Jesus Is the Good Shepherd
Here is today’s sermon based on John 10:11-18:
During CH-BOLC, we had the chance to practice our navigation skills. We did Day Land Nav and Night Land Nav. Now, we were given a map, some coordinates, a compass, a protractor and then sent on our way. We had to follow the course of the coordinates, check in, and find our way back in a reasonable amount of time. It was not a difficult task and we appointed a navigator, a leader, and the rest of us followed in course. We successfully missed the bramble patch, the pond, and the swamp and our squad won the best time. Move ahead 6 hours and we are ready for Night Land Nav. Same parameters and rules except we get our trusty red lens flashlight. It should be easy but that is not the case. Suddenly, everyone has suggestions. Everyone wants to lead. Everyone wants to read the map. We don’t miss the bramble patch, we hit the swamp, and that barbed wire fence? Yeah, there go those pants. We suffered from too many colonels and not enough sergeants. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Too many shepherds and not enough sheep.
I think the same thing happens for us – both individually and collectively as a church. During the good times, when we are walking through the forest in the daylight, we are content to let someone else lead. We will follow someone else and all is fine and dandy. Then we have to live through darkness or storms or whatever and suddenly, we want to take charge. We know best. We think we can do this on our own but it is this time especially, that we need to learn to depend on others. We can’t see the brambles and the swamps. We need others and especially one to guide us.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. These are some of the most comforting words in Scripture for every believer. Many are familiar with the painting portraying Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is calmly standing amidst a flock of sheep. In one hand he holds his shepherd’s staff. In the other arm Jesus is securely holding an innocent lamb completely safe. This is a very fitting picture revealing the depth of meaning of the words in our text. This is the picture that the prophet Isaiah painted long before the physical birth of Jesus. ” Like a shepherd, God will tend the flock; he will gather lambs in his arms and lift them onto his lap. He will gently guide the nursing ewes.”(Isaiah 40:11). We direct our attention to this comforting truth in God’s word:
- Love Led Jesus to the Ultimate Sacrifice
- Today’s gospel (John 10:1-18) introduces our sermon text. The “disciples did not understand”.
- Jesus wants to make it very, very clear: “I am the good shepherd”, verses 11a, 14a.
- Verse 11b. The good shepherd would even offer his life in order to save the sheep.
- Verse 12. The hired hand is not like the good shepherd when it comes to dedication and service.
- The original Greek uses a word that shows this hireling only want money and nothing else.
- Verse 13. The sheep mean nothing to the money hungry hired man.
- Verse 14. The good shepherd and the sheep know each other, closely, intimately, and personally.
- Now Jesus wants the disciples to understand he has this same closeness with his Father, v. 15.
- Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will lay down his life for the sheep. This is the ultimate sacrifice.
- We are like sheep. Our sins cause us to wander away. Left to our own we would be lost forever. Like sheep we need a good shepherd to protect us. We need a good shepherd who would even be willing to offer up his life to save us. Most amazing we have that very Good Shepherd. Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd. ” he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”(Philippians 2:8). By grace through faith we know Jesus our Good Shepherd.
- When Jesus died on the cross he was not selective about who would be forgiven. Most amazing, Jesus the Good Shepherd died for the sins of the whole world. His innocent sufferings and death was the price demanded for the payment of sin. Jesus holy, precious blood covered the sins of mankind once and for all. No other sacrifice is ever needed. “He is God’s way of dealing with our sins, not only ours but the sins of the whole world.”(1 John 2:2). This is certainly and truly God’s amazing grace. Sadly, those who reject Christ also reject his forgiveness and heaven itself.
- There are only two types of people in this world: believers and unbelievers. There is a vast difference in the lives of believers and unbelievers. The unbelievers live lives that are very self-centered and self-serving. After all they are only and ever going to look out for number one – themselves. They are the ones who are trying to navigate on their own. I have been one of those people before. I am sure you have too. But the believers look at what the Good Shepherd has done. The believers realize that their lives are completely and forever changed by the love of Christ. ” He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.”(Titus 2:14). As believers we live lives that love God and serve our fellow man. By the power of the risen Christ we are able to turn from sin. Living in the resurrected power of our Good Shepherd we live lives that are “eager to do what is good”! We can do this only by God’s grace at work in us.
- Today’s gospel (John 10:1-18) introduces our sermon text. The “disciples did not understand”.
