2. I AM SERIES…. Significance of “I am…” God’s revelation to Moses: Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (NASB) Jesus in John 8:58 “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” (NASB)

3. I AM’s in the Gospel of John I am the bread of life – 6:35 I am the light of the world – 8:12 I am the gate – 10:7,9 I am the good shepherd – 10:11,14 I am the resurrection and the life – 11:25 I am the way, the truth, the life – 14:6 I am the true vine – 15:1,5

4. I am the Good Shepherd Jesus’s audience was familiar with shepherding… in their contemporary culture and their history as recorded in the Old Testament…. Examples: Moses - Exodus 3:1 David – a shepherd, leader of Israel (2 Samuel 5:2); author of Psalm 23 God - as shepherd to His people - Isaiah 40:10&11 False shepherds – Ezekiel 34:1-10

5. Scripture Text: John 10: 1-18… Verses 1- 10 I am the gate - John 14:6 – “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” (NASB) Strangers, thieves, robbers (stealing, kill, destroy…) Abundant life

6. I am the Good Shepherd…. Verses 11-18 As the Good Shepherd, Jesus: 1.Lays down His life for the sheep! (Sacrificial love) - Isaiah 53: 4-6; Romans 5:6-8 2. Sticks with his sheep (no matter what) - Hebrews 13: 5&6 3. Goes before His sheep (leads) - ex. temptation (Hebrews 2:18) - guidance, providing, comforting…..

7. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus: 4. Cares for His sheep -1 Peter 5:6&7 5. Knows His sheep – by name - Psalm 139 6. Has a relationship with his sheep – verse 14 - John 17:3

8. Life Questions: Who are you following? (Trusting in….) What are you facing now that you need Christ’s shepherding? What is the “next step” God is leading you in?