NORTHSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
Jesus, the Loving Shepherd - 3/18/07
Many years ago my father wanted to move out of the city into the country. So when I was six we moved to five acres. On that property were three horses, two cows, numerous chickens and a few sheep. That was a long time ago, but to this day I recall some characteristics of the sheep in particular, how they differed from the other animals and think how many times they are used as examples in the Word of God. People during that time understood the vocation of being a shepherd and how sheep would act. The Bible has much to say
about sheep, being a shepherd and the greatest Shepherd of all.
1) In The Bible We Learn About The Great Shepherd
a. He is a Great and Chief One - I Peter 5: 4; Hebrews 13: 20
b. Prophesied of old - Ezekiel 34 - discussion of the need for a shepherd in restoration
c. Isaiah 40: 11; Jeremiah 31: 10ff
d. His sacrifice was for His sheep - Zechariah 13 - discussion of that Sacrifice and the scattering
e This shepherd genuinely cares for the sheep - Ephesians 5: 25ff - even to the extent of a personal
sacrifice - Matthew 26: 31
f . Jesus died on the cross that His sheep would have the hope of eternal life 1 John 5: 11 ff;
John 10: 11 - 15
2) Sheep Need To And Can Be Led
a. He knows his sheep and they will follow him. John 10: 2 - 4, 14, 27: 2 Timothy 2: 19
Notice they won't just follow anyone. 10:3
b. We should have the attitude of following. Psalm 23: 1 - 3 It's more than just hearing - Luke 6: 46 - 49
c. How does Jesus care for mankind? By calling through the gospel.. 2 Thessalonians 2: 13 - 14
Colossians 1: 23: Romans 1: 16, But, it's up to man to obey - notiice the final reward, Matthew 25: 32
d. Psalm 23: 3 The Shepherd directs our steps
3) Sheep Need To Be Protected And Fed
a. John 10: 28 - 29 - sheep know who to follow. Jesus protects those who are His. Jude 24 - 25
b. On our little farm there were predators. At night we would have to put the sheep back into the barn
and secure the door. Jesus cares for every one of His sheep - (Looking for the lost lamb)
c. He feeds His sheep - John 10: 9; Psalm 23: 1ff
d. Psalm 23 - a wonderful account of the Lord's care for us - read!
4) Sheep Have A Responsibility Today To The Shepherd - Jesus Christ
a. John 10: 2 -3 - hearing His voice is more than just simply hearing, but it's obedience to the voice
b. Matthew 28: 18 - 20
c. What did the sheep in the early church do? Acts 2: 42
d. It's important to remember there is only one flock! Ephesians 4: 4; we must remain unified
Ephesians 2: 13 - 16; we must be wary of the "predators" - 2 John 9 - 10; John 10: 5 -8
e. Where there are earthly shepherds we must respect them and serve joyfully - Hebrew 13: 17
5) Our Shepherd Has A Reward For His Sheep - Revelation 7: 13 - 17
Invitation
Many years ago my father wanted to move out of the city into the country. So when I was six we moved to five acres. On that property were three horses, two cows, numerous chickens and a few sheep. That was a long time ago, but to this day I recall some characteristics of the sheep in particular, how they differed from the other animals and think how many times they are used as examples in the Word of God. People during that time understood the vocation of being a shepherd and how sheep would act. The Bible has much to say
about sheep, being a shepherd and the greatest Shepherd of all.
1) In The Bible We Learn About The Great Shepherd
a. He is a Great and Chief One - I Peter 5: 4; Hebrews 13: 20
b. Prophesied of old - Ezekiel 34 - discussion of the need for a shepherd in restoration
c. Isaiah 40: 11; Jeremiah 31: 10ff
d. His sacrifice was for His sheep - Zechariah 13 - discussion of that Sacrifice and the scattering
e This shepherd genuinely cares for the sheep - Ephesians 5: 25ff - even to the extent of a personal
sacrifice - Matthew 26: 31
f . Jesus died on the cross that His sheep would have the hope of eternal life 1 John 5: 11 ff;
John 10: 11 - 15
2) Sheep Need To And Can Be Led
a. He knows his sheep and they will follow him. John 10: 2 - 4, 14, 27: 2 Timothy 2: 19
Notice they won't just follow anyone. 10:3
b. We should have the attitude of following. Psalm 23: 1 - 3 It's more than just hearing - Luke 6: 46 - 49
c. How does Jesus care for mankind? By calling through the gospel.. 2 Thessalonians 2: 13 - 14
Colossians 1: 23: Romans 1: 16, But, it's up to man to obey - notiice the final reward, Matthew 25: 32
d. Psalm 23: 3 The Shepherd directs our steps
3) Sheep Need To Be Protected And Fed
a. John 10: 28 - 29 - sheep know who to follow. Jesus protects those who are His. Jude 24 - 25
b. On our little farm there were predators. At night we would have to put the sheep back into the barn
and secure the door. Jesus cares for every one of His sheep - (Looking for the lost lamb)
c. He feeds His sheep - John 10: 9; Psalm 23: 1ff
d. Psalm 23 - a wonderful account of the Lord's care for us - read!
4) Sheep Have A Responsibility Today To The Shepherd - Jesus Christ
a. John 10: 2 -3 - hearing His voice is more than just simply hearing, but it's obedience to the voice
b. Matthew 28: 18 - 20
c. What did the sheep in the early church do? Acts 2: 42
d. It's important to remember there is only one flock! Ephesians 4: 4; we must remain unified
Ephesians 2: 13 - 16; we must be wary of the "predators" - 2 John 9 - 10; John 10: 5 -8
e. Where there are earthly shepherds we must respect them and serve joyfully - Hebrew 13: 17
5) Our Shepherd Has A Reward For His Sheep - Revelation 7: 13 - 17
Invitation