WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.459 Amen. So we are continuing our series in the seven I am statements in John's gospel. 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:13.919 ! We're looking at who Jesus says he is. And so do you remember if you want to know who someone is, 00:00:14.480 --> 00:00:21.199 the best way to find out is for them to sit you down and they tell you who they are. It's no good 00:00:21.199 --> 00:00:26.800 just guessing, no good just hearing rumors. They've got to tell you, they've got to open up. 00:00:26.800 --> 00:00:35.620 Well in these statements Jesus is opening up his own identity and revealing to us who he really is 00:00:35.620 --> 00:00:43.079 and what he has come to earth to do. And today we come to maybe the most well-known of these statements, 00:00:43.840 --> 00:00:49.140 maybe some of the most well-known words Jesus ever spoke and it's there in verse 11. 00:00:49.140 --> 00:00:55.340 Who does Jesus say he is? I am the good shepherd. 00:00:56.799 --> 00:01:03.879 And just in this statement Jesus is describing something important. He's describing his relationship 00:01:03.879 --> 00:01:12.979 to his people. The relationship between Christ and the Christian. Between the saviour and his church. 00:01:14.359 --> 00:01:18.079 We are his sheep and he is the good shepherd. 00:01:18.079 --> 00:01:24.659 And so in these words Jesus is telling us what he is like as a saviour. 00:01:25.480 --> 00:01:28.980 What he's come to do. Who he is in your life right now. 00:01:29.299 --> 00:01:34.000 And in all of that Jesus says, I am the good shepherd. 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:39.299 And so we need to appreciate the picture that he's using here. 00:01:39.299 --> 00:01:47.120 In those days shepherding was tough. It was tiring. It was serious work. It was often a dangerous job. 00:01:47.859 --> 00:01:51.359 There was no GPS tracking, no cameras, no quad bikes. 00:01:52.280 --> 00:01:58.019 Being a shepherd it meant being in the wilderness with the sheep, leading them, feeding them, protecting them. 00:01:58.620 --> 00:02:01.079 And sometimes that meant fighting off predators. 00:02:01.079 --> 00:02:05.739 Without the shepherds, the sheep would die. 00:02:07.019 --> 00:02:10.460 And so the shepherd would be out there as their lifeline. 00:02:12.180 --> 00:02:15.300 And so that is the picture Jesus wants us to have at our heads here. 00:02:16.340 --> 00:02:22.800 He is the shepherd who leads, feeds, protects, knows, and is near his sheep. 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:27.480 But notice he's unlike any other shepherd. 00:02:28.439 --> 00:02:30.860 He is the good shepherd. 00:02:32.420 --> 00:02:36.200 And so in a sense we all have shepherds in our lives. 00:02:37.060 --> 00:02:39.460 People or things that we can follow. 00:02:40.600 --> 00:02:42.960 Things that we treat as a lifeline. 00:02:43.620 --> 00:02:46.580 Or something to guide us or protect us. 00:02:46.860 --> 00:02:51.520 Or something that we are just following that we think will bring us fulfilment or life. 00:02:52.800 --> 00:02:55.780 For those things, they can disappoint. 00:02:57.080 --> 00:02:58.780 Or guide us in the wrong way. 00:02:58.880 --> 00:03:00.020 Or just let us down. 00:03:00.620 --> 00:03:04.060 But here Jesus is saying he's not just another shepherd. 00:03:04.620 --> 00:03:07.219 Or another option to follow in your life. 00:03:07.300 --> 00:03:10.220 No, he is the good shepherd. 00:03:11.200 --> 00:03:13.080 The worthy shepherd. 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:16.020 The one you can trust and follow. 00:03:16.260 --> 00:03:18.560 And he will shepherd you perfectly. 00:03:18.560 --> 00:03:24.719 And so if you are here today and you feel lost or weak or vulnerable. 00:03:25.819 --> 00:03:27.680 Here is the shepherd we all need. 00:03:29.039 --> 00:03:32.020 And in this passage, Jesus is telling us who he is. 00:03:32.340 --> 00:03:35.020 And why he is a shepherd unlike any other. 00:03:35.159 --> 00:03:36.599 Why he's the good shepherd. 00:03:37.539 --> 00:03:38.860 And it's for two reasons. 