WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.160 This reading comes from the book of Micah, Micah chapter 5. 00:00:16.100 --> 00:00:21.660 We're going to read the first nine verses of that chapter as we continue in John 10 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:25.120 where Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd. 00:00:25.120 --> 00:00:37.060 We have here in Micah 5 another prophecy where God would send his shepherd king for his people. 00:00:38.039 --> 00:00:45.159 Words that we perhaps are used to hearing at Christmas as we think about the coming of Jesus. 00:00:46.219 --> 00:00:51.659 And so Micah chapter 5 and the first nine verses, let's hear God's word together. 00:00:51.659 --> 00:00:58.279 Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. 00:00:58.919 --> 00:01:01.979 They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod. 00:01:02.979 --> 00:01:08.780 But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, 00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:14.039 out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, 00:01:14.500 --> 00:01:18.439 whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. 00:01:18.439 --> 00:01:24.939 Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son 00:01:24.939 --> 00:01:28.560 and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. 00:01:29.780 --> 00:01:35.120 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, 00:01:35.620 --> 00:01:39.459 in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. 00:01:39.459 --> 00:01:45.019 And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 00:01:45.839 --> 00:01:47.679 And he will be our peace. 00:01:48.280 --> 00:01:51.959 When the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses, 00:01:52.059 --> 00:01:55.759 we will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders, 00:01:55.979 --> 00:01:58.259 who will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, 00:01:58.799 --> 00:02:01.280 the land of Nimrod with drawn sword. 00:02:01.959 --> 00:02:06.259 He will deliver us from the Assyrians when they invade our land and march across our borders. 00:02:06.260 --> 00:02:10.099 The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples, 00:02:10.640 --> 00:02:13.340 like dew from a Lord, like showers on the grass, 00:02:13.560 --> 00:02:15.980 which do not wait for anyone or depend on man. 00:02:16.500 --> 00:02:19.099 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, 00:02:19.480 --> 00:02:20.900 in the midst of many peoples, 00:02:21.540 --> 00:02:23.819 like a lion among the beasts of the forest, 00:02:24.439 --> 00:02:26.920 like a young lion among flocks of sheep, 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:30.099 which mauls and mangles as it goes and no one can rescue. 00:02:30.099 --> 00:02:35.479 Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies, 00:02:35.780 --> 00:02:39.139 and all your foes will be destroyed. 00:02:39.819 --> 00:02:40.319 Amen. 00:02:40.979 --> 00:02:44.019 Now let's once again come before God in prayer. 00:02:44.180 --> 00:02:44.680 Let's pray. 00:02:46.659 --> 00:02:51.199 Lord, our God, we thank you for the Bible. 00:02:51.319 --> 00:02:54.659 We thank you that it is your true and living word. 00:02:54.659 --> 00:03:00.800 We thank you for these scriptures which are able to make us wise for salvation. 00:03:01.620 --> 00:03:07.259 These words of truth that are God-breathed and are useful for us 00:03:07.259 --> 00:03:11.159 and are essential for our lives of faith and godliness. 00:03:12.419 --> 00:03:15.539 Lord, we pray that you would make us a church that lives by your word. 00:03:16.280 --> 00:03:18.460 Now we pray that as families and as individuals, 00:03:18.659 --> 00:03:20.340 we be people of your word. 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:23.939 Help us to read and to listen and to do. 00:03:23.939 --> 00:03:32.079 Lord, we thank you for your kindness and your mercy and your grace in our salvation. 00:03:32.900 --> 00:03:39.520 Lord, as we recognize all that we receive from you by your spirit and through your son Jesus, 00:03:40.659 --> 00:03:44.460 we ask that you would give us a sense of worship, 00:03:45.280 --> 00:03:47.879 a desire to live with grateful obedience. 00:03:47.879 --> 00:03:54.280 And Lord, we also pray that you would help us to reflect your character in our lives. 00:03:55.139 --> 00:03:57.019 Help us to be those who are kind. 00:03:57.979 --> 00:04:00.659 Help us to be those who are quick to show mercy, 00:04:01.219 --> 00:04:09.359 who extend grace and compassion to others in our thoughts and in our words. 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:15.740 Lord, help us to be, as Jesus described himself, 00:04:15.740 --> 00:04:17.960 as the light of the world and then said to the church, 00:04:18.060 --> 00:04:19.180 you are the light of the world. 00:04:19.319 --> 00:04:24.020 May we reflect the light of the Lord Jesus in our day-to-day lives. 00:04:26.020 --> 00:04:32.060 Lord, today we want to give you thanks for marriages. 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:39.300 Lord, we are especially thankful to you for Fergus and Delina and for their marriage. 00:04:40.339 --> 00:04:45.280 We thank you for them, for their faithfulness to one another and to you, 00:04:45.860 --> 00:04:47.939 for their love and service. 