It was love and love alone that led Jesus to the ultimate sacrifice of his life on the cross – for us, and for others. Power provided Jesus with total victory.
- Power Provided Jesus with Total Victory
- Jesus dearly wanted his disciples to understand the simple teaching that he was the Good Shepherd.
- Jesus compared the good shepherd with the hired hand. They were very different.
- As Good Shepherd, Jesus would always act out of love for the sheep whoever they are.
- But there was more. Jesus had not come only for the lost sheep of Israel but others also, verse 16.
- There were other sheep that needed to be brought into the sheep pen by the voice of Jesus.
- We remember the thief on the cross. Once outside God’s flock and now in paradise.
- Recall the centurion. After the crucifixion he confessed, “Surely this was the Son of God”.
- They heard the voice of Jesus from the cross and listened and followed, other sheep no longer.
- Jesus now describes the power that he has in verses 17, 18a. Jesus lays down his life on his own.
- Six months later the disciples see these words fulfilled. Jesus’ love held him on the cross.
- Jesus laid down his life for one purpose. Verse 18. Giving up his life, Jesus would raise it!
- The Father sent his Son to do all this as the Good Shepherd for all straying, lost sheep.
- We have looked at Jesus’ love that led him to the cross and the ultimate sacrifice. The love of our Good Shepherd did not stop there. Jesus was laid to rest in the tomb. But on Easter the tomb was empty. Jesus took back his life. Jesus rose again in total victory over sin, death, and the devil. By grace we know, believe, and confess this vital victorious truth of the Scriptures. “Since we believe that Jesus died and rose, so we also believe that God will bring with him those who have died in Jesus.”(1 Thessalonians 4:14). The victory that Jesus won was not for himself but for us and for the world.
- Today, some would rather not talk about sin. Sin, well, sin is just too negative. People want to deny sin, reject sin, and cover it up as if it never existed. With no sin there is no need for a Savior. True, it is not pleasant at all to hear that we are sinners. It is not pleasant to be reminded, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags”. But this is the truth of God’s word. Along with this truth of the law come the truth and the comfort of the gospel. “ He destroyed the record of the debt we owed, with its requirements that worked against us. He canceled it by nailing it to the cross. When he disarmed the rulers and authorities, he exposed them to public disgrace by leading them in a triumphal parade.”(Colossians 2:14,15). God’s law has been fulfilled – perfectly and completely. Our Good Shepherd gives us his total victory over sin that we may live to love and serve him.
- Total victory, everyone loves to be a winner. Everyone loves to be a champion. That is what we are. Our Good Shepherd has given us the victory of death itself. This victory, Jesus’ victory, is God’s gift to us. Simply put, we cannot earn salvation. We do not deserve salvation. Freely, through Christ, God gives to every believer his gift of total victory into eternal life! “Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news.”(2 Timothy 1:10). Our Good Shepherd gives us his total victory.
- Jesus dearly wanted his disciples to understand the simple teaching that he was the Good Shepherd.
This is Christ the Lord, Jesus the/our Good Shepherd. Once again we have only begun to scratch the surface of the depth of God’s great love for us lost, wandering sheep. We daily stand in awe and wonder at the great and marvelous things God has done for us! What love that Christ would die willingly for us. What love that Christ would freely give us his victory. No matter what we face in this world our Good Shepherd is always there holding us safely, securely in his strong grasp. ” They will make war on the Lamb, but the Lamb will emerge victorious, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.””(Revelation 17:14). Love led him to the cross. Power provides us victory. Amen.
Here is today’s worship bulletin.
Patience with Perseverance
Easter is behind us and we are faced with months of commonality until we get close to the season of Advent. We traveled the journey of Lent towards joyful anticipation of Easter and then it is past. We are a resurrection people but what do we do in this season when the joy of Easter is slowly fading away from us?
I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. -Philippians 1:6 (CEB)
Like New Year’s, at Easter, I think a lot of people make a commitment to come to church more often and be a better person. I mean, how can they not when we look at the resurrection and realize what it means for us.
Take, for instance, walking in love. A believer reads a passage in the Bible, and the Holy Spirit uses it to remind them of areas in their lives that need some work. They come away encouraged and ready to love, love, love. They’re filled to the brim with the love of God, and start letting it pour out on others.
