The Good Shepherd: Hearing His Voice and Following
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into John chapter 10, where Jesus declares, "I am the Good Shepherd." This passage is rich with imagery and meaning, drawing from the Old Testament, particularly Ezekiel 34, where God condemns the worthless shepherds of Israel and promises to be the true shepherd of His people. Jesus' declaration is not just a statement of His role but a fulfillment of this prophecy. He contrasts Himself with the thieves and robbers—those who come to steal, kill, and destroy—by emphasizing His mission to give life abundantly.
We explored the different ways people can mishandle Scripture, such as ignoring it, twisting it, or taking it out of context. Jesus' words in John 10 challenge us to go deeper, to understand the full context and richness of His message. He speaks of the intimate relationship between the shepherd and His sheep, where the sheep hear His voice, follow Him, and are given eternal life. This relationship is secure, as no one can snatch the sheep out of His hand or the Father's hand.
We also discussed the broader implications of Jesus' statement. He is not just a good shepherd among many but "the" Good Shepherd, the one prophesied to come. This has profound implications for how we understand our relationship with Him and our role in His mission. Jesus speaks of having other sheep not of this fold, indicating His mission to bring in Gentiles and others who are yet to hear His voice. This calls us to participate in His mission, whether through local evangelism or global missions.
Finally, we reflected on what it means to hear Jesus' voice and follow Him. This involves recognizing how He speaks to us in various ways—through Scripture, prayer, worship, and community—and responding in obedience. It's a call to examine our lives and see if we are truly following the Good Shepherd in our daily actions and decisions.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Good Shepherd's Voice: Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, calls His sheep by name, and they recognize His voice. This intimate relationship is foundational to our faith. We must cultivate a life of listening to His voice through Scripture, prayer, and community, ensuring that we are not led astray by the voices of thieves and robbers. [06:39]
2. Abundant Life: Jesus promises not just eternal life but abundant life here and now. This abundance is not about material wealth but about spiritual richness, peace, and fulfillment in Him. Understanding this helps us to live with a sense of purpose and contentment, knowing that our Good Shepherd leads us to green pastures and still waters. [17:59]
3. Security in Christ: The assurance that no one can snatch us out of Jesus' hand or the Father's hand provides profound security. This eternal security is rooted in the Father's gift of the sheep to the Son and the Son's sacrificial love. It encourages us to live boldly and confidently in our faith, knowing that our salvation is secure. [20:33]
4. Mission and Evangelism: Jesus' reference to other sheep not of this fold highlights the ongoing mission to reach the unreached. This calls us to be active participants in evangelism and missions, sharing the Good News and being part of God's plan to gather His sheep from all nations. [18:41]
5. Hearing and Following: A true mark of being Jesus' sheep is hearing His voice and following Him. This involves daily obedience and discernment, recognizing His guidance in our lives and acting upon it. Reflecting on recent instances where we have heard and followed His voice can strengthen our faith and commitment. [25:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:40] - Introduction to John 10
[02:59] - Context and Misinterpretation of Scripture
[04:13] - Background and Setting
[05:25] - The Sheep Pen Imagery
[06:39] - Jesus as the Door and the Good Shepherd
[07:59] - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life
[09:23] - Worthless Shepherds in Ezekiel 34
[10:41] - God as the True Shepherd
[11:59] - Thieves and Robbers
[13:15] - Worthless Shepherds in History
[14:37] - Conviction for Modern Shepherds
[16:28] - The Father Gives the Sheep to the Son
[17:59] - Abundant Life and Eternal Life
[18:41] - Other Sheep Not of This Fold
[19:40] - Missions and Evangelism
[20:33] - Security in Christ
[21:21] - Depth of Abundant Life
[22:07] - Jesus' I Am Statements
[22:57] - The Door and the Cross
[24:01] - Jesus' Ongoing Ministry
[25:08] - Personal Relationship with the Shepherd
[25:46] - Hearing and Following Jesus
[27:31] - Practical Examples of Following
[28:28] - Invitation to Respond
[29:22] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 10:1-18
- Ezekiel 34:1-16
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the Good Shepherd"? How does this connect to the imagery used in Ezekiel 34? [07:59]
2. According to John 10:10, what is the mission of the thief, and how does it contrast with Jesus' mission? [06:39]
3. In John 10:27-29, what assurances does Jesus give about the security of His sheep? [00:00]