00:03:39.659 --> 00:03:43.140 Because the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 00:03:43.139 --> 00:03:46.559 And because the good shepherd knows his sheep. 00:03:47.299 --> 00:03:49.599 And those are the two things I want us to see today. 00:03:50.099 --> 00:03:51.359 Two things about the good shepherd. 00:03:51.519 --> 00:03:52.459 Why he's so good. 00:03:52.599 --> 00:03:53.439 But first of all this. 00:03:54.319 --> 00:03:57.479 The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 00:03:58.919 --> 00:04:01.339 Jesus straight away tells us why he's so good. 00:04:01.859 --> 00:04:02.299 Verse 11. 00:04:03.579 --> 00:04:04.839 I am the good shepherd. 00:04:05.679 --> 00:04:08.919 The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 00:04:08.919 --> 00:04:12.159 So just think of the opposite there. 00:04:12.959 --> 00:04:15.099 What would a bad shepherd do? 00:04:16.019 --> 00:04:17.740 He would neglect the sheep, wouldn't he? 00:04:18.659 --> 00:04:20.419 He wouldn't care about their welfare. 00:04:20.779 --> 00:04:21.860 Or who they are. 00:04:21.979 --> 00:04:23.300 Or how many he has. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:25.000 He would just leave them vulnerable. 00:04:25.159 --> 00:04:25.819 In the dark. 00:04:26.839 --> 00:04:29.839 And the bad shepherd would run at the first sign of danger. 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:32.779 That's the picture Jesus paints in verse 12. 00:04:33.599 --> 00:04:34.899 A hired hand. 00:04:35.060 --> 00:04:36.560 A shepherd from the temp agency. 00:04:36.560 --> 00:04:39.680 He just sees a wolf and runs. 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:42.160 He stays safe himself. 00:04:42.519 --> 00:04:44.399 But lets the sheep just get torn apart. 00:04:45.560 --> 00:04:46.879 But Jesus says. 00:04:47.780 --> 00:04:51.199 A good shepherd lays down his life. 00:04:52.579 --> 00:04:56.519 A good shepherd is willing to step up and defend the sheep. 00:04:57.019 --> 00:04:58.079 Face that wolf. 00:04:58.660 --> 00:05:00.379 Even if it costs him his life. 00:05:00.379 --> 00:05:03.339 And that is Jesus. 00:05:05.100 --> 00:05:07.680 But there's something even greater about Jesus here. 00:05:08.439 --> 00:05:10.300 Jesus is saying here. 00:05:10.920 --> 00:05:12.219 Yes he's the good shepherd. 00:05:12.339 --> 00:05:15.579 But he's not only just willing to lay down his life. 00:05:16.459 --> 00:05:19.420 He's intending to lay down his life. 00:05:19.420 --> 00:05:22.140 He is the good shepherd. 00:05:22.140 --> 00:05:22.699 Because. 00:05:23.580 --> 00:05:25.100 He has come. 00:05:25.100 --> 00:05:27.420 To lay down his life for the sheep. 00:05:28.640 --> 00:05:31.080 And so this is sacrifice language. 00:05:31.300 --> 00:05:32.340 Jesus is using here. 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:34.280 When Jesus says. 00:05:34.819 --> 00:05:36.540 The good shepherd lays down his life. 00:05:36.939 --> 00:05:37.879 For the sheep. 00:05:38.840 --> 00:05:39.879 The word for. 00:05:40.100 --> 00:05:40.439 It means. 00:05:40.960 --> 00:05:42.420 On behalf of the sheep. 00:05:43.060 --> 00:05:44.620 Instead of the sheep. 00:05:44.620 --> 00:05:47.060 His very mission. 00:05:47.259 --> 00:05:48.579 His central task. 00:05:48.699 --> 00:05:49.519 As shepherd. 00:05:50.139 --> 00:05:51.660 Is to die. 00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:53.579 In place of the sheep. 00:05:55.699 --> 00:05:56.899 And so in these words. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:05:59.340 Jesus is revealing to us. 00:05:59.439 --> 00:06:00.259 Who he is. 00:06:01.280 --> 00:06:03.459 And what he intends to do on the cross. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:06.340 The death of Christ. 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:07.860 It wasn't an accident. 00:06:08.560 --> 00:06:11.560 It wasn't an unfortunate moment in history. 00:06:11.840 --> 00:06:14.220 It didn't catch Jesus off guard. 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:14.440 No. 00:06:14.540 --> 00:06:17.060 It was intended by Jesus. 00:06:18.100 --> 00:06:19.420 Did you see that in verse 18? 