This goes on for weeks, and one day they stub their toe and cuss. Then they cuss at the dog, and maybe even the kids. This starts a tailspin of strife, and everyone in the house ends up grumpy (except the dog—he’s just doing his best to stay out of the way at this point). The next morning they feel like they’ve been drug through the mud. Guilt overwhelms them, and they think that they’ve blown it entirely.
But no, He who began a good work in them will complete it. So they fell off the horse. All they have to do is get back on and pick up where they left off.
We may falter from time to time but if God can be patient with us long enough to finish the good works that were started within us, then we can be patient with ourselves and get up and keep going. God will not abandon us because we make a mistake – it may be hard to imagine sometimes but somehow in someway, we are part of God’s plan and so those works he began in us will grow and reach maturity one day. I look forward to looking back and seeing God’s work in me even when I don’t think it is there or I feel like I have failed. Then, I can be like Paul and say:
I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. -2 Timothy 4:7 (CEB)
Armor and Good Soldiers
Hardship – no one likes the sound of that word. The fact is, living involves hardship. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live. Even God, Himself did not promise us a life of ease if we would follow Him.
Accept your share of suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Nobody who serves in the military gets tied up with civilian matters, so that they can please the one who recruited them. -2 Timothy 2:3-4 (CEB)
None of us like to experience hardships but there are some people in our society who experience them on a regular basis. Not only that, we expect Soldiers to endure those hardships on our behalf. More than that, soldiers are trained to endure hardships that most people never have to face. I have experienced just a small taste of those hardships (a very small one) in my chaplain training.
Whether we want to hear it or not, we are in the front lines of a spiritual battle for the lives of those living all around us. In the same way that an American soldier must train for hardships, we need to be spiritually strong. We need to be built up in our faith and in the knowledge of God.
I think the challenge of Easter is to accept Easter is to accept hardship. Those of us who believe in and serve as resurrected God, face persecution, ridicule, and hardship – even today. While we live in Easter hope, we also fear rejection and hardship. I believe that through Jesus Christ, we have been given armor and tools to persevere.
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand. So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. -Ephesians 10:6-17 (CEB)
Don’t be like so many who wait for a spiritual attack to run to the Lord for help. Be ready at all times. Be strong and secure with your feet firmly planted in the Word of God. Be filled with His Spirit. Be armed and awake as a good soldier of Christ.
Life’s Big Moments and the Bible
Today is my wife’s 32nd birthday. As we celebrate, I am reminded of the big moments that have happened to me this year. I completed and graduated from seminary in May. I joined the Army and survived Chaplain school. I left one church and briefly served another before we parted ways because of the uncertainty of Army life. These are all significant events and I see God’s presence in each one of them – including my wife’s birthday. God guides us if we take the time to listen and hear.
Which is why I am reminded that the Bible also contains big moments in the life of God’s people. We have Abraham and the first covenant. Noah and the flood. Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt. Joshua choosing God. David and Solomon. Jesus calling the twelve. Paul and Timothy. So many lives that reflect a faith, love, and trust in God. The Bible literally shows us the way to go if we look at how other people handled the big moments in their lives as shared in the Bible.
Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey. -Psalm 119:105 (CEB)
I have heard Psalm 119 quoted many times as people reflect that the Bible guides us on life’s journey. I agree. Many of the major events in my life have a counterpart in the Bible and I can read and reflect on how someone else handled it. Yes, I am aware that the Bible does not have modern examples in it but that doesn’t mean I can’t find guidance with in the pages of the books as I go through life. It is a lamp, a road map, a compass, a bridge, a path, and so many other things to life.
…because God’s word is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates to the point that it separates the soul from the spirit and the joints from the marrow. It’s able to judge the heart’s thoughts and intentions. -Hebrews 4:12 (CEB)
Have you ever thought about the Bible being living and active? I have seen Bibles that are not living or active – they are covered with dust and look brand new hardly used. Then I have seen Bibles that have no covers, worn pages, tears, and lots of notes. Those are the living Bibles – the ones that have been on the journey with someone for years and years. It is not enough to just own a Bible – you have to use it as well. You have to spend time reading it, studying it, meditating on it, and praying over it. I believe the more familiar you are with the Bible (I am not talking about memorizing verses but you can; I am terrible at it) then you will know where to turn in the Bible when you need to read something for a situation.
