John 10 Lesson

THE GOOD SHEPHERD 

Why did Jesus refer to Himself as “The Good Shepherd” in the following two scriptures? 

1. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” – John 10:11,
2. “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” – John 10:14-15.

To answer that question, we will look at three characteristics of a good shepherd spoken by Jesus, Himself:

1. A good shepherd knows their flock,  
2. A good shepherd loves their flock,
3. A good shepherd protects their flock.

We will look at these characteristics one at a time, and then the lesson will be yours.

A GOOD SHEPHERD KNOWS THEIR FLOCK

Jesus is the Shepherd, and we are His flock.

He can say, “I know my own, and my own know Me,” because Jesus is God, and when He came to Earth, Jesus was man.

Jesus understands what it is like to suffer because He suffered.

He can relate to our temptations because He was tempted.

There is nothing that we have experienced in the past or will experience in the future that Jesus can not relate to and understand. Think about that as you read the following three verses:

1. “And the Word became fleshand dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14,
2. “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.    And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.” - Philippians 2:5-8,
3. “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15.

A GOOD SHEPHERD LOVES THEIR FLOCK

Jesus is the good Shepherd because He loves us.

We should never doubt this!

And if we ever forget just how much He loves us, all we need to do is read the following three scriptures to remind us:

1. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8,
2. “We love, because He first loved us.” - 1 John 4:19,
3. “Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.   If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” - John 15:9-10.

We should never doubt how much Jesus loves us!   He is always ready to lead His disciples with love and compassion.

A GOOD SHEPHERD PROTECTS THEIR FLOCK

The life of a Christian is a life that is full of adversity.

This should come as no surprise if we stop to remind ourselves of these two truths:

1. Satan is the ruler of the Earth (1 John 5:19, 2 Corinthians 4:4, John 12:31, John 14:30.
2. Satan is always prowling the Earth looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8.

As powerful and dangerous as Satan is, Jesus is more powerful! The Devil is no match for the almighty power of Jesus!

And those who follow Jesus, fall under His protection.

The following three scriptures describe the ultimate protection that disciples of Jesus receive:

1. “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation but take courage; Ihave overcome the world.” – John 16:33,
2. “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God.   I will strengthen you; I will also help you; I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10,  
3. “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

CONCLUSION

A good shepherd has the following three characteristics:

1. A good shepherd knows their flock,  
2. A good shepherd loves their flock,
3. A good shepherd protects their flock.

Jesus knows us.

He loves us.

And He will protect us.

Jesus is our Good Shephard, and as such, we have nothing and no one to fear!

We will conclude today’s lesson with the following Psalm:

• “The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, and my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23.