00:06:20.880 --> 00:06:22.600 No one takes it from me. 00:06:22.800 --> 00:06:25.280 But I lay it down of my own accord. 00:06:25.480 --> 00:06:27.600 I have authority to lay it down. 00:06:28.260 --> 00:06:29.860 And I have authority to take it up again. 00:06:31.340 --> 00:06:34.020 The crucifixion of the son of God. 00:06:34.480 --> 00:06:37.220 Was a planned and intentional sacrifice. 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:39.380 By a shepherd. 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:41.900 At Calvary. 00:06:42.040 --> 00:06:42.960 On that cross. 00:06:42.959 --> 00:06:45.379 That death was the good shepherd. 00:06:45.879 --> 00:06:48.120 Laying down his life for the sheep. 00:06:49.459 --> 00:06:50.620 Which means. 00:06:51.419 --> 00:06:52.439 For the church. 00:06:52.979 --> 00:06:53.819 For the Christian. 00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:56.399 On the cross. 00:06:57.219 --> 00:06:58.459 Jesus was there. 00:06:58.680 --> 00:07:00.000 Being our shepherd. 00:07:01.279 --> 00:07:03.539 Leading and protecting. 00:07:03.779 --> 00:07:04.899 And providing for us. 00:07:04.959 --> 00:07:06.219 In the greatest way possible. 00:07:06.220 --> 00:07:08.600 That deadly predator. 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:09.600 That deadly predator. 00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:10.600 Predator of sin. 00:07:11.720 --> 00:07:12.800 That animal. 00:07:13.720 --> 00:07:15.040 Crouching at our door. 00:07:15.400 --> 00:07:16.980 Which could so easily. 00:07:17.140 --> 00:07:18.020 Tear us apart. 00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:19.220 The Lord Jesus. 00:07:19.380 --> 00:07:20.080 On the cross. 00:07:20.280 --> 00:07:21.360 Had that beast. 00:07:21.940 --> 00:07:22.660 Set on him. 00:07:23.600 --> 00:07:24.920 And the good shepherd. 00:07:25.140 --> 00:07:26.200 Was torn apart for us. 00:07:27.720 --> 00:07:28.800 The darkness. 00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:29.740 Of God's wrath. 00:07:29.800 --> 00:07:31.100 That should so rightly. 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:32.320 Devour the sheep. 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:34.040 On the cross. 00:07:34.120 --> 00:07:34.699 The Lord Jesus. 00:07:34.699 --> 00:07:36.879 Stood in front of his flock. 00:07:37.620 --> 00:07:38.779 Laid down his life. 00:07:38.980 --> 00:07:39.680 And took it all. 00:07:41.240 --> 00:07:42.879 When we were most weak. 00:07:44.139 --> 00:07:45.279 And vulnerable. 00:07:45.939 --> 00:07:46.579 And helpless. 00:07:46.819 --> 00:07:48.719 And totally undeserving. 00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:50.579 Wandering sheep. 00:07:50.980 --> 00:07:52.139 Running from the shepherd. 00:07:52.279 --> 00:07:52.839 Our shepherd. 00:07:52.980 --> 00:07:53.860 Stepped up. 00:07:53.860 --> 00:07:56.000 And provided for our greatest need. 00:07:57.960 --> 00:07:59.280 And so for those of us. 00:07:59.379 --> 00:08:00.040 Who are his sheep. 00:08:01.040 --> 00:08:02.120 We need to know. 00:08:02.280 --> 00:08:04.379 He is not your reluctant shepherd. 00:08:05.139 --> 00:08:06.840 Who just grits his teeth. 00:08:07.020 --> 00:08:08.220 And puts up with us. 00:08:09.080 --> 00:08:09.259 No. 00:08:09.400 --> 00:08:10.060 He is. 00:08:10.300 --> 00:08:12.020 The good shepherd. 00:08:12.900 --> 00:08:14.220 Who willingly. 00:08:14.840 --> 00:08:16.500 Laid down his life for you. 00:08:18.580 --> 00:08:20.240 So notice what this means. 00:08:20.240 --> 00:08:22.780 To be under the care. 00:08:22.860 --> 00:08:23.939 Of the good shepherd. 00:08:24.180 --> 00:08:24.860 It means. 00:08:25.340 --> 00:08:26.879 He has laid down. 00:08:27.019 --> 00:08:27.720 His life for you. 00:08:28.980 --> 00:08:30.139 That is how. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:31.340 He shepherds his sheep. 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:34.879 You can't have this shepherd. 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:36.159 Without his death. 00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:39.580 And so we need to ask. 