So back to life’s big moments and the Bible. We are going to experience great moments of joy and great moments of sadness. In between, there will be times of peace and silence and times of uncertainty. Through it all, God’s word will be a constant for us because it never changes. Through all of life’s moments, we have God and God’s word to guide us.
The grass dries up; the flower withers, but our God’s word will exist forever. -Isaiah 49:8 (CEB
So my advice this morning as I prepare to celebrate with my wife has several pieces.
- Find a good Bible translation that is easy to read and one that you want to read. I am part of the Common English Bible tour (and I actually like it!) so I will recommend that translation. It is written in modern language and is easy to read and understand. You can also pick up a copy of the NIV which is also easy to read and understand. Whatever you choose, open the Bible and read it every day as you go through life’s moments.
- Once you have a good translation, actually read it. Find a good reading plan or devotional and follow it. Here is a 90 Day Reading Plan that takes you through two chapters of the New Testament each day. Whatever plan you choose, stick with it but if you miss a day, don’t sweat it. Pick up the next day and keep reading. You will be amazed at how relevant the Bible is to your life.
But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus.Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good. -2 Timothy 3:14-17
The Bible Is…
Here is my first official post for the “Thank You – Come Again – I Promise”
blog tour. 
Today also marks the first day of National Bible Week so I thought I would share my thoughts on what the Bible is.
Before I jump in, I want to remind all my readers that you have a chance to win a copy of the Common English Bible by simply commenting on my posts. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win.
So what is the Bible? If we look at the Bible, we see that it is many things (and perhaps different things at different times). Here are my thoughts.
- The Bible is like a flashlight.
Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey. -Psalm 119:105 (CEB)
Admit it, we need the light. During my early training in my CH-BOLC course, we experienced what is referred to as night land nav. We had to find our path in the dark using a compass, a map, and a flashlight. Without the benefit of the light, we would have been lost.
The Bible serves us in the same way. It helps cast light on our path as we journey through life and it allows us to see any obstacles that may be in front of us. It shines a light through the world so that we can see the path that leads us to God.
- The Bible is like an instruction manual.
Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good. -2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CEB)
I’m a guy so I will admit that I do not always read the instructions. I think I can figure it all out on my own and do things without following the instructions. The problem is that too often, things fall apart or there is an extra piece that is probably important.
The Bible is also instruction manual that teaches us how to live a godly life; how to deal with situations; and how to relate to God.
I am sure that many of you have heard that the Bible is a lot like an instruction manual or guide but the Bible is so much more than an instruction booklet. It’s often been called a “love letter” from God. The Bible tells of God’s great love for us, and it demonstrates time and again that he is worthy of our trust. And at the center of the Bible is the ultimate love story of how Jesus came to Earth, lived, died for our sins, rose again, and then invited us all to join him for eternity in heaven.
- The Bible is like a seed.
“Listen to this! A farmer went out to scatter seed. As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path; and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on rocky ground where the soil was shallow. They sprouted immediately because the soil wasn’t deep. When the sun came up, it scorched the plants; and they dried up because they had no roots. Other seed fell among thorny plants. The thorny plants grew and choked the seeds, and they produced nothing. Other seed fell into good soil and bore fruit. Upon growing and increasing, the seed produced in one case a yield of thirty to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of one hundred to one” – Mark 4:3-8 (CEB)
Jesus is telling one of his incredible stories. In this one he compares God’s Word to a seed. Like handfuls of seeds tossed into the air and blown over a few acres of land, God’s Word ends up dropping into the lives of many different people. Some of those people “just don’t get it,” and the Bible means nothing to them. Other people seem to really take it in, but eventually their so-called faith withers away because it was never firmly rooted. Then there are those who get caught up in all their problems, worries and sins. The Word of God is just choked right out of their lives. Still others let God’s Word take root in them, and they grow in amazing ways and continue to mature in their faith. It takes time, discipline and patience to understand the Bible and discover its powerful, life-changing lessons. But that’s the only way to produce lots of great fruit, right?
So open your Bible. Study it often. Dig deep into its many treasures. Let it guide you in big and small decisions. Let it be the place where you come regularly to meet with God. When you do, you’ll discover a Lord and Savior who is bigger, better, more amazing and more loving than you ever imagined.
My Thoughts While Running
During my run today, I was thinking on some things that have been on my mind lately. I do this everytime I run but today I felt like I could share some of those thoughts.