4. How does Jesus describe the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep in John 10:3-4? [05:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the "thieves and robbers" mentioned in John 10, and how do they relate to the "worthless shepherds" in Ezekiel 34? [11:59]
2. How does Jesus' promise of "abundant life" in John 10:10 differ from common interpretations of material abundance? [17:59]
3. What does it mean for Jesus to have "other sheep not of this fold," and how does this shape our understanding of His mission? [18:41]
4. How does the assurance that no one can snatch the sheep out of Jesus' hand or the Father's hand impact a believer's sense of security and confidence in their faith? [20:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt you heard Jesus' voice. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [25:46]
2. Jesus promises abundant life, not in terms of material wealth but spiritual richness. How can you cultivate a sense of spiritual abundance in your daily life? [17:59]
3. Considering Jesus' mission to bring in "other sheep," how can you participate in local evangelism or global missions? What steps can you take this week to share the Good News? [18:41]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing and following Jesus' voice. What practices can you implement to better discern His voice through Scripture, prayer, and community? [25:46]
5. Reflect on the security you have in Christ, knowing that no one can snatch you out of His hand. How does this assurance affect your daily walk and your willingness to take bold steps of faith? [20:33]
6. Jesus condemned the "worthless shepherds" who failed to care for their flock. In what ways can you ensure that you are a good shepherd in your roles, whether in your family, church, or community? [14:37]
7. How can you actively listen for and follow Jesus' guidance in your interactions with others, especially in challenging situations? Share a specific instance where you can apply this in the coming week. [26:46]
Devotional
Day 1: The Good Shepherd's Voice
Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, calls His sheep by name, and they recognize His voice. This intimate relationship is foundational to our faith. We must cultivate a life of listening to His voice through Scripture, prayer, and community, ensuring that we are not led astray by the voices of thieves and robbers. Jesus' declaration in John 10 is a profound reminder of the personal and loving relationship He offers. He knows each of His sheep individually and calls them by name, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and responding to His voice. This relationship is not passive; it requires active listening and discernment to distinguish His voice from the many distractions and false teachings that can lead us astray.
In our daily lives, this means prioritizing time with God through reading the Bible, praying, and engaging in fellowship with other believers. By doing so, we become more attuned to His guidance and can confidently follow where He leads. Reflect on how you can better recognize and respond to the Good Shepherd's voice in your life. [06:39]
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: How can you create more space in your daily routine to listen for and recognize Jesus' voice?
Day 2: Abundant Life
Jesus promises not just eternal life but abundant life here and now. This abundance is not about material wealth but about spiritual richness, peace, and fulfillment in Him. Understanding this helps us to live with a sense of purpose and contentment, knowing that our Good Shepherd leads us to green pastures and still waters. The abundant life Jesus offers is characterized by a deep sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment that transcends our circumstances. It is a life rooted in the assurance of His love and care, providing us with a sense of purpose and direction.
This abundant life is not measured by material possessions or worldly success but by the richness of our relationship with Jesus. It involves experiencing His presence in our daily lives, finding contentment in His provision, and trusting in His guidance. Reflect on what it means to live abundantly in Christ and how you can embrace this promise in your everyday life. [17:59]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to shift your focus from material abundance to spiritual richness and fulfillment in Christ?
Day 3: Security in Christ
The assurance that no one can snatch us out of Jesus' hand or the Father's hand provides profound security. This eternal security is rooted in the Father's gift of the sheep to the Son and the Son's sacrificial love. It encourages us to live boldly and confidently in our faith, knowing that our salvation is secure. The security we have in Christ is a source of immense comfort and strength. It assures us that our relationship with Him is unbreakable, grounded in His love and sacrifice. This security is not based on our efforts or performance but on His faithfulness and the Father's sovereign will.
