MARKS OF A SHEEP & SHEPHERD JN 10:1-15, 27-40
Jesus used examples that his listeners could relate to. Since much of the populace was a agriculture based, He often used sheep as examples.
What are come characteristics of sheep? How do they respond to the shepherd? How does the shepherd respond to them?
Some overall characteristics of sheep:
1 They are of a gregarious nature...meaning they love to be with the herd.. Sheep must have a leader (shepherd) and must be told what to do and where to go, other wise they'll wander off and get lost. 1. Timid, fearful, easily panicked 2 Dumb, gullible 3 No self-defense, can only run 4. Stubborn -will insist on their own way 5 Stampede easily 6 Easily influenced by a leader 7. The shepherd is the calming influence 8. Constantly need fresh water, pasture 9. Will eat poisonous plants if not stopped 10. easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd; too much wool can cause sheep to be easily "cast" 11. need the most care of all livestock 12. totally dependent of shepherd for every need
1 RESPONSIBLE (2)
2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Provider Physician Protector Preparer Preserver
A true shepherd cares for his flock as if it is his own.
His charge is not just a job, but an obsession.
His flock is small compared to the total number of sheep in the world
Therefore he is limited by time, space, and ability
The Lord is unlimited in his time, space, and ability.
He is the Perfect Shepherd
2 RECOGNIZE (3)
3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out, and find pasture.
We are not a number or stranger to the Shepherd, but have an intimate relationship with Him.
3 RESPOND (4)
4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
He leads, we follow because we trust Him.
4 RESIST (5)
5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
They don't know his voice and fear.
5 RECEPTIVE (9)
9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out
6. READY (11)
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
7 REST (27-30)
27My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30I and My Father are one.”
This is as clear a statement on security of the believer as you can find.
We are the sheep of his pasture. As such, we have eternal life
