"I am the Good Shepherd" sermon preview

This Sunday we come to the fourth in our series of Jesus' "I am"s.  I am the Good Shepherd.  It is a continuation of last week's "sheep theme" and Jesus' statement, "I am the gate."  In John 10:11-21, Jesus talks about the significance of being the good shepherd and what that imagery says about who He is.

Jesus begins by emphasizing the commitment of the shepherd to the sheep.  Unlike the hired hand when danger comes, the shepherd willingly lays down his life for the sheep.  Likewise, Jesus sacrifices for the sheep.  When the time comes, Jesus lays down his life for our sake.  Along with that, the shepherd knows his sheep and Jesus knows us.  Last week we noted that the sheep knew the voice of the shepherd, but more than that the shepherd knows the sheep.  Jesus knows us as deeply as He knows the Father and the Father knows Him.  And the shepherd gathers the flock, even those who are not currently a part of that flock.  As Jesus declares elsewhere, He came for the lost and part of His role as the shepherd is to gather the lost.

In Jesus declaring that He is the Good Shepherd, he models for us sacrificing, knowing and gathering.  This model is one that we should live out in our own lives as well.  In his article, "Ten Simple Ways to Be Missional...without adding anything to your schedule" Tim Chester offers practices that I believe are consistent with Jesus' example.  Tim suggests that we serve our neighbor.  While this kind of sacrifice is not as complete as Jesus' sacrifice of laying down His life, it is sometimes a sacrifice.  He also suggests that we eat with other people. We have 21 meals a week that we eat and these are natural times to build relationships with people and to get to know them.  And he suggests that we walk in our neighborhoods.  This allows one an opportunity to encounter people on a more regular basis, to see things that might get missed when driving by and to casually invite people to gather together.

As you consider Jesus as the Good Shepherd, reflect on these questions in a time of silence, through journaling or in group dialogue.

1. What does it mean to you for Jesus to be the Good Shepherd?  How is your life different as a result of this understanding?

2. Are there areas in your life which are requiring you to make sacrifices?  What are they and how might God be working through those sacrifices for His purposes?

3. What does it mean for Jesus to know you deeply?  How does Jesus' knowledge of you affect the ways that you are called to minister out of your giftings and to grow through your weaknesses?

4. Read through Tim Chester's article.  How might practicing one of these disciplines assist you in being part of Jesus work of gathering the sheep?

5. How might Jesus be calling you in the week ahead to sacrifice, know and gather?

May Jesus richly bless you in this week ahead, leading you in His kingdom purposes. Amen