John 10:11-18 “Jesus the Good Shepherd”

Introduction: Jesus, seeing that those who heard the parable of the sheepfold did not understand its meaning, begins to explain the parable to them. He first explains the meaning of the door to the sheep. Jesus is that door and it is through Him and Him alone that men may enter the sheepfold. Those who enter by this door are saved. They enter the realm of all the saved souls of men. All who are here are saved. Jesus protects the sheep and provides for their every need. Once one has entered the sheepfold by believing on the Son of God are saved forever. In today’s text Jesus explains that He is THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

We shall learn from this text the power of Jesus Christ the Son of God and of His unmatched love for the souls of men. We shall learn of the close the relationship the saved have with the Shepherd of their souls. We shall learn of His supreme power over death and of His plans to add sheep to His fold over which He is the only Shepherd.

I. The absolute test of a good shepherd.

(John 10:11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

A. He gives his Life even though the sheep would not do it for him.

B. He gives his life even though he is of more value than the sheep.

C. He gives his life even for the sheep that go astray.

D. He gives his life even though he could always get more sheep.

E. He gives his life because he loves the sheep!

II. The test of a hireling.

(John 10:12) But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

(John 10:13) The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

A. The hireling flees because he does not own the sheep.

B. The hireling flees because he is selfish.

C. The hireling flees because he does not love the sheep.

III. The relationship of the good shepherd to the sheep.

(John 10:14) I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

A. He knows all about his sheep.

1. Their names.

2. Their idiosyncrasies.

3. Their fears.

4. Their tendencies

B. The sheep know the shepherd.

1. They know his voice.

2. They know his will.

3. They obey his call

IV. Jesus passes the absolute test of The Good Shepherd.

(John 10:15) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

A. The Father knows everyone intimately especially His only begotten.

B. No mere man can know God the Father that way except The Son.

C. Jesus lays down his life for the sheep, which only God can do, for no one else has been commanded to do so, nor are they permitted to do so.

V. Jesus will add to His fold.

(John 10:16) And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

A. Gentiles will be saved and only Jesus can do this.

B. Jews and gentiles together will make up the glory bride of Christ.

C. Jews and gentiles together will inhabit the Holy City.

D. Jews and gentiles will worship together in local visible New Testament churches.

E. Jews and gentiles together will inherit the Kingdom.

F. Jews and gentiles will walk that street of gold.

VI. The supreme power of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd.

(John 10:17) Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

(John 10:18) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

A. The Father loves His Son because of His obedience.

B. The Father commands the Son to lay down His life and He obeys.

C. The Son obeys willingly and without being forced.

D. The Son has power to rise from the dead.

E. Man does not have the power to kill God.

F. Men can only do to Jesus what He permits.

G. Jesus is the only one who has power over death. He gave up the ghost. We can not just wish or will ourselves to die. We die only when God permits us to die.

H. Jesus has the power to rise from the dead.

I. The death and resurrection of Jesus was the command of the Father.

Conclusion: Jesus is God. Jesus loves me and all sinners. Jesus died for me! He died for all men. He died to save our souls from the penalty of sin. He came to give us abundant, eternal, everlasting life. He cares for us and keeps us safe from all who would have us to lose our salvation. If you do not know Jesus as your savior and shepherd you need to go to Him in prayer, ask Him to forgive you and to save your soul. If you ask this from your heart He will save you now. He is indeed The Good Shepherd! He has died for you will you follow Him were ever He leads?