SCRIPTURE BY Deborah Hillman
Scripture Lesson Text
John 10: 7-18
Related Scriptures: Psalm 23: 1-6; Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Ezekiel 34: 10-25
1 Peter 5: 1-4
Our lesson this week speaks of the Good Shepherd, who is Jesus and how He protects, guides, and to make sure we are safe and out of harm’s way. God sent Jesus to die on the cross to atone for all our sins, so that we may have life that is meaningful, fulfilling, abundant, and superior in every way to a life without Him.
Psalm 23: 1-6 reminds us of the shepherd’s provisions and promises that give grace and life to His people, also known as the flock. When you recognize the good shepherd, follow Him. Jeremiah 23: 1-6 emphasizes the words are of judgment , and God will deal with those who have failed at their task. The sheep knows the voice of the Shepherd and will follow Him to safety.
> Ezekiel 34: 10-25, prophesy about the flock not being taken care of because of the greed of the “ irresponsible shepherds “. God initially promises to do the work, the unfaithful shepherds would not do.( vs.11-16) . In verse 22, the Messiah is described as “ David”, but he will not actually be David, but a ruler from the line of David. 1 Peter 5: 1-6 , Peter concludes his letter with specific instructions to those in the role of an elder, about how to lead. All must live in humility toward each other and toward God.
In these passages of scripture, John 6: 1-13, we find that Jesus provides food for the multitude, by using two small fishes and five barley loaves. This miracle which Jesus performed not only in front of his disciples but also the multitude of 5000 that was fed. God shows His glory and promises to provide.
SYNOPSIS BY Janice Hall
Jesus is saying before his death, on the cross, that the proof of him being a good shepherd is his self- sacrificing love for his sheep. This chapter continues Jesus’ discussion with the religious leaders of Jerusalem. The true shepherd protects and promotes life; the false shepherds take away life. Jesus gives life and He gives it abundantly, a life of satisfaction and contentment in Jesus. Jesus fulfills the ideal of shepherd-like qualities for the people of God.
We see in verse 8, Jesus referring to those who preyed on the sheep and used them for their own selfish end. As the door(vs.9), Jesus provides salvation, safety, and sustenance for any who will enter through Him. Jesus’ blessings are for any and all who enter through Him. In the familiar verse 10, Jesus’ purpose for His sheep is profoundly opposed to the purposes of false shepherds; abundant life vs. death and destruction. In our walk with Jesus one must be sure that He is leading and we are following.
Only the shepherd truly cares for the flock, lives and dies for the good of the sheep.
The work of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, was rooted in His close relationship with His God, the Father. God, the Father has special affection for Jesus, specifically because He is laying down His life for the sake of the people. These verses( vs, 17,18) gives us insight into what our Lord’s “ triumphant entry” into Jerusalem to die on the cross meant to Him.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION BY Raufu Spagnoletta
The analogy of the relationship between the Good Shepherd and His sheep gives us a poignant illustration of how much sheep need a good shepherd to love and care for them, to know them by name, and lead them, to protect and preserve them. In addition to being defenseless and having no sense of direction, sheep, unlike other livestock, require endless attention and meticulous care. Sheep will not lick their wounds like other animals and require the aid of a shepherd to heal when wounded. Sheep cannot get back on their feet when they fall down and need a shepherd to pick them up. Sheep are not designed to carry a load and will be crushed by the weight of a burden.
Amazing how, like sheep, we need the personal care of a good shepherd to flourish. Sheep have the remarkable ability to discern the voice of their shepherd among all other voices (ref: John 10:4-5). God’s voice is consistent with His Word, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed, And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32 NKJV). When we abide in the Word and the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, will enable us to discern truth from error .
In the lesson, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, equates His relationship with His Father with the relationship He has with His sheep. (John 10:15b) Herein, is a marvelous description of the intimate love relationship that can exist between us and the Good Shepherd. (John 15:10)
