March 6, 2005
Morning Sermon Outline
”Jesus’ Job, He is the Good Shepherd”
John 10:10-21
How qualified is Jesus as our Good Shepherd?
If He is exceedingly qualified, which is an argument for us (as His sheep) to hear Him, to follow Him?
I. As the Good Shepherd, we see Jesus in conflict with the thief – Satan!
1. “The thief” singular, is a reference to Satan
A. Christ had spoken of the Devil in chapter 8:44
B. His referring to Satan there as a murderer and liar hints backs to Genesis 3 where Satan’s temptation resulted in the destruction of our race
C. As Satan takes the form of a serpent, manifests himself as an angel of light, speaks through the Pharisees, even through Peter (Matthew 16:13-23), in all these things his purpose is to steal, kill and destroy – (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)
2. Christ contrasts Himself with the Devil in relation to His purpose, Christ purpose being that we might have LIFE, and ABUNDANT LIFE!
II. As the Good Shepherd, we see Jesus in comparison to the hirelings – false shepherds!
1. These hirelings are characterized by self-serving at the expense of the sheep – John 10:12-13, – Ezekiel 34:1-10
2. Christ is opposite of these in that He is willing to lay down His life – John 10:11, 15, 17 & 18, Ezekiel 34:11-31
3. True under-shepherds should also compare themselves to Christ
A. He alone is truly Good – Luke 18:18-19
B. He alone is our perfect example
C. We (all of us who are shepherds) need prayer that we would be truly Christ-like in this Highest of Callings!
III. As the Good Shepherd, we see Jesus in communion with His sheep – us, true Christians!
1. He is known by His sheep, they recognize His goodness – John 1:14
2. By this recognition they distinguish themselves from unbelievers – Isaiah 53:1-3;
3. Christ also knows His sheep:
A. With a knowledge only God has – John 1:47-49
B. With an affectionate, caring, self-giving, loving, intimacy – John 15:13
C. With a distinguishing knowledge He knows them by name
D. With a compassionate knowledge, He knows their weaknesses and is able to save them from them
E. With a comforting knowledge, He is able to make them lie down (trust) Psalm 23:2
IV. As the Good Shepherd, we see Jesus upon the commission of His Father – the cross!
1. They share an unmatched intimacy and love:
A. It is eternal – Proverbs 8:22-31; John 1:1-5
B. It is delightful – Proverbs 8:31
C. It is obviously sinless – Exodus 15:11; Hebrews 1:1-2
2. The Father:
A. Knows Christ will lay down His life - :15
B. Loves Christ for laying down His life - :17
C. Commands Christ to lay down His life - :18
V. As the Good Shepherd, we see Jesus either criticized or commended by the crowd
1. Some saw Him as crazy (demon possessed) - :19-20
2. Others recognized His greatness - :21
What choices will we make about Christ?
Will we follow Him with commitment or will we count His cross CRAZY!