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:41.060 Ask ourselves. 00:08:41.220 --> 00:08:42.840 Is this your shepherd? 00:08:44.220 --> 00:08:45.659 Can you say. 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:46.879 Before God. 00:08:47.299 --> 00:08:48.860 This man laid down. 00:08:49.019 --> 00:08:49.879 His life for me. 00:08:50.240 --> 00:08:53.480 Because you may not realize it. 00:08:53.580 --> 00:08:54.940 But there is a danger. 00:08:56.120 --> 00:08:57.379 A severe danger. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:08:58.060 In this world. 00:08:58.200 --> 00:08:59.919 And up against the beast of sin. 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:00.940 We are very. 00:09:01.100 --> 00:09:02.279 Very vulnerable sheep. 00:09:03.539 --> 00:09:05.100 So we have a great need. 00:09:05.220 --> 00:09:06.460 It is the greatest need. 00:09:06.460 --> 00:09:07.200 Of your life. 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:08.360 We. 00:09:08.840 --> 00:09:09.840 Desperately need. 00:09:09.840 --> 00:09:10.560 A shepherd. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:13.360 And in Christ. 00:09:13.580 --> 00:09:14.240 Praise God. 00:09:14.379 --> 00:09:15.980 There is a good shepherd. 00:09:16.980 --> 00:09:18.680 The exact one you need. 00:09:18.679 --> 00:09:20.659 Who lays down his life. 00:09:20.659 --> 00:09:21.639 For the sheep. 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:22.959 He is so good. 00:09:23.579 --> 00:09:25.000 Because he is the shepherd. 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:25.799 Who saves. 00:09:28.059 --> 00:09:29.839 And if you are one of his sheep. 00:09:30.779 --> 00:09:31.339 Jesus. 00:09:31.699 --> 00:09:33.339 Is still your shepherd. 00:09:33.719 --> 00:09:34.519 Every day. 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:37.480 And if he provided. 00:09:37.480 --> 00:09:38.639 For your greatest need. 00:09:38.699 --> 00:09:39.199 On the cross. 00:09:39.319 --> 00:09:39.480 He. 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:41.220 He will surely keep. 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:42.659 Providing for you. 00:09:44.199 --> 00:09:45.679 Whatever you are going through. 00:09:45.740 --> 00:09:46.279 Right now. 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:48.259 Whatever worry. 00:09:48.759 --> 00:09:49.559 Ways on you. 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:50.860 Whatever grief. 00:09:50.860 --> 00:09:52.299 Is burdening you. 00:09:52.399 --> 00:09:52.860 Whatever strength. 00:09:52.860 --> 00:09:54.360 Strength that you need. 00:09:54.560 --> 00:09:55.620 The good shepherd. 00:09:55.779 --> 00:09:56.580 Is still. 00:09:56.580 --> 00:09:57.620 There for you. 00:09:58.779 --> 00:10:00.019 Still determined. 00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:01.320 To protect you. 00:10:01.480 --> 00:10:02.419 And save you. 00:10:02.519 --> 00:10:03.740 And he is always. 00:10:03.980 --> 00:10:05.139 Always near you. 00:10:06.259 --> 00:10:07.440 He knows you. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:10.580 And that is also. 00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:11.680 Why he is so good. 00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:13.740 Not only because. 00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:14.960 He laid down his life. 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:16.639 But also because. 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:17.600 He knows. 00:10:17.779 --> 00:10:18.200 His sheep. 00:10:19.420 --> 00:10:20.240 And this is the. 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:21.340 Second and final thing. 00:10:21.340 --> 00:10:22.040 I want us to see. 00:10:22.700 --> 00:10:23.460 The good shepherd. 00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:24.300 Knows his sheep. 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:26.580 Look at these wonderful words. 00:10:26.639 --> 00:10:27.320 In verse 14. 00:10:28.460 --> 00:10:29.780 I am the good shepherd. 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:32.240 I know my own. 