00:04:49.459 --> 00:04:54.579 Lord, we thank you for every marriage within our church and within our families, 00:04:54.579 --> 00:04:57.319 and we ask that you would protect and guard. 00:04:58.439 --> 00:05:03.819 We pray for marriages, Christian marriages, that are rooted on your word, 00:05:04.539 --> 00:05:06.599 that are full of grace. 00:05:08.039 --> 00:05:13.299 My Lord, just as you said that marriage presents a picture of the gospel, 00:05:13.860 --> 00:05:17.399 of the wonderful love of Jesus for his church. 00:05:17.399 --> 00:05:27.739 May people see in us a glimpse of your love in the way that husbands and wives love and serve one another. 00:05:29.060 --> 00:05:35.699 Lord, we pray today for your church, for your church here in Scotland and in the UK. 00:05:36.819 --> 00:05:41.539 Lord, especially as we're asked to pray today for rural congregations, 00:05:41.540 --> 00:05:48.600 we do remember the church in our towns and villages and small communities, 00:05:49.720 --> 00:05:52.620 perhaps places where there has been a lot of depopulation, 00:05:53.460 --> 00:05:56.360 where there may be issues of unemployment, 00:05:57.020 --> 00:05:59.259 perhaps where the church is small and fragile, 00:05:59.400 --> 00:06:04.160 where it's hard to find someone who will come and be minister there. 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:07.720 Lord, we ask that you would build up your church. 00:06:07.720 --> 00:06:11.160 Lord, we think especially of Tain and Fern, 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:14.140 up in the northeast. 00:06:15.200 --> 00:06:18.040 Lord, we thank you for Alistair Macaulay 00:06:18.040 --> 00:06:22.160 and for Andrew McLeod up there as they seek to minister. 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:27.500 Lord, we pray as they look ahead to running a Christianity Explored course shortly, 00:06:28.320 --> 00:06:33.920 may you bring to that course those who are interested to discover what Christianity is all about, 00:06:33.920 --> 00:06:36.460 who perhaps have questions about Jesus, 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:40.260 and may they come to know truth and life in him. 00:06:40.259 --> 00:06:44.659 Lord, we pray for them too as they look to build a new church building. 00:06:45.199 --> 00:06:47.019 We ask that you provide the finances, 00:06:47.659 --> 00:06:49.319 that you give the practical support, 00:06:49.759 --> 00:06:51.279 so that that would happen swiftly, 00:06:51.439 --> 00:06:54.300 that a new centre for worship might be established. 00:06:55.399 --> 00:06:59.800 Lord, we also remember the small congregation on the island of Mull, 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:01.719 over in the west. 00:07:02.079 --> 00:07:05.039 We remember them without a minister. 00:07:05.040 --> 00:07:11.800 Lord, we pray for that small fellowship that you would enable them to continue a living witness in that island. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:15.740 We pray that you would strengthen their links with Oban, 00:07:15.819 --> 00:07:18.439 that they might encourage one another. 00:07:19.640 --> 00:07:26.660 Lord, we pray that the light of the Lord Jesus would shine in that island through the lives of your people. 00:07:26.660 --> 00:07:32.800 Lord, we also want to pray as COP26 has just finished, 00:07:33.500 --> 00:07:44.320 that those outcomes and resolutions would find themselves being worked out in national policies and in business and industry. 00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:50.519 Lord, we pray that you would help governments and businesses and individuals, 00:07:50.680 --> 00:07:52.060 and we include ourselves in that, 00:07:52.159 --> 00:07:56.719 to be wise and responsible stewards of your world. 00:07:57.779 --> 00:08:02.319 I pray for richer nations like ourselves to do our part, 00:08:03.100 --> 00:08:05.600 to provide generous justice. 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:12.980 Lord, we pray for those nations that we kept hearing of who are at greatest risk. 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:16.340 Some have huge populations like Bangladesh, 00:08:16.640 --> 00:08:17.960 others like the Marshall Islands, 00:08:18.520 --> 00:08:19.700 just tens of thousands, 00:08:19.860 --> 00:08:22.480 but each individual precious to you, 00:08:22.620 --> 00:08:24.100 made in your image. 00:08:25.180 --> 00:08:27.540 Lord, we pray for them in their anxiety. 00:08:27.720 --> 00:08:31.840 We pray for them in the disasters that come so frequently. 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:34.139 Lord, may you have mercy. 00:08:34.139 --> 00:08:40.860 May you enable nations and organizations to provide help and support. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:46.159 Lord, most of all, we pray for the good news of the Lord Jesus 00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:49.360 to come to all the nations of the earth. 00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:55.000 Lord, that people would recognize our most urgent and pressing need 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:58.100 is to be right with our Creator and Savior. 00:08:58.840 --> 00:09:01.919 And so we pray for gospel work in the nations, 00:09:01.919 --> 00:09:04.659 gospel work in hard places. 