Summary: In a dialog with the religious leaders of Christ’s day, Jesus describes Himself as the "Good Shepherd". When we get a hold of what Christ was saying, then we will find security, peace and comfort. Today we will explore a little more closely what it means
“Security In The Shepherd”
Dcn. Chris Nerreau
I know a man named Steven who grew up in foster homes. He went from place to place, family to family and averaged a move a year – By the time Steven was 9 he had lived in at least ten different homes.
Unfortunately, some of the families beat and abused him, others just wanted the money and some even told him he was worthless. Later in life Steven shared with me his inability to feel safe, protected or loved. He said that his life will forever be affected by the troubles he endured in his youth.
This was the same problem many of the Jewish faithful experienced as their leaders sought personal gain and selfish ambition at the expense of the people of God. Jesus addresses this issue head on in our passage today. Jesus continues a discussion with the Pharisees, and continues to contrast himself with them by showing Himself as the embodiement of peace, joy and security.
Observation: Throughout scripture, Jesus describes Himself in many ways: The True Vine, The Door/gate, The Bread Of Life, the narrow path. But today, we see Jesus describe himself as the “Good Shepherd” (v. 11) this stands in stark contrast to that of the Pharisees and Sadducees of His day.
The term “Shepherd” is used over 100 times in the OT / NT.
o God as shepherd – Psalm 23 David - “The Lord is my shepherd”
o Prophets (Isaiah 40:11)
o There were Good shepherds and false shepherds
o We all long for the good shepherd
Security, is not something that is found through money, property or any other earthly thing, security is something that is given by the “Good Shepherd” out of His mercy and pity (Mark 6:34 sheep without a shepherd...)
Today, I want to take some time to show you what I mean. Security is given to us as we understand:
1. The Shepherds Protection
2. The Shepherds Position
3. The Shepherds Promise
Transition: So let us begin by looking at…
I. The Shepherds Protection: “I Am the door…” (v.7)
Observation: In the time of Christ there were two types of sheep folds:
In the villages and towns during the cold season, there were secure communal sheep folds where the sheep would be left while the workers returned home. These pens would have a large door to protect the sheep.
When the sheep were out on the hills during the warm season they would not have these safe shelters. As such Jesus describes Himself as the “door”.
Jesus promise was that He would be our door of protection. That He protected the sheep from thief’s and robbers, from wolfs and other animals that sought the sheep’s demise.
Shepherd lays across the gate of the pen during night to protect…
Illustration: The early American Indians had a unique practice of training young braves. On the night of a boy’s thirteenth birthday, after learning hunting, scouting, and fishing skills, he was put to one final test. He was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night alone. Until then, he had never been away from the security of the family and the tribe. But on this night, he was blindfolded and taken several miles away. When he took off the blindfold, he was in the middle of a thick woods and he was terrified! Every time a twig snapped, he visualized a wild animal ready to pounce. After what seemed like an eternity, dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight entered the interior of the forest. Looking around, the boy saw flowers, trees, and the outline of the path. Then, to his utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed with a bow and arrow. It was his father. He had been there all night long.
Jesus promises to be our strong door of protection. (Gen 7:16 – The Lord shut them in)
· We cannot purchase peace and security, Peace comes through the protection of the good shepherd.
· It is found in the promise of Christ to be our door of protection. Not our spouse, not our money, not our home or relationships but Christ alone.
· Where are you looking for peace and security? Today I call upon you to recognize the protection of Christ.
Transition: Not only is Christ the door of our security and peace…
II. The Shepherds Position: “I Am the good Shepherd” Observation: Jesus describes the two very different positions of a shepherd:
The Hired Hand (John 10:12) – Direct Correlation to Pharisees who could not put the needs of others above themselves.
The Good Shepherd (John 10:11) – Direct reference to Christ, the one who loves the flock of God.