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:33.940 And my own know me. 00:10:35.560 --> 00:10:36.780 That is an incredible thing. 00:10:36.780 --> 00:10:37.220 To believe. 00:10:37.220 --> 00:10:37.639 Isn't it? 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:39.180 Jesus. 00:10:40.160 --> 00:10:40.960 Knows me. 00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:42.820 In fact. 00:10:42.940 --> 00:10:43.899 Look how well. 00:10:44.040 --> 00:10:44.480 He knows you. 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:45.100 Verse 15. 00:10:46.400 --> 00:10:48.040 Just as the father. 00:10:48.040 --> 00:10:48.920 Knows me. 00:10:49.240 --> 00:10:50.660 And I know the father. 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:53.019 As much. 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:54.360 As the father. 00:10:54.560 --> 00:10:55.960 Knows the son. 00:10:56.879 --> 00:10:57.960 That is how well. 00:10:58.080 --> 00:10:59.120 Our good shepherd. 00:10:59.259 --> 00:11:00.180 Knows us. 00:11:01.620 --> 00:11:03.399 It is this astonishing. 00:11:04.060 --> 00:11:04.660 Intimate. 00:11:05.080 --> 00:11:06.440 All encompassing. 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:06.879 Knowledge. 00:11:08.259 --> 00:11:09.300 When you are. 00:11:09.379 --> 00:11:10.060 The good shepherd. 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:10.720 Sheep. 00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:11.660 Jesus knows. 00:11:12.080 --> 00:11:13.300 Everything about you. 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:15.440 He knows your name. 00:11:16.100 --> 00:11:17.560 He knows your life. 00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:18.879 He knows your hopes. 00:11:19.339 --> 00:11:20.279 And your fears. 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:21.219 Your past. 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:22.219 Your present. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:23.000 Your future. 00:11:24.099 --> 00:11:25.619 He knows what troubles you. 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:26.119 Right now. 00:11:27.399 --> 00:11:29.019 He knows what is weighing. 00:11:29.019 --> 00:11:30.000 On your mind. 00:11:30.559 --> 00:11:32.079 He knows what you long. 00:11:32.500 --> 00:11:33.319 To be different. 00:11:33.439 --> 00:11:34.119 In your life. 00:11:34.939 --> 00:11:36.139 He knows what you hope. 00:11:36.199 --> 00:11:37.039 Will stay the same. 00:11:38.379 --> 00:11:39.519 He is not a shepherd. 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:40.299 Far away. 00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:41.079 He is the shepherd. 00:11:41.239 --> 00:11:42.279 Always with you. 00:11:42.279 --> 00:11:46.000 And so as you slowly walk. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:46.980 Into the week ahead. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:49.019 And the events ahead. 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:50.500 You go. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:51.620 With a shepherd. 00:11:51.799 --> 00:11:52.579 Who knows you. 00:11:52.759 --> 00:11:53.419 Inside out. 00:11:54.699 --> 00:11:56.199 And he is guiding you. 00:11:56.339 --> 00:11:56.860 All the way. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:59.839 Through whatever you go through. 00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:01.939 Remember Psalm 23. 00:12:02.179 --> 00:12:03.459 Even through the valley. 00:12:03.559 --> 00:12:04.600 Of the shadow of death. 00:12:04.600 --> 00:12:08.560 And you can be doubly sure of that. 00:12:08.659 --> 00:12:08.980 Because. 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:11.740 You have heard the shepherd call you. 00:12:12.700 --> 00:12:13.639 Look at verse 16. 00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:16.460 And I have other sheep. 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:17.580 That are not of this fold. 00:12:18.040 --> 00:12:19.360 I must bring them also. 00:12:19.920 --> 00:12:21.639 And they will listen to my voice. 