Opening question for discussion
● What does "Life in
Abundance" mean in today's world, and how can we find it?
Sermon Title:
"Jesus, the Good Shepherd gives Life in Abundance" John 10:1-21
Introduction: Today, we journey into the profound
words of Jesus found in John 10:1-21, where He shows Himself as the Good
Shepherd. Within these verses lies a timeless message of hope, assurance, and
love—qualities that bring about abundant life.
Point 1. The Good
Shepherd Calls Us to Follow Him
Passage: John
10:1-8: 1 “What I’m about to tell you Pharisees
is true. What if someone does not enter the sheep pen through the gate but
climbs in another way? That person is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters through the
gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the
gate for him. The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and
leads them out. 4 When he
has brought out all his own sheep, he goes on ahead of them. His sheep follow
him because they know his voice. 5 But
they will never follow a stranger. In fact, they will run away from him. They
don’t recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6
Jesus told this story. But the Pharisees didn’t understand what he
was telling them. 7 So
Jesus said again, “What I’m about to tell you is true. I am like a gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers.
But the sheep have not listened to them.
Apply to our lives today: Picture this: a shepherd
standing at the gate, calling out to each of his sheep by name. Jesus uses this
image to show how He cares for us. His voice isn't forceful; it's like a
friendly invitation to come along with Him. Just like sheep know their shepherd's
voice, we can recognize Jesus' voice even in the noisy world around us. He
guides us to good places where we can find what we need and stay safe. Are we
listening for His call, ready to go wherever He wants us to go?
Point 2. The Good
Shepherd Cares for Us Unconditionally
Passage: John
10:9-13: 9 I’m like a gate. Anyone who enters through me will be
saved. They will come in and go out. And they will find plenty of food. 10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I
have come so they may have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible
way. 11 “I am the good
shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. 12 The hired man is not the shepherd and does not own
the sheep. So when the hired man sees the wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and
runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because
he is a hired man. He does not care about the sheep.
Apply to lives today: Jesus declares, "I am
the gate." He serves as the doorway to a life filled with abundance,
safety, and provision. As the Good Shepherd, He willingly sacrifices Himself
for His sheep, revealing the extent of His love and dedication. Unlike hired
workers who abandon their duties when danger arises, Jesus stands firm,
shielding us from harm and guiding us towards completeness. Can we place our
trust in His care, confident that He will never abandon us, even during our
most difficult times?
Discussion question
What are the good qualities of the Good Shepherd? How can we
experience them in our lives today?
Point 3. The Good
Shepherd Unites Us in Love (John 10:15-21):
Passage: John 10:15-21: 14 “I am the
good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me. 15 They know me just as the Father knows me and I know
the Father. And I give my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this sheep
pen. I must bring them in too. They also will listen to my voice. Then there
will be one flock and one shepherd. 17
The reason my Father loves me is that I give up my life. But I will
take it back again. 18 No
one takes it from me. I give it up myself. I have the authority to give it up.
And I have the authority to take it back again. I received this command from my
Father.” 19 The Jews who
heard these words could not agree with one another. 20 Many of them said, “He is controlled by a demon. He
has gone crazy! Why should we listen to him?” 21 But others said, “A person controlled by a demon does
not say things like this. Can a demon open the eyes of someone who is blind?”
Apply to our lives today: Jesus loves everyone who
wants to follow Him, not just people from one group. He brings people together,
no matter their differences, and makes them like one big family under His
loving care. Jesus' love helps us get along with each other, even if we're from
different cultures, backgrounds, or beliefs. He showed His love by giving up
His life for us, bringing us closer to God and to each other.
Point 4.
Comparison between good shepherd and robbers/thieves
In John 10:1-21, Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd and his
sheep to teach about spiritual truths. In this passage, robbers and thieves
represent those who try to lead people away from God's truth and love. They are
depicted as individuals who do not have the best interests of the sheep at
heart and seek to harm or deceive them. Jesus contrasts himself as the Good
Shepherd who genuinely cares for his sheep, willing to lay down his life for
them. In contrast, robbers and thieves are portrayed as those who come to
steal, kill, and destroy. They may take advantage of people's vulnerabilities
or lead them astray with false teachings, ultimately leading to spiritual harm.
Conclusion:
As we think about Jesus as
the Good Shepherd, let's really listen to what He says. Let's obey Him and have
faith, knowing He always takes care of us and wants us to love and get along
with each other. When we do this, we'll feel the amazing life He gives us, full
of meaning, happiness, and peace. And then, we can share His love and spread
His kindness everywhere we go, making the world a better place. Stay away from
people who try to trick us and lead us the wrong way. Instead, let's trust
Jesus to show us the right path. When we listen to Him, we'll have a good life
and be safe from harm. Let's stick with Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and we'll be
okay. He is the only one who
gives Eternal Life.
