Jesus: Our Good Shepherd and Source of Abundance
Summary
In today's teaching, I explored the profound metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, a theme that resonates deeply with our spiritual journey. I began by addressing the common misunderstanding of the disciples' apparent cluelessness in the New Testament. It's important to recognize that our understanding is built upon their experiences; we stand on their shoulders.
I then delved into the rich symbolism of shepherding in the first century, contrasting the city sheep pens with the countryside pastures. In the city, multiple flocks were kept together in large pens with a gatekeeper, while in the countryside, shepherds created makeshift enclosures and personally served as the gate, lying at the entrance to protect their sheep. This imagery beautifully illustrates Jesus' role as both our protector and the gateway to a life of abundance.
I emphasized that Jesus' purpose is to offer us a rich and satisfying life, abundant in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This abundance transcends material possessions and status symbols, pointing to a deeper fulfillment found in following Christ.
I also highlighted the importance of recognizing Jesus' voice. Just as sheep can discern their shepherd's call, we too can hear and follow Jesus' guidance. This recognition brings both value and accountability to our lives, as we are responsible for responding to His direction.
Furthermore, I addressed the concept of thieves and robbers, which in the context of Jesus' teaching, refers to those who claim to offer a path to fulfillment outside of Him. This includes not only individuals but also ideologies and deceptions that distract from the truth that Jesus is the only way to a fulfilling life.
Lastly, I touched upon the urgency of Jesus' message, as He was nearing the sacrifice He would make for us. He made it clear that His death was not an accident but a voluntary act of love, emphasizing His authority over life and death.
Key Takeaways:
- The metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the gate for the sheep teaches us about His protective nature and His role as the sole pathway to true life. Just as a shepherd in the countryside would become the gate to the sheep's enclosure, Jesus embodies our access to safety and spiritual nourishment. [01:22:10]
- Our value in the eyes of God is not based on our abilities or accomplishments but on the inherent worth He sees in us. Like sheep, who are valued by their shepherd simply for being sheep, we are cherished by God for who we are, not for what we can do. [01:17:13]
- The ability to recognize Jesus' voice is a transformative truth that we must embrace. It brings purpose and value to our lives and holds us accountable to His teachings. As His sheep, we are assured that we can hear His voice and are responsible for following it. [01:49:14]
- Jesus' teaching on thieves and robbers serves as a warning against following false leaders or ideologies that claim to offer fulfillment outside of Him. True life and satisfaction can only be found in Jesus, and any other path is a deception. [01:27:36]
- Jesus' voluntary sacrifice demonstrates the depth of His love and commitment to us. He laid down His life not out of necessity but out of obedience to the Father and love for His sheep. This act of sacrifice is the foundation of the abundant life He offers us. [01:43:31]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:1-18 (NIV)
> "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper 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. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened 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 comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two types of sheep pens described in the sermon, and how do they differ? ([01:12:36])
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main qualities that sheep possess which help them survive? ([01:15:14])
3. How does Jesus describe His role as the gate and the Good Shepherd in John 10:7-11?
4. What does Jesus say about the thieves and robbers in John 10:1-10, and who are they referring to in the context of the sermon? ([01:08:48])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be both the gate and the Good Shepherd, and how does this dual role impact our understanding of His protection and guidance? ([01:22:10])
2. How does recognizing Jesus' voice bring value and accountability to our lives, according to the sermon? ([01:49:14])
3. In what ways do thieves and robbers, as described by Jesus, manifest in today's world, and how can we discern their influence? ([01:27:36])
4. How does Jesus' voluntary sacrifice demonstrate His love and commitment to us, and what implications does this have for our faith? ([01:43:31])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt protected or guided by Jesus as the Good Shepherd. How did this experience shape your faith? ([01:22:10])
2. How can you cultivate a deeper ability to recognize Jesus' voice in your daily life? What practical steps can you take this week to listen more attentively? ([01:49:14])
3. Identify any "thieves and robbers" in your life—people, ideologies, or distractions that claim to offer fulfillment outside of Jesus. How can you address these influences to stay focused on Christ? ([01:27:36])
4. Jesus offers a rich and satisfying life that transcends material possessions. What areas of your life can you re-evaluate to seek deeper fulfillment in Christ rather than in worldly achievements? ([01:21:31])
5. Jesus' sacrifice was a voluntary act of love. How can you emulate this selfless love in your relationships and community? ([01:43:31])
6. Considering the metaphor of the shepherd lying at the gate, what are some ways you can create a "safe enclosure" for your spiritual life, ensuring that Jesus is at the center? ([01:24:02])
7. How can you support others in your small group or community to recognize and follow Jesus' voice, especially those who might be struggling to hear it? ([01:49:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Shepherd's Protection
Jesus as the Good Shepherd is not just a comforting image; it is a profound revelation of His protective nature and His role as the sole pathway to true life. In the first century, shepherds in the countryside would lie at the entrance of the sheep's enclosure, becoming the gate themselves. This act was one of protection and dedication. Similarly, Jesus embodies our access to safety and spiritual nourishment. He is the gate through which we enter to find rest and provision. His commitment to our well-being is unwavering, and His presence is a constant assurance that we are guarded from the perils that threaten to harm us. As the Good Shepherd, He knows each of us by name and leads us to pastures where we can thrive. In Him, we find the promise of a life that is not only preserved from danger but also enriched with His goodness and love [01:22:10].