00:12:22.460 --> 00:12:23.800 So there will be one flock. 00:12:23.960 --> 00:12:24.580 One shepherd. 00:12:25.960 --> 00:12:27.519 He is talking about the Gentiles here. 00:12:27.600 --> 00:12:28.460 Non-Jews. 00:12:28.560 --> 00:12:28.960 Which is. 00:12:29.340 --> 00:12:29.879 Most of us. 00:12:29.920 --> 00:12:30.660 If not all of us. 00:12:30.659 --> 00:12:33.339 Through his gospel. 00:12:34.299 --> 00:12:36.539 Jesus is gathering his sheep. 00:12:36.539 --> 00:12:37.259 Around this world. 00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:39.779 So just like that farmer. 00:12:39.959 --> 00:12:41.399 That Chris mentioned last week. 00:12:42.259 --> 00:12:43.899 The farmer that shouts. 00:12:44.179 --> 00:12:45.480 And all his sheep. 00:12:45.579 --> 00:12:46.579 Kind of lift up their heads. 00:12:46.679 --> 00:12:47.579 They hear his voice. 00:12:48.779 --> 00:12:50.819 Well Jesus is calling. 00:12:51.219 --> 00:12:51.679 In the gospel. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:54.199 And for those in Christ. 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:55.839 We have lifted up our heads. 00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:58.299 He has called us. 00:12:58.480 --> 00:13:00.019 Brought us into the flock. 00:13:00.019 --> 00:13:01.100 Under his care. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:03.299 And so your faith. 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:05.159 And your life. 00:13:05.299 --> 00:13:06.240 And your obedience. 00:13:06.939 --> 00:13:09.240 No matter how fragile it is. 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:11.559 That is the sheep. 00:13:11.939 --> 00:13:13.299 Hearing the shepherd's voice. 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:16.500 And so if you know the shepherd. 00:13:17.220 --> 00:13:18.379 He knows you. 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:21.059 And everything about you. 00:13:22.779 --> 00:13:23.559 So again. 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:24.919 What we need to ask ourselves. 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:27.480 Do you know the shepherd? 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:30.560 Have you heard his voice? 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:33.200 Because he's here. 00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:34.200 In his gospel. 00:13:34.899 --> 00:13:35.300 Calling. 00:13:36.600 --> 00:13:38.860 And to come under his care. 00:13:38.980 --> 00:13:40.000 It is very simple. 00:13:40.980 --> 00:13:42.200 Just like a sheep. 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:44.259 You just need to hear. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.720 And trust. 00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:46.820 And follow. 00:13:46.820 --> 00:13:50.060 You might be following. 00:13:50.060 --> 00:13:50.980 You might be following other shepherds. 00:13:51.140 --> 00:13:52.200 In your life right now. 00:13:52.300 --> 00:13:53.160 Trying to find. 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:54.260 Protection. 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:55.500 Or guidance. 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:56.580 Or something. 00:13:56.780 --> 00:13:57.820 To fight the loneliness. 00:13:58.180 --> 00:13:58.740 Or the pain. 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:00.820 We all inevitably. 00:14:01.160 --> 00:14:01.920 Follow something. 00:14:02.180 --> 00:14:02.879 In our lives. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:03.900 Whether we call it. 00:14:03.940 --> 00:14:04.840 A shepherd or not. 00:14:05.820 --> 00:14:07.300 But Jesus is saying. 00:14:07.420 --> 00:14:07.760 Ultimately. 00:14:07.920 --> 00:14:09.200 That those things aren't good. 00:14:10.780 --> 00:14:11.660 It can't. 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:12.540 Know you. 00:14:12.680 --> 00:14:13.500 And love you. 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:14.480 And protect you. 00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:15.320 Like Jesus can. 00:14:16.840 --> 00:14:17.899 And so Jesus is saying. 