Embracing the Good Shepherd's Sacrificial Love

 

Summary

In today's message, I explored the profound nature of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, contrasting His sacrificial love with the self-serving nature of the hired hand. I began by affirming God's deep love for each one of us, emphasizing that unlike earthly shepherds who may exploit or neglect their sheep, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gives abundantly to us, expecting nothing in return. His heart breaks for those who feel used or exploited, and He offers healing and restoration.

I delved into the Gospel of John, chapter 10, where Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. This declaration is not only a claim to divinity, echoing the "I AM" of the Old Testament, but also a promise of protection, care, and intimate knowledge of His flock. Jesus' relationship with us is compared to His relationship with the Father—intimate, knowing, and sacrificial.

I addressed the pain of feeling abandoned or exploited by God, the church, or others in our lives. I encouraged vulnerability and honesty as the pathway to healing, reminding us that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate proof of His love and commitment to us. I also highlighted the importance of community within the body of Christ, where we find protection and care.

As we approach Easter, I urged the congregation to invite others to experience the resurrection power of Jesus. I emphasized the transformative nature of understanding Jesus' identity as revealed through the "I AM" statements in John's Gospel, which shape us into His likeness.

I reflected on the role of a shepherd and how Jesus fulfills this role perfectly, contrasting Him with the hired hand who flees at the first sign of danger. Jesus, on the other hand, faced the "wolf" of sin and death head-on, sacrificing Himself to protect us.

I concluded by inviting those who have not yet accepted Jesus as their Good Shepherd to do so, offering a prayer of salvation and the opportunity for communion as a first act of fellowship with Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus as the Good Shepherd is not a mere religious figure but the embodiment of God's sacrificial love and care for us. His declaration of "I AM the Good Shepherd" is a profound statement of His divine nature and His commitment to lay down His life for us, inviting us into an intimate relationship akin to His relationship with the Father. [43:16]

- The contrast between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of Jesus' commitment to us. While the hired hand represents a transactional, self-preserving approach, Jesus demonstrates unconditional sacrifice, laying down His life to protect us from the ultimate "wolf" of sin and death. [49:18]

- The healing offered by the Good Shepherd extends beyond physical needs to the emotional and spiritual wounds of feeling used or exploited. By acknowledging our pain and turning to Jesus, we can experience the deep healing and restoration He desires for us, reflecting His heart that breaks for the exploited. [41:13]

- The communal aspect of the church as a flock under the care of the Good Shepherd emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual care. As we live in community, we are called to protect, support, and nurture one another, just as Jesus does for us. [35:53]

- The global mission of the Good Shepherd, who brings together Jews and Gentiles into one flock, highlights the inclusivity of God's love. No matter our background or past, we are all invited to hear His voice, follow Him, and become part of His diverse and unified family. [58:45]

In summary, today's message was an invitation to experience the fullness of life that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers. It was a call to recognize His sacrificial love, to find healing from exploitation and abandonment, and to embrace the unity and diversity of His global flock.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:11-16
2. Ezekiel 34:1-5
3. Psalm 23

#### Observation Questions
1. In John 10:11-16, how does Jesus describe His role as the Good Shepherd compared to the hired hand?
2. According to Ezekiel 34:1-5, what are the criticisms God has against the shepherds of Israel?
3. In Psalm 23, what are the specific ways the Lord provides for and protects His sheep?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' declaration "I am the Good Shepherd" reveal about His relationship with His followers and His divine nature? ([33:17])
2. How does the contrast between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand in John 10:11-16 highlight the depth of Jesus' commitment to His followers? ([49:18])
3. How does the communal aspect of the church as a flock under the care of the Good Shepherd emphasize the importance of unity and mutual care? ([35:53])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or exploited by someone in a position of authority. How can understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring healing to that experience? ([39:09])
2. Jesus' sacrificial love is a model for us. How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in your relationships this week? ([42:30])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of vulnerability and honesty as pathways to healing. Is there an area in your life where you need to be more vulnerable and honest with God or others? ([38:33])
4. As we approach Easter, who is someone you can invite to experience the resurrection power of Jesus? What steps will you take to extend that invitation? ([31:59])
5. The Good Shepherd offers healing and restoration to those who feel used or exploited. How can you support someone in your community who might be feeling this way? ([41:13])
6. Reflect on the role of community within the body of Christ. How can you contribute to the unity and mutual care of your church community? ([35:53])
7. The global mission of the Good Shepherd includes bringing together diverse groups into one flock. How can you embrace and promote inclusivity within your church or community? ([58:45])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Nature of Sacrificial Love
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, embodies the divine nature of sacrificial love, setting a profound example of selflessness. Unlike the hired hand, who may abandon the sheep in times of danger, Jesus willingly lays down His life for His flock. This act of sacrifice is not born out of obligation but out of a deep, unconditional love for each individual. It is a love that knows no bounds, a love that is willing to face the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety and well-being of the sheep. This divine love invites us into an intimate relationship with Jesus, one that mirrors the closeness He shares with the Father. It is a relationship that calls us to recognize the value He places on us and to respond by drawing nearer to Him. [43:16]

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them." - John 10:11-12 ESV

Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices for you personally affect your relationship with Him?