00:09:05.379 --> 00:09:06.919 Lord, that there would be encouragement. 00:09:07.240 --> 00:09:09.599 Lord, that there would be people who would come to put their faith 00:09:09.599 --> 00:09:13.079 in the Lord Jesus today and to live for Him today. 00:09:14.240 --> 00:09:15.620 Lord, we remember too 00:09:15.620 --> 00:09:22.219 some of those places where it becomes evident that life is so difficult for some. 00:09:22.319 --> 00:09:25.699 We think of the border between Belarus and Poland. 00:09:25.700 --> 00:09:31.020 Lord, we think of the migrants streaming out of Venezuela. 00:09:32.160 --> 00:09:36.660 Lord, people risking everything for the sake of a better life. 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:43.040 Lord, the needs and challenges for so many in our world today are so great. 00:09:44.340 --> 00:09:46.680 Lord, we pray that you would give us compassion. 00:09:48.040 --> 00:09:50.580 Lord, that we would call on you for mercy. 00:09:50.580 --> 00:09:58.500 And again, we pray that your redeeming love, your saving love, 00:09:59.200 --> 00:10:03.680 I would come to many who find themselves in despair, 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:07.180 in dark places, in hard places today. 00:10:08.340 --> 00:10:12.060 And now, Lord, as we come again to read your word and to consider it together, 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:15.879 may you speak and may we be listening. 00:10:16.580 --> 00:10:18.800 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:10:18.799 --> 00:10:27.059 Now, can we turn in our Bibles to John chapter 10? 00:10:27.799 --> 00:10:34.039 John chapter 10 from verse 11 to verse 30. 00:10:35.579 --> 00:10:41.199 We're going to focus on verses 11 to 18, but I want to read more widely. 00:10:41.359 --> 00:10:45.539 So John 10, beginning at verse 11, where we read, 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:46.959 I am the good shepherd. 00:10:46.960 --> 00:10:50.360 The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 00:10:50.920 --> 00:10:54.400 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:58.879 So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. 00:10:59.400 --> 00:11:02.080 Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:06.340 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:08.420 I am the good shepherd. 00:11:08.419 --> 00:11:14.579 I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the father knows me and I know the father. 00:11:14.979 --> 00:11:17.240 And I lay down my life for the sheep. 00:11:17.979 --> 00:11:20.539 I have other sheep that are not of this sheepfold. 00:11:20.899 --> 00:11:22.539 I must bring them also. 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:27.459 They too will listen to my voice and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 00:11:27.460 --> 00:11:33.280 The reason my father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. 00:11:33.820 --> 00:11:37.740 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. 00:11:38.420 --> 00:11:41.759 I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. 00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:44.500 This command I received from my father. 00:11:45.420 --> 00:11:47.620 The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 00:11:48.420 --> 00:11:51.280 Many of them said he is demon possessed and raving mad. 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:51.519 Why? 00:11:51.660 --> 00:11:52.320 Listen to him. 00:11:52.320 --> 00:11:56.480 But others said, these are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. 00:11:57.240 --> 00:11:59.160 Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:03.879 Then came the festival of dedication at Jerusalem. 00:12:04.500 --> 00:12:09.080 It was winter and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon's colony. 00:12:10.040 --> 00:12:12.160 The Jews who were there gathered around him saying, 00:12:12.660 --> 00:12:14.379 How long will you keep us in suspense? 00:12:14.780 --> 00:12:17.340 If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly. 00:12:18.100 --> 00:12:20.580 Jesus answered, I did tell you, but you do not believe. 00:12:20.580 --> 00:12:24.100 The works I do in my father's name testify about me. 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:27.040 But you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:30.340 My sheep listen to my voice. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:33.340 I know them and they follow me. 00:12:33.960 --> 00:12:37.639 I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:40.720 No one will snatch them out of my hand. 00:12:41.379 --> 00:12:45.660 My father who has given them to me is greater than all. 00:12:46.340 --> 00:12:49.580 No one can snatch them out of my father's hand. 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:52.639 I and the father are one. 00:12:54.940 --> 00:12:59.100 So we're thinking about this fourth of the seven I am sayings where Jesus says, 00:12:59.420 --> 00:13:01.860 I am the good shepherd. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:05.379 But I want us to begin thinking about work. 00:13:06.560 --> 00:13:12.139 Perhaps you can remember applying for the job that you're in or applying for a new job. 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:15.759 And things that you look for will be the job spec. 00:13:16.500 --> 00:13:18.939 And most often they'll come with a character profile. 