Jesus The Good Shepherd

Bible Passage: John 10:11-18; cf. Ezekiel 34:11-16

I. Introductory remarks

1. The word shepherd has three referents:

(a) Actual shepherds (Genesis 4:2, 13:7)
(b) Political leaders and kings
(c) YHWH the LORD God Almighty (by using this metaphor, the LORD explains His relationship with His People)

II. Jesus the Shepherd

1. Jesus says, “I am the Good [authentic, true] Shepherd” (John 10:11) Is He comparing himself with the leaders of Israel in Ezekiel 34? [HOW?]

(a) Jesus laid down His life for His sheep (v. 11 & 15b)—helplessness of the sheep and redemption is in focus
(a1) He protects the sheep from the attacks of the enemy (verse 12)
(a2) He is concerned about the sheep (verse 13)
(b) Jesus knows every single sheep intimately (v.14) and His sheep know Him (v. 16)—intimacy between the Shepherd and sheep is patterned after the Father and Son
(c) Jesus went after the weak, helpless, and ignored (Luke 19:10 vs. Isaiah 40:11 and Ezekiel 34:16)

2. Jesus establishes that He is the fulfillment of Ezekiel 34—Shepherd after YHWH, Davidic leadership

III. Implication for us today from this metaphor

1. Jesus delegates the ministry of shepherding to human agents: under shepherds
2. The under shepherds must imitate the Good Shepherd (this includes sacrifices)
3. The under shepherds and congregation members must develop Trinitarian relationships

Take Away

Is there anyone burnt out, abused, feeling weak, and tired? Come to your “Shepherd” for rest (Matthew 11:28)