As an everyday ordinary believer You are a shepherd You are a shepherd How many of you believe You are created In the image of God God is a shepherd So are you How many of you want to become More and more like Jesus Jesus is a shepherd So as you become more like him You appreciate you See What did I do there Another Another pastor's joke Right Not bad Right You's You's Are all Shepherds You's Are also All Shepherds You's You's You's You's That's all You's That's all I see Yous And you You can." [01:41:16] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You see any business or any sporting team succeeds because it's got leaders in place who lead the way but there is such power in the those who follow the power of the first followers have you heard of that the people who get behind it's one thing to have a business where the leaders believe in kindness it's another thing where all of the staff practice it it's one thing where the where the leaders of a sporting club believe in taking initiative but it's another thing to see the people in that sporting club take an initiative that's when you know you have a culture." [01:42:13] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "What does everyday shepherding by everyday believers look like well the good shepherd it says enters by the gate remember that good shepherding everyday shepherding looks like practicing proper process thieves jump in over the wall break in sneak through in the night the good shepherd goes through the gate why because that's the right way to do it and there's just certain things that the right thing to do is the right thing to do as a culture of shepherds all of us say you know what there are proper processes to go through that contribute to a good shepherding culture." [01:43:26] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We call people by name very simple very practical what did jesus say he calls his own sheep by name i've heard that rose is really good at this knowing people's names okay may not be a pastor in this church i don't know but a culture where we know people's names you bring this to your work you bring this into your everyday life i tell you what you go to your local barista and you call that barista by name i've got my local cafe i go to they are absolutely committed my daughter she's well she's a barista they're absolutely committed to knowing people's names because it raises a culture in that workplace." [01:45:04] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We Shepherd as ordinary believers when we live generously the Good Shepherd lays down his life sacrificially for the sheep you won't give your life for the redemption of anybody you're not going to read it into that but Jesus is saying here he is living he's out pouring out his life generously we live by example when we are generous in everyday life and that might start because all generosity is proportional life you know one of the things I love doing just being generous it's so simple it's so small but it's just like it just brings a culture of generosity of people in cafes you're in line turn to the person behind you because you're not they're stuck on your phone right say what are you having buy them a latte buy them a flat white buy them just shout them whatever it is that sense of generosity I tell you what you'll make someone's day and you're showing them what the culture of heaven looks like." [01:49:21] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Good shepherding sticks it out when the going gets tough and I'm a Shepherd in my family and I'm going to stick it out with my family when the going gets tough I'm a Good Shepherd to my friends I'm my job to my friends is to demonstrate to them what Yahweh is like as a Shepherd and I'm going to stick it out in my friendships when the going gets tough this church has gone through ups and downs like all churches over 15 years this church has gone up through ups and downs whether it's covered whether it's other issues whatever it is well done to those of us who just sticks out those times both with purity in our heart but also committed commitment to knowing the flock that I'm called to my goodness Good Shepherds who are like you know it would suit me to not be part of this at the moment it's too hard um I'm not just a sheep I'm not just dumb and dependent I'm also a Shepherd because I'm created in the image of God." [01:50:53] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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