00:13:19.100 --> 00:13:22.659 And those are important because they tell us, here's what the job involves. 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:29.559 Helps us answer the question, do I have the necessary skills and experience to do this task? 00:13:29.559 --> 00:13:35.839 It's always interesting, I think, to learn about other jobs from industries that you know nothing about. 00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:43.039 To hear about different roles and responsibilities, the challenges, the burdens, the joys that come in different workplaces. 00:13:43.039 --> 00:13:54.240 And now my presumption today is that when we come to listen to Jesus talk about his being a good shepherd, 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:58.699 and we find ourselves in a global city like Edinburgh, 00:13:59.279 --> 00:14:04.500 I'm going to presume that not too many of us know too much about shepherding. 00:14:04.500 --> 00:14:08.600 Some of us do, but many of us don't. 00:14:09.220 --> 00:14:17.960 Whenever I come to this passage, I cannot help but remember my disaster in a kids' club in Manila, in the Philippines. 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:24.019 I had this extended, wonderful children's lesson on Jesus the good shepherd, 00:14:24.019 --> 00:14:27.600 only to discover they didn't know what a sheep was, they'd never seen a sheep, 00:14:28.139 --> 00:14:29.679 and we had to go right back to basics. 00:14:29.779 --> 00:14:31.360 So I'm not going to fall into that trap. 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:37.700 And what actually Jesus does for us, because we might hear Jesus say, 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:39.700 I'm the good shepherd, well that sounds really nice. 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:45.019 Maybe we've seen some Christian art and we think of peace and we think of beauty 00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:49.539 and we get all kinds of conceptions, but what Jesus does, if we listen to him, 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:54.139 is he lays out for us, here is the job spec, 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:59.220 here is the character profile of God's good shepherd. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:03.940 Here's how I have come to fulfill this role perfectly. 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:10.620 So as we study verses 10 to 18 together, we'll hear Jesus speak of his commitment, 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:19.360 of his knowledge, of his going out and seeking, and of his voluntary sacrifice. 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:25.300 So he builds up for us a true picture of what it looks like for Jesus to be the good shepherd. 00:15:25.299 --> 00:15:29.519 So it helps us learn about Jesus and his work, 00:15:30.199 --> 00:15:35.039 but I also think it's going to help us to consider our own human condition, 00:15:35.779 --> 00:15:39.500 and I also hope it'll let us learn some things about the church. 00:15:40.319 --> 00:15:44.819 So let's begin by thinking about the commitment of Jesus, the good shepherd. 00:15:45.579 --> 00:15:50.259 You can look with me at verses 11 to 13, where Jesus says, 00:15:50.259 --> 00:15:53.159 I'm the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 00:15:53.980 --> 00:15:56.799 The hired hand, not the shepherd, does not own the sheep, 00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:00.919 so when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:03.740 Last week, Jesus drew a contrast. 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:09.539 He said, there's a shepherd and there are thieves and robbers. 00:16:10.679 --> 00:16:16.580 This time, the contrast is between a hired worker and the shepherd who owns the sheep. 00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:19.700 And what's the contrast that Jesus is making? 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:25.780 He's saying there's a difference in the level of care that is extended by these two, 00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:31.540 especially when danger comes, especially when the wolves come. 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:36.180 Jesus says, only the shepherd will stand in the gap. 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:39.040 Only the shepherd will fight for his sheep. 00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:39.780 Why is that? 00:16:40.600 --> 00:16:43.160 It's because the sheep belong to him. 00:16:43.159 --> 00:16:50.399 It's because of that belonging that there is that tender care for the flock. 00:16:51.779 --> 00:16:56.439 Now, we read that wonderful promise in the Old Testament from Micah chapter 5, 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:59.959 promising a shepherd king would come. 00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:05.000 And that shepherd king would stand and he would shepherd his flock. 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:08.259 Commitment and watchfulness. 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:13.819 And the gospel writers tell us, this is speaking about Jesus. 