00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:19.560 Stop following those things. 00:14:20.180 --> 00:14:21.399 And hear his voice. 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:23.960 He's calling now. 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:25.879 I am the good shepherd. 00:14:27.980 --> 00:14:29.200 And when you follow him. 00:14:29.300 --> 00:14:30.440 You can have the great comfort. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:30.940 Of saying. 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:33.560 He laid his life down for me. 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:35.460 And he knows me. 00:14:37.340 --> 00:14:38.620 And this is the comfort. 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:39.860 Jesus is giving us here. 00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:42.139 He's giving us. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:43.460 The great assurance. 00:14:43.460 --> 00:14:44.320 Of the cross. 00:14:45.400 --> 00:14:46.320 Because think about it. 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:47.320 If the shepherd. 00:14:47.620 --> 00:14:48.820 Lays down his life. 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:49.580 For the sheep. 00:14:50.480 --> 00:14:51.700 And he knows. 00:14:51.780 --> 00:14:52.500 Those sheep. 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:54.360 Then Christ. 00:14:54.460 --> 00:14:55.620 Didn't just die. 00:14:55.759 --> 00:14:56.200 Generally. 00:14:56.920 --> 00:14:57.879 For anonymous. 00:14:58.139 --> 00:14:58.639 Sinners. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:00.240 In a vague way. 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:01.639 Or just merely. 00:15:01.820 --> 00:15:02.840 Making it possible. 00:15:03.120 --> 00:15:04.080 For unknown sheep. 00:15:04.160 --> 00:15:04.700 To be saved. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:04.980 No. 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:06.980 The cross. 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:08.280 Is the good shepherd. 00:15:08.420 --> 00:15:09.879 Laying down his life. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:11.500 For his sheep. 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:13.500 That he knows. 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:15.759 The father. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:16.600 Has given him. 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:17.919 A specific flock. 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:18.919 Sheep that he knows. 00:15:18.980 --> 00:15:19.720 And he dies. 00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:20.940 For that flock. 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:24.379 Which is important to know. 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:25.320 And a great comfort. 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.840 Because as his sheep. 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:30.460 We can be very sure. 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:31.559 That he died. 00:15:31.940 --> 00:15:32.759 For me. 00:15:33.600 --> 00:15:35.259 And for all my sins. 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:36.720 Past. 00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:37.279 Present. 00:15:37.279 --> 00:15:37.839 And future. 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:39.879 The sins. 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:40.699 That we commit. 00:15:40.819 --> 00:15:42.019 Are never a surprise. 00:15:42.019 --> 00:15:42.860 Or a shock. 00:15:42.939 --> 00:15:43.379 To Jesus. 00:15:44.559 --> 00:15:45.339 And there is nothing. 00:15:45.539 --> 00:15:46.339 Too bad. 00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:47.459 That he cannot forgive. 00:15:47.799 --> 00:15:48.819 He will never say. 00:15:48.919 --> 00:15:49.139 Oh no. 00:15:49.199 --> 00:15:49.279 No. 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.199 That's too much. 00:15:51.419 --> 00:15:52.699 Because when we belong. 