Jesus desires to bring us abundant life, but we must remain in His care and follow His voice.

*I AM Sermon Series:*The Gospel of John records seven “I Am” statements Jesus made about Himself

Each of these descriptions give us clearer understanding of who Jesus is and can deepen our relationship with Him
Last week we unpacked “Jesus is The Door” of the sheepfold
This week we will spend time with the identity statement “I am the Good Shepherd”

Matthew 9:35-36 ESV
(35) And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. (36) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

John‬ 10‬:11‬-16‬ ESV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
(11) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (12) He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. (13) He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (14) I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, (15) just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. (16) And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Characters in this Analogy:
Sheep
Wolf
Hired Hands
The Good Shepherd

What makes the Good Shepherd…good?
He desires to bring abundant life those under His care
He desires a personal relationship
He protects his own and lays His life down for them
He leads with His voice, but doesn’t force

Following His Voice
There are many voices today, many “wolves, hired hands and sheep”
Do you know what His voice sounds like?
He won’t force, but he will lead. And, he is a good leader.

Psalm‬ 23‬:1‬-6‬ ESV‬‬‬‬‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
(1) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
(2) He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
(3) He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
(4) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
(6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Understanding the Rod and Staff
“your rod and your staff, they comfort me”
Protect
Rescue
Discipline
Guide

OUR RESPONSE
Listen – He has spoken through His Word – the Bible, and continues to speak through the Holy Spirit. Are you familiar with His voice above others?
Imitate – As witnesses of Christ’s work, we play a part as shepherds of the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:1-4). We are to imitate Jesus’ care in every role of leadership or oversight
Remain – Jesus is The Good Shepherd and His sheep have abundant life if we remain under His care.
There are many other voices, directions, distractions. God gives us choice. God’s part is protection and care, our part is to remain.

For Small Group Discussion: Which “I Am” statement has been most impactful to you so far?

Opening Question: Have you ever had any interactions with sheep before? What was that experience like?

Main Point: Jesus is The Good Shepherd and His sheep have abundant life if we remain under His care.

Main Scripture: John 10:11-18

Questions:

Head
What are some of the differences between a hired hand and a shepherd?
How might you be able to tell if a sheep doesn’t have a shepherd?

Heart
How do you respond when you hear the shepherd’s voice? When is it easier for you to hear His voice? When is it difficult?
Read Psalm 23. What part resonates with you the most, and why?

Hands
What are things you do to intentionally remain in the care of the Good Shepherd?
How can you personally help bring more sheep into the fold? What are some names God has placed on your heart?
Additional Scripture: Matthew 9:35-36, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:11-16

Tips and Resources: The Way of the Shepherd by Dr. Kevin Leman

For more sermon resources, podcasts, and other tools go to: https://realliferesources.org/current-series/

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.