I Am the Good ShepherdI Am the Good Shepherd

John 10

Shepherding

Descriptors

• Lowly

• Potentially Lonely

• Dangerous

• Long Hours

• Weather Hazards

Requirements

• Given to detail

• Compassionate

• Caring

• Resourceful

• Willing to Sacrifice Self

Key Elements in Jesus’ Story⇒ Robbers and Thieves

⇒ Strangers

⇒ Good Shepherd

⇒ Sheep

⇒ Sheepfold

⇒ Doorkeeper

⇒ Door

Key Elements in Jesus’ Story⇒ Robbers and Thieves – Ungodly Leaders

⇒ Strangers – Ungodly Leaders

⇒ Good Shepherd - Jesus

⇒ Sheep – (Israel) Jewish Followers of Jesus

⇒ Sheepfold – Judaism

⇒ Doorkeeper – God the Holy Spirit

⇒ Door - Jesus

Key Elements in Jesus’ Story

Robbers and Thieves/Strangers

Those with no care or concern for the well-being of others. They seek to get what they can for themselves, regardless of who is injured.

Read Ezekiel 34:1-10

The Good Shepherd

�Lays Down His Life for Sheep

�Knows His Sheep by Name

�Will Bring Sheep from All Folds Together

�Has Authority to Take His Life Up

�Is One with the Owner (the Father)

Read Ezekiel 34:11-24

Key Elements in Jesus’ Story

Sheep – animals incapable of surviving

without the help of a shepherd. They have

no defense mechanisms, no sense of

direction, no ability to find their own food,

and not even the sense to lie down and rest.

The Sheepfold

A holding place (pen) to protect sheep

from the elements and predators

Two Types: 1) Communal for multiple

flocks and 2) Single for one flock

Key Elements in Jesus’ Story

Doorkeeper – the one who can grant access

to the entrance of the sheepfold.

Key Elements in Jesus’ Story

Door – the entrance to the sheepfold.

Sheepfolds in Israel didn’t have a literal door.

They simply had an opening which was the

way the sheep were to go in.

“Shepherd” Scriptures

• MANY scriptures talk about sheep and

shepherds.

• Contrast the descriptions given in Psalm

23 and Ezekiel 34

• Why do sheep need a shepherd?

Reactions to Jesus (John 10: 19-21)

• Assert that Jesus is insane

• Direct others to pay no attention to Jesus

• Considered Jesus’ unique healing ability

Jesus’ Response (John 10: 19-21)

• Assert that Jesus is insane

• Direct others to pay no attention to Jesus

• Considered Jesus’ unique healing ability

Time & Place: Festival of Dedication

• Known as Hanukkah today

• Occurred in Jerusalem in winter

• Commemorated the rededication of the

2nd Jewish templeJohn 10:22

Are You the Messiah?

–Why are you keeping us in suspense?

–Tell us plainly!

John 10:24

Jesus’ Assertions

• I told you

• My works told you

• My sheep hear me & know me

• I know my sheep & give them eternal life

• I and the Father are one

Jews’ Reactions to Jesus’ Assertions

• Let’s kill Him – picked up stones to stone

Him to death

• Accuse of blasphemy - “You, a mere man

claim to be God.”

John 10:32

Jesus’ Response

• Referred to Scripture (Psalm 82) – an authority with which He knew they were familiar

• Questioned the reasoning they used to say that Jesus could not be God’s Son, and that He was blasphemous

• Challenged listeners to believe His works if they refused to believe His words

John 10:33-38

Jesus’ Continued His Mission

• Escaped the grasp of the leaders who tried to apprehend Him – went across the Jordan River

• Questioned the reasoning they used to say that Jesus could not be God’s Son, and that He was blasphemous

• Challenged listeners to believe His works if they refused to believe His words

John 10:33-38

Jordan River 2018

Jordan River - Israel/JordanBorder2018

Jerusalem – View from Mt. of Olives

Southern Steps to the Temple