The Shepherd of My Salvation

The Life of Jesus Christ 8b

“The Shepherd of My Salvation” Part 2b

John 10:1-17

The comparison that Jesus makes between genuine and non-genuine shepherds was simple: He referred to Himself as “good.”  Can anyone explain why this was a sufficient term to separate Himself from non-genuine shepherds?

The Roll of the Shepherd

The shepherd had a detailed job description:

1) Lead the sheep to sufficient fields for grazing

·         This may be considered feeding the sheep.

2) Protecting the sheep from wolves and thieves

·         This may be considered protecting/watching over the sheep.

3) Sheering and oiling the sheep

·         This may be considered preparing the sheep

Wolves On the Prowl

One specific area that Jesus dealt with in John 10 was the protecting of the sheep.  This was of utmost importance for the shepherd.  Wolves were constantly on the prowl. Also, thieves were waiting for straying sheep.  The shepherd was constantly on the lookout for wolves and thieves

Notice that Jesus spends the bulk of this chapter dealing with false shepherds.

Vs. 1 “He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”

Vs. 3, 4, 5, and 16.  Jesus used the word “voice” to help them understand the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep.  Obviously, the shepherd must have spent ample time with the sheep in order for them to know his voice specifically.

Vs. 11. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

This verse is not speaking of the prophesied death of Christ. That comes in verses 15, 17 and 18.  This verse is speaking of the great dedication of the “good “ shepherd vs. the hireling mentioned in verses 12 and 13.

Hireling Defined

1) He was temporary custodian of the sheep.  An employee, not the owner.

2) The hireling had no real need to care for the sheep because they were not his.

3) He cares more for his own life (ministry) and not that of the sheep.

4) He entered the position of shepherd with the intentions of taking any better offer.

Ninty and Nine

The good shepherd, mentioned in John 6, left the 99 to go find 1 lost sheep.  Notice that he had confidence in the 99 sheep that He left in the wilderness.  His confidence came as a result of their strong relationship.  And the strength of the relationship was due to the fact that they had not strayed.  The stayed close by his side, following him and trusting him.