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ... I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." - John 10:11, 9 ESV
Reflection: How does viewing Jesus as your protective gate change the way you approach challenges and fears in your life?
Day 2: Inherent Worth in God's Eyes
Our value to God is intrinsic and not based on our achievements or capabilities. Like sheep, who are valued by their shepherd simply for being part of the flock, we are cherished by God for who we are, not for what we can do. This understanding liberates us from the pressure of performance and the fear of inadequacy. It invites us to rest in the knowledge that we are loved unconditionally. Our worth is not diminished by our failures nor increased by our successes. In God's eyes, we are His beloved creation, worthy of care, attention, and sacrifice. This perspective reshapes our identity and self-worth, aligning them with the truth of our divine acceptance and value [01:17:13].
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." - Luke 12:6-7 ESV
Reflection: How can the knowledge of your inherent worth in God's eyes impact the way you view yourself and others today?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Recognizing Jesus' Voice
The ability to recognize Jesus' voice is a transformative truth that brings purpose and value to our lives. It also holds us accountable to His teachings. Just as sheep can discern their shepherd's call amidst many distractions, we too can learn to hear and follow Jesus' guidance. This recognition is not just about audibly hearing a voice but about sensing His leading in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. It involves a deep familiarity with His character and His Word, which comes from spending time in His presence and studying the scriptures. As we grow in our ability to discern His voice, we become more attuned to His direction and more confident in making choices that align with His will for our lives [01:49:14].
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." - John 10:27 ESV
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to become more attuned to recognizing Jesus' voice in your daily life?
Day 4: Guarding Against False Fulfillment
Jesus' teaching on thieves and robbers serves as a warning against following false leaders or ideologies that claim to offer fulfillment outside of Him. True life and satisfaction can only be found in Jesus, and any other path is a deception. These thieves and robbers come in various forms—sometimes as individuals, other times as ideologies or even societal norms that lure us away from the truth. They promise happiness and fulfillment but ultimately lead to emptiness and despair. Recognizing these deceptions requires wisdom and discernment, which are cultivated through a relationship with Jesus and knowledge of His Word. By staying close to Him, we can avoid the pitfalls of false promises and remain on the path that leads to genuine, everlasting life [01:27:36].
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." - Matthew 7:15 ESV
Reflection: What are some 'thieves and robbers' in your life that you need to be wary of, and how can you guard your heart against them?
Day 5: The Depth of Jesus' Voluntary Sacrifice
Jesus' voluntary sacrifice on the cross demonstrates the depth of His love and commitment to us. He laid down His life not out of necessity but out of obedience to the Father and love for His sheep. This act of sacrifice is the foundation of the abundant life He offers us. It is a powerful reminder that our salvation and the fullness of life we enjoy are not accidents but the result of a deliberate act of love. Jesus' authority over life and death was willingly surrendered so that we might live. This truth should fill us with gratitude and compel us to live in a manner worthy of the sacrifice made on our behalf. It calls us to embrace the life He has given us and to extend that love to others [01:43:31].
"For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord." - John 10:17-18 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you honor Jesus' sacrifice in your daily actions and decisions, starting today?
Quotes
1) "Jesus wants to give us a rich and satisfying life. Jesus wants to give us a rich and satisfying, some translations you use which I think is a better term, Abundant Life. It's this idea of this, the Greek word there, it's the idea of exceeding beyond measure. It's overflowing, it's overfall, it's my kids toy closet, it's just there's too much stuff in it and you just, it falls out cuz there's more in there that should be." [01:36:48]
2) "Jesus is calling his shot here, he's telling you what our abundant life is going to cost him. We're in chapter 10 and we're only halfway through the Book of John but we're like 95% of the way through the life of Jesus. We're getting close and so I just imagine as Jesus is saying these things how urgent that moment was for him, how eminent this truth was because he's just a literally a few interactions away from this thing." [01:41:21]
3) "Sheep are still around even to this day and they're still popular, there's still plenty of them, and really most sheep live a pretty good life. And it's for they really only have two saving graces. One, they do have the ability to recognize a protector, they can learn and do learn that that guy is watching out for me and they can learn to and they can recognize his voice and they can be loyal and they can follow him." [01:15:55]
4) "Jesus leads us to these pastures, he puts us in a place of protection, a safe place that he's created for us, and then he lays down at the front of it as if to say literally Over My Dead Body will anything come in and Over My Dead Body are you leaving. You are mine and you are in here." [01:24:02]
5) "Jesus didn't die on accident. 'The father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also take it up again. For this is what my father has commanded.' Jesus is telling them what's about to happen." [01:43:31]
6) "Some sheep even know my voice. If you are his today, you know his voice. And this is a transformational vital truth that we have to learn to embrace and accept and admit that we know his voice, we can hear his voice. It brings purpose and value to our lives and that's one of the reasons why we invalidate ourselves sometimes." [01:49:14]
7) "The only reason we understand everything was because they went through it, not us. We wouldn't have done any better if we were in their shoes. Like a good teacher, Jesus looks at the crowd and goes 'Oh y'all ain't getting this, let me try this another way.' So Jesus goes from what he's actually going to do, he's going to slightly shift his metaphor." [01:19:49]
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