1. In these verses Jesus identified Himself twice as "the good shepherd." 2. The Lord also explained why He is "the good shepherd." a. He gave His life for the sheep (vs.11, 15b). b. He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him (vs.14). 3. In our lesson we are studying passages from each of the Gospels that demonstrate how Jesus is the good Shepherd.
Discussion:
I. IN MATTHEW JESUS DEMONSTRATED HOW HE IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD BY SENDING HIS DISCIPLES ON THE LIMITED COMMISSION
A. According to Matthew 9:35, Jesus reached many people Himself. B. We learn from Matthew 9:36 that He could not reach everyone. C. Jesus involved His disciples in finding lost sheep. 1. He first told them to pray about the situation (Matthew 9:37-38). 2. He sent them on the limited commission (Matthew 10:1-8). D. This is one way that Jesus demonstrated that He is the good Shepherd -- He sent His disciples on the limited commission to find lost sheep that He had not found.
II. IN MARK JESUS DEMONSTRATED HOW HE IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD BY CALMING A STORM
A. We read about this event in Mark 4:35-41. B. On the Sea of Galilee Jesus and His disciples faced a storm. C. Jesus caused the wind to cease, and the sea became calm. D. On this occasion Jesus demonstrated that He is the good Shepherd by not allowing His sheep to be overcome by the storm (1 Corinthians 10:13).
III. IN LUKE JESUS DEMONSTRATED HOW HE IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD BY FINDING LOST SHEEP
A. In Luke 15:1-2 we learn how 2 groups of people reacted to the Lord. B. In Luke 15:3-6 Jesus presented a parable for the benefit of those who murmured against Him. C. In Luke 15:7 Jesus showed how there is joy in heaven when a lost sheep is found. D. Jesus knew the value of 1 soul.
IV. IN JOHN JESUS DEMONSTRATED HOW HE IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD BY PROTECTING AND SAVING A LOST SHEEP
A. In John 8:1-11 we read about the occasion when Jesus was asked to pass sentence on "the woman taken in adultery" [a lost sheep]. B. In addition to protecting this woman, Jesus saved her.
Conclusion:
1. Throughout the Scriptures Jesus is shown to be "the good Shepherd." 2. As we study the Scriptures, let us grow in knowledge of the Lord as our good Shepherd (2 Peter 3:18).