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:23.960 We think about the commitment of Jesus anticipated in Micah and we discover our good shepherd is one who cares for his people. 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:32.879 Who protects his people, who provides for us with absolute commitment, not just when the going is good. 00:17:32.880 --> 00:17:41.120 To the extent that, as Jesus says, the good shepherd will lay down his life for his sheep. 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:48.500 Jesus, ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of his people, his flock. 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:57.240 Here is Jesus, once again, anticipating the work of Calvary and his death on the cross. 00:17:57.240 --> 00:18:00.599 So, what do we learn about Jesus? 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:04.579 Remember when Jesus says, I am, he's using the Old Testament name of God. 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:09.880 So, Jesus is saying, I am God and I am the shepherd for my people. 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:13.059 I am committed to care for my own. 00:18:13.420 --> 00:18:15.680 They belong to me and I fight for them. 00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:20.620 In the Old Testament, the great shepherd king was David. 00:18:21.620 --> 00:18:24.240 David had to fight against bears and lions. 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:26.980 And that sounds scary. 00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:27.880 That was big trouble. 00:18:28.160 --> 00:18:35.039 But King Jesus has come to face down an even greater enemy and danger. 00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:44.599 Jesus has come to save, to protect us from Satan, from sin that leads to death. 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:49.720 So, what does Jesus teach us about the human condition? 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:54.319 Imagine when he says, I'm the shepherd and we're like sheep and there's wolves. 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:57.079 Think about the animal imagery for a moment. 00:18:57.220 --> 00:19:01.600 You know, Jesus could have used another image, but he didn't. 00:19:01.640 --> 00:19:07.259 He didn't say, people are like lions, where we're an apex predator and we're strong and we have no enemies. 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:11.660 Or he could have said, people are like horses, strong and majestic. 00:19:11.900 --> 00:19:12.880 But he didn't. 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:13.819 He said, we're like sheep. 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:21.399 The Bible says, people are like sheep because we are prone to danger. 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:25.679 Here, Jesus uses wolves to point out the danger. 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:32.439 In Jesus' teaching, he talked about wolves in sheep's clothing. 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:40.360 Those false teachers who would claim to show us the way to God were without showing us Jesus. 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:47.360 Anyone claiming truth but rejecting Jesus is a wolf in sheep's clothing. 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:55.220 And so, there is that danger that the church always needs to be aware of, of false teaching and false teachers. 00:19:55.220 --> 00:20:05.620 The Bible, too, as we think a bit more widely, uses animal imagery to speak of the greater danger that we face. 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:11.380 Way back at the beginning of the Bible, Genesis chapter 4, we meet Cain and Abel, two brothers. 00:20:13.039 --> 00:20:15.980 One, Abel brings a sacrifice that God is pleased with. 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:18.299 And Cain is angry and jealous. 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:24.000 And God comes to him and says, sin is crouching at your door, ready to pound. 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:30.740 And Cain doesn't listen and Cain doesn't resist temptation and he murders his brother. 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:36.559 There is the danger of sin that crouches like an animal ready to pound. 00:20:36.680 --> 00:20:46.339 So, then 1 Peter, Peter in his letter describes the devil as being like a roaring lion, being an enemy, an adversary determined to destroy. 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:59.079 So, we need to recognize these destructive forces that are intent on destroying and recognize that without Jesus, the good shepherd, we are powerless. 00:21:00.240 --> 00:21:06.119 And we will find ourselves far from God, far from true life, far from the security that he provides. 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:18.799 And so, as we recognize that, Jesus is giving us an invitation, an opportunity to trust him, to recognize he is a committed shepherd, king, and savior. 00:21:19.919 --> 00:21:26.139 His death on the cross for sin and for sinners is evidence of his commitment to you and to me. 00:21:26.140 --> 00:21:37.520 And to think, what can we learn about the church from this section and from Jesus talking about himself as the good shepherd compared to the hired hand? 