I Am the Good Shepherd

Text: John 10
8 October 2011

REVIEW

1. I am the Bread of Life John 6:35,48,51,58

2. I am the Light of the World John 8:12; 9:5

3. I am the Door John 10:7,9

FOURTH “I AM”

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
John 10:11

I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by My own.
John 10:14

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SHEPHERD

1. He is intrinsically and essentially a good shepherd John 10:11, 14

2. He is prepared to give his life for the sheep John 10:11

a. He is prepared to make many sacrifices

b. He is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sheep

3. He knows His sheep John 10:14b

a. He takes the trouble to know the sheep

b. He seeks to attend to the needs of the sheep individually

c. He cares for the welfare of the sheep

4. His sheep know Him

a. He is known to His sheep John 10:14b

b. He is approachable

c. Responsibility to know the shepherd must be made by the sheep

CONTRAST: THE HIRELING

1. He is not a true shepherd at heart John 10:12a

2. There is no sense of ownership John 10:12b

3. He flees in the face of danger John 10:12c, 13

FULFILLING THE CHARACTERISTICS

1. I lay down My life for the sheep John 10:15b

2. Bringing other sheep into the fold John 10:16a

3. One flock, one shepherd John 10:16b

a. Jews

b. Gentiles Cf. Galatians 3:26-29

BIBLE MEMORY

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
John 10:11

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own.
John 10:14