Psalm 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the L ORD forever.

John 10:1-15 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

“I Am the Good Shepherd”: Knowing God’s Care John 10:1-15 & Psalm 23 We are creatures of habit We like the familiar, the routine But at some point we get bored We also like something new A break from the routine, an adventure God cares for us…our coming and going

Jesus illustrated how he would always be with us as he told a story He used this story to explain who he was Familiar images in that day: Sheep, a shepherd, sheep pens Pastures, gates, doors Thieves and robbers

Nomadic life Shepherds moved their sheep Sheep folds were important Keep sheep safe at night Could be rented

Jesus said… “I am the Gate” “I am the Door” “I am the Good Shepherd”

Let’s look at the image of “the Gate” A gate opens and closes Allows “coming in and going out” Allows sheep to go from the security of the pen, to pastures that provide food, water and freedom

9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The Sheepfold / Pastures Our lives are a balance between: Security & Freedom Many non-Christians think Christianity is boring, no fun Christ promises that when we belong to Him, there will be security and freedom He will care for us…He goes with us!

Some translations, use the word “Door” Jesus said, “I am the Door.” What happens when there is no gate on the sheep pen?

Video Clip by Rob Fuquay

Jesus becomes “the Door” He stands as the door between the sheep and the danger Powerful image Even in the Christian life, there are real dangers God’s Word and His commandments serve as a door

Prayer and discernment allows God to guide us Shows us when it is safe to go out, when we need to be careful, and when we should not go

But wherever we go, we are not alone When danger lurks, Jesus protects When we wander off, He comes looking for us When we are harmed, Jesus heals Our faith community steps in to give guidance and heal our wounds

Jesus is like a good shepherd, who is so committed to his sheep, that he will place his life on the line Not like a hired hand who has no investment in the sheep Not like a babysitter who lets the kids play in the park unattended

The “Good Shepherd” Watches over Leads Provides Protects Rescues Heals Even gives His life

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

1 – the Good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep 2 – Jesus said, “I lay down my life” Conversion of Liz Curtis Higgs “Liz, a man has already died for you.” That man was Jesus Christ. Christ has given his life for Liz, and for you and for me!

Love of a parent Willing to give our life for our child? A friend? A cause? Would we give our life for a stranger? But would we give the life of our child? Our God’s love for us is so great that He was willing to give His son’s life to save each one of us from our sin

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Each one of us is so valuable to God that He was willing to sacrifice His Son for us Like the lost sheep, each one of us is important Jesus wants to be known to all Yet He care cares for each one of us individually

Litany When we find ourselves wondering how we are expected to navigate this confusing, intimidating world, help us to remember that we are not alone because Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd.”

When we feel tempted to stray from our communities, to try to make it on our own without the help of those who care about us, remind us that we are never out of your care when Jesus tells us, “I am the Good Shepherd.”

When we take a risk and venture out alone anyway, remind us that there is no distance we can wander that God is not still guarding and holding us close when Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd.”

When we’re too tired to do or to think anymore, help us to remember to rest and feel safe under the keep of Jesus, who says, “I am the Good Shepherd.” Amen.