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:49.040 I think it's a reminder to us that one of the pictures that the Bible gives for a church minister or for its elders is shepherds or under shepherds. 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:52.960 We are not the shepherd. 00:21:53.639 --> 00:21:59.019 The church does not belong to a minister or to a group of elders. 00:21:59.619 --> 00:22:02.440 And that's profoundly good news. 00:22:02.879 --> 00:22:05.519 Your hope is not in human leadership. 00:22:05.659 --> 00:22:08.460 And that's good news because we will fail. 00:22:09.579 --> 00:22:10.859 But Jesus doesn't. 00:22:11.659 --> 00:22:18.079 Jesus is our good shepherd and he remains committed to caring for his church. 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:24.180 Now, let's move from there to the next section. 00:22:24.180 --> 00:22:31.819 Wonderful truths there in verse 14 and 15 when we think about the knowledge of Jesus, the good shepherd. 00:22:32.859 --> 00:22:43.879 So, if the idea of shepherding contains with it the idea of care, it makes sense that that implies relationship between sheep and shepherd. 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:45.559 We put that in human terms. 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:47.940 Think about children with parents or teachers. 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:50.680 Think about a patient with a doctor. 00:22:51.480 --> 00:23:00.600 And we understand that a good relationship, a level of trust is important for that good care to happen. 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:06.220 And Jesus talks about this wonderful relationship that he has with his people, the church. 00:23:07.080 --> 00:23:12.680 Verse 14, I am the good sheep and my sheep know me just as the Father knows me. 00:23:12.860 --> 00:23:17.500 And I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:19.980 So, let's begin with this truth. 00:23:20.320 --> 00:23:23.340 Jesus says, my sheep know me. 00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:25.619 So, here is this privilege. 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:33.199 Here is Jesus and he is God and he is saying that by faith we can know, we can enter into relationship with him. 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:36.319 And who is Jesus to us? 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:41.480 He is the one who is fully committed to saving us. 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:46.099 He is the one who has announced that he has come to give life and to give life to the fool. 00:23:46.419 --> 00:23:50.579 He is the one who has said he will give his own life to save us. 00:23:50.579 --> 00:23:54.639 And it's this God that we are invited to know. 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:57.539 We are invited into a living relationship. 00:23:57.639 --> 00:23:58.159 That's wonderful. 00:23:58.279 --> 00:23:59.980 Our God isn't distant and disconnected. 00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:02.599 We have a Savior who is personal. 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:11.779 And that relationship grows as the Father and the Son send the Spirit to live in our hearts so God himself lives within us. 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:17.259 That relationship grows as we hear him speak to us in his word. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:20.599 That relationship grows as we pray to him. 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:28.819 As we share life with the people of God, we learn from one another and we see more of Jesus in one another. 00:24:28.899 --> 00:24:38.980 And all of these ways help us to know and to grow in our knowledge and our trust and our love and our thankfulness to the Lord Jesus. 00:24:40.139 --> 00:24:42.819 It's a wonderful thing to be able to say, 00:24:44.159 --> 00:24:46.439 I know Jesus. 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:50.080 But that's not all he talks about. 00:24:50.860 --> 00:24:55.039 He has something absolutely mind-blowing to say when he says, 00:24:56.820 --> 00:25:05.059 I know my sheep and my sheep know me just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:12.759 There is something in this relationship that mirrors the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. 00:25:12.759 --> 00:25:17.980 And what do we know about that relationship between the Father and the Son? 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:22.900 We can spend hours there, but we know it's a relationship of eternal love, 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:25.500 where each delights in the other, 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:28.579 where there is intimacy. 00:25:30.339 --> 00:25:32.099 And our privilege then 00:25:32.099 --> 00:25:39.039 is to be brought into the overflow of that eternal love and delight. 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:45.480 Jesus knows us and loves us and takes delight in us. 00:25:47.399 --> 00:25:50.299 Here we're brought to the very heartbeat of the gospel. 