As many of you have been aware, I have been troubled the past week or so – down in a funk so to speak (if you have no idea what I am talking about, read my blog post) – and it has been difficult to shake. As much as I try, I just seem to keep sinking back into this funk a bit. I am truly my own worst enemy when it comes to things like this.
After thinking on this over the past few days and some conversations with some folks, I am beginning to see that the only way out of this is to simply persevere and keep my focus as it has been. If I lose focus or allow the funk to completely consume me, I will simply give up and what will that accomplish? I know this sounds strange but that is how I am beginning to see it. I simply need to keep going or I won’t go anywhere at all.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. –2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
It may be a simplistic way to look at it but keeping the faith is what has allowed me to keep running. I have a goal in mind and my eyes are focused on that goal. There were days when I wanted to give up on running but if I did, I would not accomplish my goal. There were days when I felt like I couldn’t go any farther but I pushed on and kept going and I am closer to my goal.
I realize my experience with my funk is the same way. I need to keep going and fight the good fight, so to speak, and work towards finishing the race. I have the faith in God to see me through this and I know God will strengthen me for whatever faces me – I just need to keep the faith. I believe that is the root of my funk – a bit of a faith crisis. Yes, even ministers and seminary students experience them from time to time – we are human after all.
So what does all this mean? It means I see the way out of this funk. I see the answers that I am seeking and I know God is firmly in control. All I can do is keep the faith and keeping running – both the race of life and my running training. It will all work out in the end.
Simplistic maybe? Realistic, yes.
Emmanuel – God Is With Us
The holiday season is upon us. For some, this is a time of creating traditions with family and friends, spending time laughing and having fun together. I am loving my family and the Christmas traditions I am back in the middle of. It is like wrapping up in a big, warm blanket. It is good to be home.
But for so many others, it is a reminder of what has been lost, of torn relationships and seemingly hopeless situations. Though this time of year is meant to remind us of the hope found in Christ, so many find themselves struggling with discouragement and despair.
But let’s consider for a moment the truths which Christmas is meant to remind us. The almighty Word of God gave up His rights as King and came to earth to live among us. He came to bring hope. He came as the Prince of Peace. He came in humility to bring life to the dead and to reconcile man with God.
Remember that this same God is the One who is in control of every broken relationship. The God who healed the sick can bring healing to your wounded heart. The God who raised the dead can bring life back into lifeless families and friendships. And even when reconciliation is not apparent, even when all others forsake us, He is the One who welcomes us in as His beloved child.
“My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in.” Psalm 27:10 (the Message)
“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength….” 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (ESV)
Let us find hope and comfort this holiday season in that no matter what our family situations may look like, the God who called our dead, lifeless hearts to bring Him praise is the same God who is still sovereign. And let us learn from the examples of those like Joseph, David and Paul, that even if we are forsaken by every friend and family member on this earth, the Lord is ever at our side as our strength and support.
Do not give up hope. The Almighty Savior who came to bring us peace with God is near. Emmanuel – God is with us!
Emmanuel
The holiday season is upon us. For some, this is a time of creating traditions with family and friends, spending time laughing and having fun together. But for so many others, it is a reminder of what has been lost, of torn relationships and seemingly hopeless situations. Though this time of year is meant to remind us of the hope found in Christ, so many find themselves struggling with discouragement and despair.
But let’s consider for a moment the truths which Christmas is meant to remind us. The almighty Word of God gave up His rights as King and came to earth to live among us. He came to bring hope. He came as the Prince of Peace. He came in humility to bring life to the dead and to reconcile man with God.
Remember that this same God is the One who is in control of every broken relationship. The God who healed the sick can bring healing to your wounded heart. The God who raised the dead can bring life back into lifeless families and friendships. And even when reconciliation is not apparent, even when all others forsake us, He is the One who welcomes us in as His beloved child.
My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in. –Psalm 27:10 (the Message)
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…. –2 Timothy 4:16-17 (ESV)
Let us find hope and comfort this holiday season in that no matter what our family situations may look like, the God who called our dead, lifeless hearts to bring Him praise is the same God who is still sovereign. And let us learn from the examples of those like Joseph, David and Paul, that even if we are forsaken by every friend and family member on this earth, the Lord is ever at our side as our strength and support.
Do not give up hope. The Almighty Savior who came to bring us peace with God is near. Emmanuel – God is with us!
Our Faithful God
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. –Lamentations 3:19-23 (NIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. –2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NIV)
