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JOHN 10:11

"THE GOOD SHEPHERD"

Intro: Culturally, we have moved from an agrian to an industrial society. The figure of a
       shepherd is a little foreign to us.

I. THE GOOD SHEPHERD'S CHARACTERISTICS.
        A. He knows His sheep, and calls them by name.
                1. His sheep is opposed to those who are not His sheep.
                2. That puts all of us today in one of two categories.
                        a. You're either one of His sheep or not.
                        b. Those who have heard His voice and followed Him.
                                1. Several herds could be sheltered/mingled within the
                                   enclosure for the evening.
                                2. In the morning when the shepherd goes out he calls and his
                                   sheep and only his sheep will respond.
                                3. All of the sheep hear the call, yet only His sheep follow
                                   Him.
                        c. There is always that frightening possibility when one stubbornly
                           resists the call of Jesus Christ that maybe they are not one of
                           His.
                3. He calls His sheep by name.
        B. He leads His sheep to pasture.
                1. The shepherd is concerned with the well-being of his flock.
                        a. He seeks the greenest pasture.
                        b. Jesus said, "I have come that they might have life and that more
                           abundantly."
                        c. He desires that they are well fed.
                2. In contrast, the hireling doesn't really care for the sheep.
                        a. He is more concerned for himself.
                        b. He is in it only for the money.
                        c. There are ministers today who are shepherds and there are 
                           hirelings. They can be discerned by how they look at the flock.
                                1. The shepherd is saying, "How can I feed them?"
                                2. The hireling, "How can I fleece them?"
        C. He watches over the flock for their safety.
                1. He knows what a defenseless prey sheep are.
                        a. They are not fast enough to run from the predator.
                        b. Nor are they able to fight.
                        c. They must depend upon their shepherd for their defense.
        D. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
                1. How much does Jesus love you?
                        a. Enough to give His life for you.
                        b. The cross always brings a wide variety of responses.
                                1. Some see the horrible cruelty of man.
                                2. Some see excruciating pain.
                                3. Some see a bloody, gory sight.
                                4. I see infinite love; love beyond my comprehension. The
                                   love of my shepherd for me.

II. AS YOU LOOK AT THE CROSS, WHAT DO YOU SEE? 
        A. Another argument against capitol punishment, because sometimes the innocent die?
        B. A shocking miscarriage of justice?
        C. Your Shepherd laying down His life for you because He loves you so much.

III. JESUS PROPHESIED BOTH HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION - VS. 17, 18.
        A. They did not take His life, He gave His life.
                1. On the cross we read that Jesus bowed His head and dismissed His Spirit.
        B. Even as He had the power to lay down His life, He had the power to take it up 
           again. And on the third day, according to schedule, He rose again a victor over
           death.
        C. The Good Shepherd lives.