SUBJ:
The special relationship between Christ and
His people illustrated by the relationship of a shepherd and his sheep.
AIM: That we might realize the
commitment of Christ and the character of true salvation witnessed in
this beautiful parable of affection and devotion.
INTR: It is good from time to time
to revisit familiar portions of scripture and study again some things we
tend to take for granted. We know that He is the Good Shepherd, but we
would see that truth in Him and look to the increasing experience of
knowing Him in that role. 1. After the healing of the blind man in
chap. 9, the Pharisees were indignant at the implications that they were
blind. Thus, the Lord gives further explanation. 2. Like other
parables (Matthew 13) they did not understand this simple message that
characterizes saved people as totally dependent on Him, His mercy and
grace. 3. The relationship of the Lord with His people is one of
identity and there can be no concession on this point of truth. The
Shepherd and the Sheep cannot be separated.
THESIS: Christ's answer to the
Pharisees here defines the very nature of being saved and we do well to
study our Lord's explanation closely.
I. The challenge to the
Pharisees in the form of a parable (vv. 1-6) 1. The reference to and
character of eastern sheep and the use of the figure for the Lord's
people. 2. The entrance here is with the purpose of calling out
(specifically from Israel but to be extended to Gentiles) and thus we
see an apt illustration of effectual calling of the Lord's people. 3.
The true shepherd comes through the door and the Porter opens to He who
has the proper identity and credentials - Possibly a picture of God the
Father. 4. They are His Own sheep and He calls them by name and leads
them out. They had been given to Him (John 6:37). Here we hear the
vindication of that claim. 5. He goes before and they follow Him
because they know His voice. 6. Compare His characterizations of
false prophets and false shepherds.
II. The explanation of the
parable with the use of four essential "I AMs" (vv. 7-14) 1. I AM the
Door - See verses 7 and 9 1) A simple declaration v. 7 2)
Salvation is entered into through Christ only - the Way, the Truth and
the Life! 3) They go in and out. Certainly, this is not going in and
out of salvation. Rather, it is the going in to Him in worship devotion,
praise prayer, repentance and faith and going out for service in the
Kingdom. 2. "I AM" come (v. 10) 1) For the life of the sheep. He
came to seek and to save that which was lost 2) More abundantly. More
than the life of Adam and the life of this world which comes to nothing.
It is rather a grace filled life in Christ - there are abundant
evidences attending the way of such people. 3. "I AM" the Good
Shepherd who died for His sheep (vv. 11) 1) The unmistakable
reference to the sacrifice of Christ wherein His sheep are secured from
judgment and loss. 2) He is there to interpose His sacrifice in every
regard and to secure the power of God in their behalf so that no enemy
can prosper against them. 4. "I Am" the Good Shepherd (v. 14) Who
knows His sheep 1) In calling them out He named them; in this He has
personal and affectionate acquaintance with them - Oh to be sensitive to
such a care as He has for His own. 2) 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the
foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them
that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart
from iniquity. 3) And "AM" known of mine. See v. 27
III. The
conclusion (vv. 15-18) 1. The relationship of the Father and the Son
(v. 15) shows us a common will in the matter and the method of
salvation. 2. "Other sheep I have. Which are not of this fold ..."
Note the MUST in verse 16. 3. The acceptable sacrifice of the willing
Shepherd 4. Power and the commandment from the Father and consider
that there was perfect harmony in the will of the Father and the Son.
5. At another time He was challenged again by the Pharisees and answered
the matter of their unbelief very succinctly: John 10:26 But ye believe
not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
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