Sermon on May 3 by Pastor Roland Eskinazi

Scripture: John 10:1-18

If Jesus is the Good (beautiful) Shepherd, what can we expect from Him, as we navigate the ‘new normal’?
Jesus is the Good Shepherd because:

1. JESUS IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY!
None of the ‘I Am’ sayings would mean anything, but for who Jesus is.

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM’ has sent me to you.” (Ex 3:14; Jn 8:58)

Who is the Shepherd who is guiding us into and through these weeks… ‘the I Am who I Am who I Am, forever’!

2. JESUS KNOWS YOU INTIMATELY!
The Palestinian shepherd knew each sheep by name, and by defect – as each really was, not as it imagined itself to be.
Our Good Shepherd never mistakes or misjudges one sheep for another.

“He knows those who are weak and feeble, those who are nervous and frightened, those who are strong… He knows those who are hunted by the devil and those caught between the jaws of the lion and shaken till their very life is almost driven out of them” (Charles Spurgeon)

Who is the Shepherd who is guiding us into and through these weeks… the One who will stand by us, even when faith fails?

3. JESUS PROVIDES FOR YOU ABUNDANTLY!
Psalm 23 informs our understanding of how dependent we are, and how much Jesus provides.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…even though I walk through the darkest valley… my cup overflows” (Ps. 23:1; 4; 5b)

As we follow the Shepherd, there is no step in the journey where we will not be refreshed by His super-abundance.
Who is the Shepherd who is guiding us into and through these weeks… the One who has put green pastures beneath you, still waters besides you, goodness and mercy behind you, and a heavenly home ahead of you!

4. JESUS OWNS YOU ETERNALLY!
Palestinian shepherds might die for their sheep as part of the risk of the job, but Jesus is the Shepherd who actively lays down his life for foolish, rebellious sheep.
He is committed to you, not because you trust, or love, or follow Him as you should, but because He has paid a great price.
All Jesus’ sheep are His, three times over: by creation (Ps 100:3), by donation (Jn 10:29) and by redemption.
Who is the Shepherd, guiding us into and through these weeks? … the One who laid down His life and will do anything for you.

Remember!
Are you not yet in the fold?
It is not enough to say that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, or to know these verses – you must come to Him!
Can you say the Good Shepherd is mine?
Then you are His, not just for the seasons of life, but for all eternity. Do you need more?

THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
1. We were made to belong. How does the lockdown remind us of this and how important it is to belong?
2. In what ways does the description of Jesus as Shepherd comfort us even more in times like these?
3. The Shepherd became the Lamb that was slain. What does that say to us about the price that was paid, and why the Good Shepherd will lead through the mountains and valleys, to our final destination?
Learn John 10:14-15 by heart, meditate on it during the week and pray that the Lord will use these times to bring many more into His fold.

 

Photo credit FreeImages.com/Ana y Paco Sancho