Jesus the Good Shepherd Jn 10:11 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

By comparison to a shepherd we understand that Jesus the good shepherd:

Seeks – Lk 15:4-7; 19:10 – he came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” We are not Calvinistic, but we believe the Holy Spirit must be involved in the gospel for folks to get saved.  Cornelius is a good example of a man the Lord sought out with the gospel.

Washes – Is 1:8 – he washed us from our sins in his own blood, Rev 1:5.  Jesus found us dirty and cleaned us up.  We are “clean through the word,” Jn 15:3.  See 1 Cor 6:9-11.

Feeds – “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it,” [Ps 68:11].  Jesus uses preachers to feed the flock [Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2].  The preacher preaches it and the Holy Spirit inspires it.  And lives change.  They grow and they get saved.

Cares for – 1 Pet 5:7 – “casting all your care upon him for he careth for you.”  We need Jesus to care for us.  Sometimes there is no man to care for your soul, Ps 142:4.

Protects – Jesus protects us like David protected his sheep from a lion and a bear.  We have enemies, not the least of whom is the devil, 1 Pet 5:8.  And then there are the wolves, Matt 10:16.  And there are the deceivers who are in it for their own gain, Matt 7:15.

Rests – Matt 11:28-30 – oddly we get our rest while taking his yoke.

Heals – healing is different today than in the gospels because the emphasis is not on Israel right now.  But we still look to Jesus to give us health.  Like a good shepherd, sometimes he has to shear us or even hurt us for our own good.  Then he heals.  Don’t get bitter in this process.

Separates – in Matt 25:32 Jesus divides his sheep from the goats.  Jesus wants us separated from unbelievers [2 Cor 6:14-18] and from sick sheep [1 Cor 5:1-8].

Knows – Jn 10:27-30 – if you’re Jesus’ sheep do you follow him?  2 Tim 2:19 describes this seal, “The Lord knoweth them that are his.”  Does Jesus know you as one of his sheep?  If not then you need to trust him today.