Jesus said I am the good Shepherd twice in just a few verses. Never doubt the goodness of our Shepherd. When Jesus looks at me as his sheep, I ask am I pleasing to him. We’re not perfect and need to give daily attention to our relationship with Jesus. It’s based on taking the role of being a sheep seriously and allowing Jesus to be our Shepherd.
John 10: 1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
How good of a sheep have we been? David said the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. It’s important to remember our daily life is to be walked mindful that we can’t walk by ourselves. At best we’re just sheep. We live in a world of wolves and adversaries that would love to destroy us. The head of that roaring lion is Satan, the thief who comes to steal and destroy. He works to deceive. We have to be watchful and careful. It’s not in us as much to lead as it is to follow. Many are confused not because they are pioneering a new way. They follow a dark master who is an imposter. They think they don’t have a thing to worry about. They think they will give no account for things and they won’t meet God or go to hell. Happiness and contentment is in their sin and they are free to do it. The devil doesn’t care what we follow as long as it’s not Jesus. He is the true Shepherd. Satan rallies people. They follow him, but he’s no shepherd.
People blindly follow anything. They’re gullible and deceived. They’ll follow the latest trend. Man has only one true Shepherd. People go through life like going through radio stations, one to the other. The devil doesn’t care who or what they listen to as long as it’s not God or the Bible. He knows he’s taking them to hell.
Jesus taught this to the Pharisees after healing a blind beggar. He made clay and put it on the man’s eyes. He was told to go to the pool of Siloam and wash. He could see. He was praising God. The Pharisees got made because Jesus healed him and wanted to throw both of them out. Have you ever seen as much hatred as there is now toward Christians? The sheepfold is the devil’s biggest threat. Wouldn’t you still rather please the Shepherd?
Jesus prepared the fold. When he saved us he made us one of his sheep. The only thing the world can do is lead us astray. It’s better to be led to the Lord and by him. We can get through each day by following him. He holds his staff high and shows the way through this old wilderness. If we start to go astray he’ll hunt for us.
God has given us the perfect Shepherd. His name is Jesus Christ. He’s more worthy of our following than we could ever give. We’re born followers and we follow someone. Jesus said his sheep hear his voice and follow him. The times demand we be the best follower we can be. There’s a path that the Shepherd made for us. It’s a narrow path. The best in life is experiencing the Shepherd. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. We’ve got the best! Even without a dime in our pocket we’ve got peace and happiness. People strain to show happiness. We have it! We might get weak and hungry at times but the Shepherd knows what we need. Sometimes we hardly make it; that’s when he picks us up. I want to follow him. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Jesus said I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. How good a sheep am I? How good are you? Can we follow better? Go a little faster? Keep hanging in there and don’t drift off the path. Don’t get ahead. Don’t lag behind. Don’t get stubborn.
Jesus wants everyone to be saved and be a faithful follower. Never question the goodness of the Shepherd but do ask yourself how good a sheep am I.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 