1. In his Gospel, John recorded a number of the Lord's statements in which He revealed special information about Himself: "I am the bread of life" (6:35), "I am the light of the world" (8:12), "before Abraham was, I am" (8:58), "I am the door of the sheep" (10:7), "I am the resurrection, and the life" (11:25), "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (14:6), and "I am the true vine" (15:1). 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on another statement of our Lord found in John 10:11, 14 -- "I am the good shepherd." Discussion: I. THE SCRIPTURES REPEATEDLY IDENTIFY JESUS AS A VERY SPECIAL SHEPHERD
A. Jesus identified Himself as "the good shepherd" twice (John 10:11a, 14a). 1. He showed why He is the good shepherd by comparing Himself to a hireling. a. A hireling will not protect and defend the sheep. b. A hireling will run when danger approaches. c. A hireling does not care for the sheep. 2. As the good shepherd, Jesus: a. knows His sheep b. sacrifices Himself on behalf of the sheep c. shows how much He cares for His sheep. 3. When danger approaches, the sheep need to: a. trust that the good shepherd cares for them b. have confidence in His care. B. The Scriptures also identify Jesus as: 1. the "great shepherd of the sheep" (Hebrews 13:20-21) 2. "the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25; Matthew 18:11-14) 3. "the chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). II. FROM THE 23RD PSALM LET US CONSIDER 12 SPECIAL BLESSINGS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO MAKE THE LORD THEIR SHEPHERD, INCLUDING:
A. Contentment (vs.1b) -- "I shall not want" B. Providence (vs.2a) -- "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" C. Peace (vs.2b) -- "He leadeth me beside the still waters" D. Restoration (vs.3a) -- "He restoreth my soul" E. Direction (vs.3b) -- "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" F. Courage (vs.4a) -- "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" G. Companionship (vs.4b) -- "For thou art with me" H. Comfort (vs.4c) -- "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" I. Favor (vs.5a) -- "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil" J. Abundance (vs.5b) -- "My cup runneth over" K. Assurance (vs.6a) -- "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" L. Immortality (vs.6b) -- "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Conclusion:
1. Jesus certainly is "the Good Shepherd." 2. As the Good Shepherd He provides special blessings to His sheep. 3. Have you become one of His sheep?