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:53.440 We know Jesus 00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:56.420 because he knows us. 00:25:57.259 --> 00:26:01.119 We love Jesus because he first loved us 00:26:01.119 --> 00:26:03.359 and gave his life to rescue us, 00:26:03.720 --> 00:26:06.440 to bring us to himself. 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:10.920 Jesus is teaching us some wonderful things about himself. 00:26:11.080 --> 00:26:15.720 He's teaching us that he is in the closest possible relationship with God the Father. 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:19.759 Jesus is not just another teacher. 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:23.220 He's not just a religious leader. 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:26.200 He is the very Son of God, 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:30.960 the one who has come to reveal God and his glory to us. 00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:33.840 But not only that, 00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:39.519 Jesus is also in the closest possible relationship with his people. 00:26:41.380 --> 00:26:43.420 It's a wonderful thing about the gospel 00:26:43.420 --> 00:26:47.299 that we can say that Jesus knows us. 00:26:47.500 --> 00:26:48.620 He knows us inside out. 00:26:48.700 --> 00:26:50.700 He knows us better than we know ourselves. 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:53.240 That includes all our sin, 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:54.039 all our shame, 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:55.000 all our issues, 00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:55.900 and 00:26:55.900 --> 00:26:58.960 is pleased to love us, 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:01.900 is pleased to give us grace. 00:27:03.160 --> 00:27:05.519 When we would want to run in shame 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:07.000 and hide away, 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:09.720 Jesus comes to seek us and find us 00:27:09.720 --> 00:27:10.900 and to welcome us home. 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:15.900 When we think about ourselves as people, 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:18.800 doesn't this relationship that Jesus extends to us, 00:27:18.840 --> 00:27:21.980 doesn't that meet the very deepest longing that we have in our hearts? 00:27:22.860 --> 00:27:25.480 That longing to be truly known by someone 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:28.160 and to be accepted by them, 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:32.120 and to be loved with that kind of love? 00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:34.859 And here is Jesus saying, 00:27:34.959 --> 00:27:38.019 I give you that invitation to the love we're all looking for. 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:41.019 He invites us all the way in. 00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:44.359 Here is one relationship that will never disappoint, 00:27:45.299 --> 00:27:48.939 where that love will never be removed for all eternity. 00:27:51.959 --> 00:27:54.259 And then as we think about that as the people of God, 00:27:54.319 --> 00:27:56.759 what do we learn about our life as the church? 00:27:56.839 --> 00:28:00.439 Don't we learn that we have the most wonderful privilege in all the world? 00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:04.440 That here we have in Jesus the promise of security 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:07.019 when perhaps others let us down. 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:12.940 Here is the promise of one who will be right beside us 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:15.940 to comfort us when perhaps we feel all alone in the world. 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:19.920 Here is reason to give thanks and to worship 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:23.720 because of the knowledge of Jesus, the good shepherd. 00:28:27.240 --> 00:28:28.759 Let's see where he goes next. 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:30.400 Look at verse 16 with me. 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:34.160 And think about the seeking of Jesus the good shepherd. 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:36.500 He says there, 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:39.259 I have other sheep that are not of this sheepfold. 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:41.660 I must bring them also. 00:28:42.440 --> 00:28:44.000 They too will listen to my voice, 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:46.920 and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:50.200 So our picture changes again. 00:28:50.360 --> 00:28:52.440 We have a sheepfold, 00:28:52.860 --> 00:28:55.120 and there is security there. 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:57.399 But the shepherd is not there. 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:59.199 There is a flock that is already gathered, 00:28:59.299 --> 00:29:01.079 but our shepherd, he is on the move, isn't he? 00:29:02.119 --> 00:29:04.199 He is on the lookout for others. 00:29:04.299 --> 00:29:08.139 He is going out to find still others to bring them in. 00:29:08.179 --> 00:29:09.779 And this speaks to the mission of Jesus. 