Living in this security allows us to face challenges and uncertainties with confidence, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. It empowers us to take bold steps of faith, trusting that He holds us firmly in His hands. Reflect on how this assurance of security in Christ can transform your approach to life's difficulties and uncertainties. [20:33]
John 10:28-29 (ESV): "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your security in Christ influence your daily decisions and actions?
Day 4: Mission and Evangelism
Jesus' reference to other sheep not of this fold highlights the ongoing mission to reach the unreached. This calls us to be active participants in evangelism and missions, sharing the Good News and being part of God's plan to gather His sheep from all nations. Jesus' mission extends beyond the immediate circle of His followers to include people from all nations and backgrounds. His reference to "other sheep" underscores the inclusivity of His love and the global scope of His mission. As His followers, we are called to participate in this mission, sharing the Good News and reaching out to those who have yet to hear His voice.
This involves both local evangelism and global missions, recognizing that every person is valuable to God and deserving of the opportunity to know Him. Reflect on how you can actively engage in Jesus' mission, whether through personal evangelism, supporting missionaries, or participating in outreach programs. [18:41]
John 10:16 (ESV): "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."
Reflection: What steps can you take to be more involved in sharing the Good News with those who have not yet heard it?
Day 5: Hearing and Following
A true mark of being Jesus' sheep is hearing His voice and following Him. This involves daily obedience and discernment, recognizing His guidance in our lives and acting upon it. Reflecting on recent instances where we have heard and followed His voice can strengthen our faith and commitment. Hearing and following Jesus' voice is a dynamic and ongoing process. It requires us to be attentive to His guidance and willing to act in obedience. This involves cultivating a heart that is sensitive to His leading and a willingness to follow wherever He directs.
In our daily lives, this means being open to His promptings, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the counsel of other believers. It also involves reflecting on past experiences where we have heard and followed His voice, recognizing His faithfulness and guidance. Reflect on how you can better hear and follow Jesus' voice in your daily actions and decisions. [25:46]
John 10:27 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent instance where you heard Jesus' voice and followed His guidance? How did it impact your faith and actions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "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. He flees because he's a hired hand. He cares nothing for the sheep. But I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me." [07:59] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, but I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." [06:39] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Father gives the sheep to the Son. The Son then calls them by name. The sheep hears His voice and they follow Him. They follow Jesus who leads them out to pasture and abundant life and eternal life. And no one can snatch them out of His hand because the Father and the Son are holding onto us." [21:21] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus still calls His sheep. Jesus still calls people to saving faith. And so we believe that. We continue to preach the gospel because we believe that Jesus is still calling His sheep. And most of us in this room have a story, have a testimony of someplace in our life where we heard Jesus calling us to be saved." [28:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So yeah, it's right to say the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and that's Satan and the work of Satan. But to be completely right is to hear how Jesus applies those who work the works of Satan also in this world, and we need to examine ourselves and let God convict us, and are we being good shepherds? Are we being good shepherds as the Lord has called us to?" [15:34] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Good Shepherd leads His sheep to pasture. He leads them to abundant life, and He leads them to eternal life. All three of those images were used in John chapter 10. So, when we talk about following Him. Following Jesus and having life. It's not just the hope of heaven when we die, but it's the fact that we have abundant life today. That our Good Shepherd is leading us to green pastures. Our Good Shepherd is leading us to quiet waters." [17:59] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Notice also it says that no one can snatch the sheep out of my hand. This is our security and how we know that when the trumpet sounds, we can be sure in our salvation. The Father says no one can snatch them out of my hand. The Son says no one can snatch them out of my hand. The Father and the Son holding onto us. This is why we have the security of our salvation, that we cannot be snatched out." [20:33] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "My sheep hear my voice. My sheep follow me. So let me just ask you this morning. How do you hear the voice of the good shepherd? How is the voice of the good shepherd speaking to you? Now imagine across the room we'd have a lot of different answers to that. Some of you may talk about your devotional and your prayer time and how you have your little prayer closet and how God speaks to you." [25:08] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I just want to challenge you to stop and think, is there some way in the last two, three weeks that you can specifically identify the way that I know I'm part of His flock as I heard His voice and because of what I heard. I followed Him and did something differently." [27:31] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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