I AM THE GOOD SHEPARD

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD
JN.10:1-16

INTRO: Shepherd a common sight in Palestine.....Ezk.34:1-6...false
shpds/pharisees
Relationship of God/people:Ps 23..the Lord is; Ps.77,"He leadeth them
like a flock; Ps.79, "We thy people, the sheep of thy flock;
N. T.= Matt18..99/1 lost one........Luke:"his little flock"...Heb."the
good shepherd of the little sheep
Shepherds born into shepherding......Agothos--moral quality;Kalos-moral
and loving winsomeness, sympathy.........

1. The Good Shepherd Knows the Sheep
vs 3-by name/distinctive relationship/personality/characteristics...Middle East
vs Western-personal...lambs through death.
You are important.......not just number.........special.......

2. The Good Shepherd Cares for the Sheep
equipment:scrip=bag of food made from skin of animal. sling=offense/defense;
staff and a rod-one a type of billyclub, the other, with a crook on the
end.........Rod would be put in front of gate. Each sheep to be inspected
personally..
.Ezekiel 20:37 "I will take note of you as you pass under my staff, and I you
bring you into the bond of my covenant"
1Peter 5:7-"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"

3. The Good Shepherd Leads the Sheep
Christian can say, He has led me all the way....
Palestine huge plateau 15x35 miles.......few grazing spots, fewer watering
holes, rocky crags of danger on all sides.Leads from one grazing area to
another...Not cows to be herded, but sheep to be led.......

4. The Good Shepherd Defends the Sheep
Picture of lonely shepherd in wilderness......wolves, predators, thiefs..
Matt 28:20.."And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age"
1Jn 4:4..."Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world"
Sheep by them ...

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