Exploring the seven “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, this Easter season we want to encounter Jesus again for the first time. Drawing upon the Gospel context and Old Testament history, we want to step more deeply into what Jesus was saying then and what it means for our life with God today.
(John 10:11-16)
SERMON OUTLINE
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. .’ (John 10:11)
Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14)
- The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. (vs. 10)
- The Good Shepherd owns the sheep. (vs.11)
- The Good Shepherd knows the sheep and the sheep know Him. (vs.14)
- The Good Shepherd cares for the sheep and does not abandon them when trouble comes. (vss.12-13)
- The Good Shepherd calls His sheep by name and leads them. (vs. 3)
The Good Shepherd versus the Hired Hand (10:11-14)
- The Good Shepherd loves His sheep. The hired hand does not.
- The Good shepherd owns the sheep. The hired hand does not.
- The Good Shepherd cares for the sheep. The hired hand does not.
- The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. The hired hand runs from danger.
Jesus has Other Sheep (11:15-16)
- Jesus’ relationship with His sheep is intimate like His relationship with His Father. (vs.15)
- Jesus has other sheep that He will own, referring to gentiles who will believe.
- Jesus is shepherd over all sheep that knows Him and listens to His voice.
- Jesus calls His sheep by name. (vs. 2)
- Jesus leads His sheep and they follow. (vs. 3)
Jesus is God
- By claiming to be the Good Shepherd, Jesus is claiming to be God. (Isaiah 40:10-12)
- Jesus gives us eternal life. Only God can do that. (John 10:10, 28-30)
- Jesus existed before Abraham was born. (John 8:56-58)
- Jesus uses the phrase “I AM”, which is a personal name of God. (Exodus 3:13-15)
Jesus is the Shepherd Lord referenced in Psalm 23
- All the sheep will ever need is provided by the Good Shepherd.
- Jesus leads us, Jesus restores us.
- Jesus guides us in the right path.
- Jesus is with us when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He never leaves.
- Jesus protects, comforts, defends, saves us with His rod and staff.
- Jesus provides for us, Jesus anoints us.
- Jesus lavishes us with His goodness and love.
- Jesus is our dwelling place forever.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This weekend we continue the preaching series, “I AM: Seven Identity Markers of Jesus,” based in Jesus’ statements from the Gospel of John. This week we look at Jesus statement, “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read John 10:1-33 aloud.
- When you hear the words “I am the good Shepherd”. What comes to your mind?
- Jesus talks about what the good shepherd does for the sheep? What are they? (John 10:11-15)
- Jesus mentions in verse 16 that he has other sheep that will come to him? Who do you think these sheep are? (John 10:16, John 17:15-21)
- Jesus contrasts the good shepherd from the hired hand. What are the differences?
- How can one know if they are part of Jesus’ flock? (John 10:14, John 10:26-27, John 3:16, John 5:24)
- How can you discern the voice of Jesus from other voices? Hint: The Word of God. (Matthew 4:4, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:9, 11, 105; Psalm 1)
- Jesus, by claiming he is the good shepherd is saying he is God, as God calls himself Shepherd. What does Jesus do that only God can do? ((john 10:10, 28-30, John 8:56-58)?
- Read Psalm 23. What are some of the things the shepherd does for the sheep in this text?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize John 10:11 and/or Psalm 23
- Draw, ink, or paint Jesus as the good shepherd. As you do that, let God speak to you about what it means that Jesus is your shepherd. Pay attention to what God draws to the surface as. When you finish, consider sharing your prayer reflections and/or artistry with a friend.