00:15:52.699 --> 00:15:53.120 To him. 00:15:53.159 --> 00:15:53.919 We can be sure. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:54.819 My shepherd. 00:15:55.439 --> 00:15:56.919 Has already gone. 00:15:57.059 --> 00:15:57.579 To the cross. 00:15:57.659 --> 00:15:58.179 For that sin. 00:15:59.019 --> 00:16:00.819 He's already laid down. 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:01.579 His life. 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:02.600 For me. 00:16:02.600 --> 00:16:05.200 The fact. 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:06.519 That he knows his sheep. 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:07.360 This makes him. 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:09.320 The perfect saviour. 00:16:10.560 --> 00:16:11.620 This makes him. 00:16:11.800 --> 00:16:12.899 The good shepherd. 00:16:14.759 --> 00:16:15.759 In this world. 00:16:15.920 --> 00:16:17.019 It is very easy. 00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:18.860 To feel scared. 00:16:19.259 --> 00:16:20.240 Or alone. 00:16:20.420 --> 00:16:21.259 Or overwhelmed. 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:22.500 By the weight of sin. 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:23.940 Or just lost. 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:26.940 And we don't know where to go in life. 00:16:28.139 --> 00:16:29.759 But Jesus speaks. 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:30.840 To this lost world. 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:32.700 And says you don't need to fear anymore. 00:16:33.899 --> 00:16:35.160 Just hear my voice. 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:36.620 Hear who I am. 00:16:37.500 --> 00:16:38.840 I am the good shepherd. 00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:40.660 And the good shepherd. 00:16:40.800 --> 00:16:41.899 Lays down his life. 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.060 For the sheep. 00:16:43.980 --> 00:16:44.600 Let's pray. 00:16:52.740 --> 00:16:53.360 Lord God. 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:54.340 We thank you so much. 00:16:55.019 --> 00:16:56.480 For our Lord and saviour. 00:16:57.240 --> 00:16:58.220 Our good shepherd. 00:16:58.220 --> 00:16:59.120 Jesus Christ. 00:16:59.120 --> 00:17:01.100 We thank you. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:02.179 That we don't need to be alone. 00:17:02.179 --> 00:17:02.720 In this world. 00:17:02.840 --> 00:17:03.500 We don't need to. 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:05.220 Walk through our lives. 00:17:05.319 --> 00:17:05.839 In fear. 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:07.839 That we have a shepherd. 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:09.200 Who is with us. 00:17:09.640 --> 00:17:10.880 Who protects us. 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:13.339 Who never lets us down. 00:17:14.079 --> 00:17:15.240 And one who has laid down. 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:16.240 His life for us already. 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.160 We thank you. 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:18.740 That in him. 00:17:18.859 --> 00:17:19.900 All our sins. 00:17:20.059 --> 00:17:20.559 Are forgiven. 00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:22.559 So Lord. 00:17:22.599 --> 00:17:23.599 As we go out today. 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.299 As we go out. 00:17:24.359 --> 00:17:25.019 Into this week. 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:27.220 We pray that we would. 00:17:27.379 --> 00:17:28.259 Just have great comfort. 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:28.859 And assurance. 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:29.519 Knowing that. 00:17:30.160 --> 00:17:31.200 Jesus is the good shepherd. 00:17:31.879 --> 00:17:32.639 And he is with us. 00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:33.160 Right now. 00:17:34.059 --> 00:17:35.079 And in his name we pray. 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:35.759 Amen.