JESUS IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

 THE GOOD SHEPHERD

TEXT: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep.”

John 10:11

Good shepherds in the days of Jesus were hard to come by. The reasons are many but shepherding a flock of sheep was and is hard work. Sheep are stubborn and fickle. They easily wander off. They are always straggling as they move. They are unable to defend themselves. They need the constant care and attention of a good shepherd.

A good shepherd cannot be afraid of hard and constant labor.

He cannot be a clock watcher.

He must be willing to lead and feed his sheep. He must care for the wounded.He must go find the lost, wandering sheep and return it to the fold. He must protect the sheep from all kinds of dangers.It required long, long hours.  And the pay was minimal, at best.

The reputation of shepherds was not great.

There was a high turnover rate in shepherding.

But there was one Good Shepherd and His name was Jesus and He cares for His sheep.

He calls them by name.

He leads them. He feeds them.He protects them from all dangers.

He gave His life for His sheep!

Compare Psalm 23 with John 10:10-14.

Then --- thank God for the Good Shepherd!

Gentle Shepherd/Leaning On The Everlasting Arms (Medley)