Day 2: Unconditional Sacrifice Over Self-Preservation
The contrast between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand is stark and revealing. It challenges us to reflect on the nature of Jesus' commitment to us. While the hired hand operates on a transactional basis, seeking to preserve self-interest, Jesus exemplifies unconditional sacrifice. He does not flee at the first sign of danger but instead confronts the "wolf" of sin and death head-on. This willingness to lay down His life for us is the ultimate demonstration of His love and the protective nature of His shepherding. It reassures us that we are valued and defended, even at great cost. [49:18]

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." - Luke 19:10 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you model the sacrificial love of Jesus in your relationships with others?

Day 3: Healing for the Exploited and Used
The Good Shepherd's care extends far beyond physical needs, reaching into the emotional and spiritual realms. For those who have felt used or exploited, Jesus offers a path to healing and restoration. His heart breaks for the wounded, and He invites us to bring our pain to Him. In doing so, we can experience the deep healing that He desires for us, a healing that reflects His compassionate nature. This process often requires vulnerability and honesty, but it is through this openness that we can truly begin to mend. [41:13]

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3 ESV

Reflection: Can you identify a wound in your life that needs the healing touch of the Good Shepherd, and what steps can you take towards that healing today?

Day 4: Unity and Mutual Care in Community
The church, as a flock under the care of the Good Shepherd, is called to embody unity and mutual care. Just as Jesus nurtures and protects His sheep, we are to do the same for one another within the body of Christ. This communal aspect emphasizes the importance of supporting and nurturing each other, reflecting the love and care that Jesus has for us. It is in this community that we find strength, encouragement, and the ability to grow together in faith. [35:53]

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

Reflection: What is one practical way you can bear someone else's burden within your church community this week?

Day 5: Embracing the Inclusivity of God's Love
The global mission of the Good Shepherd is to bring together people from all walks of life into one flock. This mission highlights the inclusivity of God's love, which transcends cultural, ethnic, and social barriers. No matter our background or past, we are all invited to hear His voice, follow Him, and become part of His diverse and unified family. This invitation is a call to embrace the breadth and depth of God's love for every person and to celebrate the diversity within the unity of the body of Christ. [58:45]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28 ESV

Reflection: How can you actively participate in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment in your faith community?

Quotes

1) "I want you to know your heavenly father has food, water, protection, and gives you freedom from the pestilence of this world in order for you to live in every way he has a full life for you, hope and joy. He's not trying to take from you, he is trying to give you so that you can live that Joy filled Abundant Life In Christ." [48:35]( | | )

2) "The Hired Hand did not lay his life down for the Sheep, did not bleed and die for the sheep. He has a transactional relationship with the Sheep; he only will take money from the Sheep. He'll protect them as far as it depends on his own safety and life. It's a superficial commitment." [49:18]( | | )

3) "In this passage it tells us that he came so that you could have full life, Abundant Living, and sometimes you'll hear that as like well it's not all your hopes and dreams coming true, it's about the life that God wants for you as he tells you to come and die, as he tells you to walk in the Gospel Light." [44:01]( | | )

4) "God being his Shepherd and US leading a full life and here's what the I Am the Good Shepherd wants for your life. David writes 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." [45:15]( | | )

5) "Jesus equals Good Shepherd and we are the Sheep, the flock. Now here's where I think it goes too far is when this has a basic message of sheep need someone to take care of them and we need God to take care of us. So often I've heard this sermon preached and they'll be like sheep are dumb animals and they need like that that goes too far." [37:14]( | | )

6) "Jesus, the great Shepherd, does have a rod, 10,000 Legions of Angels at his disposal, he's The Great I Am with the word he could Vanquish the wolf yet he came as a lamb and he let the wolf bite him. It's kind of miraculous and Satan thought he had him, look the Romans got him, they're scoffing at him, he's embarrassed, he's on the cross." [51:47]( | | )

7) "Hired Hands are motivated by money, Jesus purchased you with his blood. You realize the significance and the value that has been placed on your soul as a condemned sinner, as someone outside the family of God, God looked at you, you had nothing to give him at all, and he gave his all and he purchased you with his blood." [53:03]( | | )

8) "The Good Shepherd does not use, take, abuse, or hurt friends. He's going to lead you to that dark Valley of the shadow of death, he's going to Shepherd your soul for all eternity. In Revelation 5 paints a picture of all the Believers being put together before the Throne of God and we will worship Worthy is the Lamb." [54:25]( | | )

9) "I am the Good Shepherd, I know my sheep in an intimate relationship, your spirit bound with his Spirit. You are not another number, you are not to be used, you're not a tool in the Kingdom, you are a child of God and he wants a relationship with you and you have the privilege as his sheep to know him." [43:16]( | | )

10) "I have other sheep that are not of the sheep pin and I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, that means Gentiles can hear from God and receive the Holy Spirit, and there shall be one flock and one Shepherd. We need to remember the universal call that God Embraces every person no matter their background." [58:45]( | | )

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Transcript
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