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Home , Good Shepherd

Mark E. Larson

The Good

Introduction: In Religious and Spiritual Matters, Who is Your Shepherd?

“pastors” (Eph. 4:11) which is another word for Elders are otherwise described as ’s people. They make . Spiritual shepherds care for the flock or God sure that the ’s word. They also watch assembly is well fed by the spiritual nourishment of God out for enemies, such as false teachers, that try to attack the flock of God. “ ” can come from other members besides elders. Spiritual care or shepherding Having someone in your life that is more mature in the faith, acting as a spiritual mentor who truly cares about you, can be a great blessing and encouragement! However, many people are tempted to put too much faith and trust in leaders or spiritual mentors to such a degree that they become followers of men instead of . Many blindly follow the teachings of men, failing to study the Scriptures for themselves. Many become too dependent on their leaders for spiritual strength and guidance, so much so, that when a leader falls, they fall with him! For a faith that is strong and confident put your faith in the ! Unlike men, Jesus will never let us down, betray us, or lead us astray. Jesus is the shepherd that we can trust completely to watch over us, care for us, and lead us to eternal life! I. The Shepherding Style of vs. the Good Shepherd.  There is a remarkable difference between Jesus and the shepherding style of many religious leaders of our day. “steal, kill, and destroy.” A. Like the Pharisees, many religious leaders today 1. They were like thieves and robbers. They used unauthorized means to intrude and climb into the fold of the (:1-2). 2. They wanted access without using "the door" () to make disciples. Example: How do thieves usually break into a home? Thieves don't normally have a key or use the door. They climb in some other way, such as a window. “ ” 3. They did not use the door, but rejected the Messiah because He was a “some other way”). threat to their power over the people (e.g. leaders today, 4. They were like strangers to the people (John 10:5). They did not know the people they claimed to shepherd, much less associate with them. 5. The Pharisees only cared about their appearance and lofty positions; as a consequence they were truly strangers to the people (Mat. 23:5-7). Example: Politicians or government officials who fail to represent the needs of the people. Many religious leaders are no better! 6. They were thieves that stole, killed, and destroyed (Jn 10:10). They were hypocrites doing more harm than good for the people (Mt 23:13-15). a. By enforcing the traditions of men and their own opinion and philosophy, they actually kept the people from God (v. 13). b. Instead of protecting the weak, they preyed on the vulnerable and exploited them; long prayers were just a cover up (v. 14). c. Instead of converting Gentiles to the religion of the Lord, they led them into the pits of hell! (v. 15).

1 Mark E. Larson

7. They were mere hirelings with no real love for the people (John 10:12- 13). Hirelings simply do the job of shepherding because they are paid. a. The Pharisees worked for wealth, power, and prestige. b. Like the hirelings, when danger came they failed the people. Example: What good would the police be to a community if they fled the scene at the first sign of trouble or conflict? This too often is the case with religious leaders today.

“Good Shepherd” B. The loving leads, nurtures, and saves His flock. 1. Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11); He is the one that can be trusted as the Savior, shepherd, and guardian of our souls! (1 Pet 2:24-25). 2. Jesus knows every one of His people by name (John 10:3); the Lord is intimately acquainted with all our ways (Ps. 139:1-4). Example: Who knows you better than anyone; your best friend, spouse, parents, etc? 3. This intimacy is reciprocal in that the Good Shepherd knows His flock and the flock knows the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:14). A close relationship! 4. The Good Shepherd leads His sheep and the sheep follow because they know His voice and trust in His loving care (John 10:3-4; cf. Ps. 23:1-4). Example: We sometimes sing, "Where He Leads I'll Follow" Do we believe what we are singing? Do we go where Jesus leads? Do we allow His guidance to lead us each day? 5. Spiritual leaders in the assembly today are to imitate the shepherd style of Jesus (1 Peter 5:1-3, 4).

“the Door” to Heaven! II. Jesus is

A. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:15-18). 1. Jesus voluntarily gave His life for us! He could have chosen to walk away, but instead said: "Not My will but Thine be done" (Luke 22:42). 2. Jesus died for you and me when we were sinners; we were not worthy of His sacrifice! (Rom. 5:6-8). “ ” 3. In contrast to thieves , Christ did not steal His sheep but He purchased “ ” His flock with His own blood (Acts 20:28). ’ 4. Similarly, leaders in the assembly are to be spiritual who obey Jesus command to love with a self-sacrificing love for others (:12-13). 5. Like Jesus, spiritual leaders come not to be served, but to serve others with all humility (Mark 10:45; 23:11-12; Luke 22:26-27).

B. Jesus is the ONLY door to salvation (John 10:7-10). 1. Eternal life is found only through Jesus Christ (:6). 2. All other religions of the world come short of salvation; only Jesus the Savior our shepherd can lead to us eternal life (Rev. 7:16-17).

Conclusion: Jesus is the Good Shepherd we can believe in and trust for salvation. Do you know the voice of Jesus? When Judgment Day comes, will Jesus know you? (John 10:27-28)

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