3. Of Sheep and Shepherds

4. Literal and Figurative Many OT Characters were shepherds Many OT Characters were shepherds Joseph instructed his family to say they were shepherds, keepers of cattle Joseph instructed his family to say they were shepherds, keepers of cattle Sheep were major part of economy of Israel Sheep were major part of economy of Israel In the OT, God describes his people as sheep In the OT, God describes his people as sheep From context, God refers to leaders as shepherds From context, God refers to leaders as shepherds – Kings – Priests

5. Shepherds Play a Significant Part in God’s Word Abel (Gen 4:2) Abraham – Isaac, Jacob, Laban Moses (Ex 3) David (1 Samuel 16:11) God (Psalm 23:1) Jesus (John 10:14, Heb 13:20)

10. Shepherds as Leaders Isreal’s shepherds fell short of God’s expectations – Jer. 50:6 My people have been lost sheep, their leaders have led them astray – Ezek 34:2 “Woe to shepherds of Israel “ Cyrus Isaiah 44:28 “…He is my shepherd..” Elders – 1 Peter 5:2 “…Shepherd the flock of God among you” Jesus, the great shepherd (Heb. 13:20)

12. Sheep Without a Shepherd are in Danger Ezekiel 34:5-8 “…My flock became a prey…” Zech 10:2 “…In trouble…no shepherd.” Zech 13:7 Strike the Shepherd and sheep will be scattered. (Matthew 26:31 to Disciples) Mk 6:34, people like sheep w/o shepherd

13. God Provides a Shepherd Isaiah 40:9-11, 52:7 “…feed flock like a shepherd…” Ezek 34:23-24 God will set up servant David as shepherd, one shepherd, will feed God’s sheep. Not a literal David Acts 2:29-30 (Peter’s sermon) Jesus, descendant of David, Leader

14. Jesus is the Shepherd John 10 The parable of the sheep (follows healing of the blind man) challenge by leaders Jesus calls himself a shepherd – V2, Lawful shepherd, others were thieves, robbers – V 3-5, Jesus’ sheep know his voice and follow him – V 6, Disciples didn’t understand (none were shepherds?)

15. “My Sheep Know My Voice”

16. Jesus Clarifies Jesus the door of the sheep (Legal way in, v7) Those false prophets who came before were thieves and robbers (compare Ezek 34) Jesus came so that sheep may have abundant life (v 10) Good shepherd gives his life for his sheep. V 15 Jesus knows his sheep and they know him. V 14 – Jer 31:34 Sheep not of this fold, one flock, one shepherd. V 16 – Ezek 37:24 David, my servant, one shepherd

17. Unbelieving/Believing Sheep Later—Feast of Dedication The question, “Are You’re the Christ…?” – I told you I am (John 5:36) The works Jesus did confirmed him as being from God – You do not believe because you are not of My sheep…. V26-27 (John 8:47) – The sheep have eternal life (V 28, 1 Jn 5, 11-12)

18. Christians as Sheep As one of his sheep, each is made complete in every good work to do His will (Heb 13:20-21) We know His voice, He knows us (John 10) We have safety in Jesus’ sheepfold if we remain one of his sheep (John 10:28-29) If we stray, we need to return to the Good Shepherd (1 Peter 2:25) 1 Pet 5:4 Crown of Glory from Chief Shepherd

19. Question: Are you one of Jesus’ sheep or are you wandering, without a shepherd? Do you know his voice (His word, 2 Tim 2:15) Does He know you? Gen. 18:19, 1 Cor 8:3 Are you following the Good Shepherd, or a thief? Have you wandered from the fold? Will the Chief Shepherd give you a crown? – 2 Tim. 4:6-8