4 Characteristics of the Good Shepherd

One of my most favorite passages in the entire Bible is John 10. Of the seven “I Am” statements in John’s Gospel, the “I am the good shepherd” statement is the most meaningful to me. Yesterday I preached this passage at FBC Fairdale, and you can watch/listen to the whole sermon here.

Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd.” He actually says it twice (10:11, 10:14).

The people of God had/have a bad history of having unfaithful shepherds (leaders). The Old Testament is full of messages from God against those untrustworthy shepherds. But we also have God promising that He will come and be a good and faithful shepherd to his people. That is fulfilled in Jesus Christ! He is the good shepherd of God’s people, the sheep.

From the John 10 passage, here are 4 Characteristics of the Good Shepherd:

1. HE CARES FOR THE SHEEP
   Jesus cares for his people. He contrasts his care with the lack of care that is shown by the “hired-hand” shepherds. They leave. They flee. They don’t really care for the sheep. Jesus is committed to his people forever.
   
2. HE KNOWS THE SHEEP
   Jesus knows each and everyone of his people. Here he says that he knows them and they know him. He knows them by name. He calls them by name. His sheep recognize his voice and follow him. There is a real and close and personal relationship between Jesus and His people.
   
3. HE IS IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER
   This is a fascinating aspect of the passage. While the majority of the chapter is the shepherd/sheep metaphor, there are several mentions of Jesus and His Father. Verses 15, 17, and 19 all mention Christ and His relationship with the Father. This is incredibly helpful. The listener/reader, as well as the believer, is to understand the Shepherd/Sheep analogy in light of a personal relationship with God the Father which is only possible and available due to the obedience and sacrifice of the Son, Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd is the Lord and Savior, and He brings us in to a loving relationship with God.
   
4. HE DIED FOR THE SHEEP
   In a rather emphatic and redundant way, Jesus says 5 times that the shepherd dies for the sheep. In verses 11, 15, 17, and twice in 18, he says the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. It is remarkable! It is especially remarkable when you consider that very rarely does an actual shepherd have to give his life for his flock of sheep. But Jesus is not teaching us about agriculture here. He is teaching us about life. People can know God, and people can be lead by God. Jesus is the Shepherd and the Savior.

When it comes time for you to deal with your sins and seek forgiveness (hopefully now and today, do not delay), you need a savior.

When it comes time for you to die (hopefully not today, but it could be any day), you need a savior.

When it comes time for you to live, I mean truly live, you need a shepherd – a leader.

Jesus Christ is both – the Shepherd Savior! Trust Him today!