The Story of Jesus He Is a Special Sheperd (Lesson 75)
Introduction:
1. We learn from 2 Peter 3:18 that God's people are to grow in the knowledge of His Son. 2. In John 5:39 Jesus revealed the key to achieving this growth -- "searching the Scriptures." 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on the fact that "Jesus is a Special Shepherd." Discussion: I. JESUS OFTEN SPOKE OF SHEEP AND SHEPHERDS DURING HIS MINISTRY
A. He saw people who needed direction as "sheep having no shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). B. The separation at the judgment when Jesus returns will be "as a shepherd dividing his sheep from the goats" (Matthew 25:31-33). C. In Matthew 26:31 Jesus quoted Zechariah 13:7 to show what would happen when He was smitten (Matthew 26:56b). II. THE SCRIPTURES IDENTIFY JESUS AS A VERY SPECIAL SHEPHERD
A. Jesus identified Himself as "the good shepherd" (John 10:11a, 14a). 1. He explained why He is the Good Shepherd in John 10:1-2, 7-13, 15. 2. He described His relationship with His sheep in John 10:3-5, 14, 16. B. Jesus is also identified as: 1. "that great shepherd of the sheep" (Hebrews 13:20) 2. "the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25) 3. "the chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). III. THE 23RD PSALM LISTS 12 SPECIAL BLESSINGS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO MAKE THE LORD THEIR SHEPHERD, INCLUDING:
A. Contentment (vs.1b) B. Providence (vs.2a) C. Peace (vs.2b) D. Restoration (vs.3a) E. Direction (vs.3b) F. Courage (vs.4a) G. Companionship (vs.4b) H. Comfort (vs.4c) I. Favor (vs.5a) J. Abundance (vs.5b) K. Assurance (vs.6a) L. Immortality (vs.6b).