00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:13.319 In the setting, 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:15.839 Jesus is saying to us, 00:29:15.899 --> 00:29:18.379 he's not just come as a savior for the people of Israel. 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:20.160 He's not just come to be a savior for the Jews. 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:22.500 That would be too small a thing, the Bible says. 00:29:23.139 --> 00:29:25.960 Rather, he's come to be good news for the whole world. 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:29.259 Now, this is very different from the teaching 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:31.299 and the mindset of a lot of the religious leaders 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:33.920 who are very sort of narrow. 00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:35.759 We are the people of God, 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:37.160 and we need to hold on to that identity. 00:29:37.340 --> 00:29:39.279 Jesus recognizes his grace. 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:41.940 God's grace extends beyond those boundaries. 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:45.819 Notice too, when it comes to the mission of Jesus, 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:49.319 the effectiveness of this mission. 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:51.200 Jesus says, 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:52.200 I must bring them, 00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:53.960 and they will listen, 00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:56.900 and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 00:29:57.519 --> 00:30:00.180 Jesus is in control. 00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:03.960 Therefore, his mission is certain. 00:30:04.700 --> 00:30:05.460 That's good news. 00:30:05.860 --> 00:30:06.759 And we'll think about that. 00:30:07.079 --> 00:30:08.920 So Jesus, the seeking shepherd, 00:30:09.700 --> 00:30:11.559 he fulfills the mission of God. 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:17.000 A very quick survey of the story of the Bible 00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:20.940 shows us that at the heart of the story of salvation, 00:30:20.940 --> 00:30:26.160 it is God seeking to bring sinners to himself 00:30:26.160 --> 00:30:29.080 through his chosen one. 00:30:29.680 --> 00:30:31.360 So back in Genesis chapter 3, 00:30:31.860 --> 00:30:35.720 after Adam and Eve sin and rebel against God in the garden, 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:37.680 they're given a great promise 00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:40.759 that one of their seed would come, 00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:42.440 and he would crush the head of the serpent. 00:30:42.600 --> 00:30:45.200 This seed would come and win a great victory, 00:30:45.559 --> 00:30:47.320 though it would come at suffering to himself. 00:30:47.319 --> 00:30:49.179 We think about the cross, 00:30:49.220 --> 00:30:51.000 and we see that fulfilled there with Jesus. 00:30:52.399 --> 00:30:55.220 And then that promise to Abraham in Genesis 12, 00:30:56.059 --> 00:30:58.899 that one of his seed would bring blessing to the nations. 00:31:00.659 --> 00:31:02.000 And Jesus comes, 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:05.259 and he announces that he's good news to the nations. 00:31:05.359 --> 00:31:07.119 He is the fulfillment of that great promise. 00:31:08.079 --> 00:31:09.439 Again, towards the end of the Old Testament, 00:31:09.539 --> 00:31:10.939 we have Isaiah announcing 00:31:10.939 --> 00:31:15.099 God's chosen one as light to the nations, 00:31:15.099 --> 00:31:17.039 as salvation to the nations, 00:31:17.139 --> 00:31:18.740 and that's picked up in the Gospels, 00:31:18.959 --> 00:31:21.480 because the Gospel writers recognize, 00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:23.719 and Jesus declares that he is that light, 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:26.019 he is that hope of salvation. 00:31:27.119 --> 00:31:28.619 We hear Jesus saying he's come 00:31:28.619 --> 00:31:30.639 to seek and to save the lost. 00:31:30.699 --> 00:31:31.859 He picks up that image. 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:35.199 And we have him in Acts chapter 1, verse 8, 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:37.299 just before returning to the glory of heaven, 00:31:37.719 --> 00:31:38.719 saying to his disciples, 00:31:38.839 --> 00:31:39.259 the apostles, 00:31:39.419 --> 00:31:40.839 you'll be my witnesses in Jerusalem, 00:31:41.399 --> 00:31:42.240 Judea and Samaria, 00:31:42.319 --> 00:31:43.159 and to the ends of the earth. 00:31:43.160 --> 00:31:44.920 It's not just for a few, 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:45.600 it's for many. 00:31:46.440 --> 00:31:47.880 And then we get to the very end of the Bible, 00:31:48.040 --> 00:31:49.340 Revelation chapter 7, 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:50.019 in verse 9, 00:31:50.080 --> 00:31:51.340 we get this wonderful picture 00:31:51.340 --> 00:31:53.980 of worshipers from every tribe, 00:31:54.060 --> 00:31:54.980 from every people, 00:31:55.180 --> 00:31:56.340 and every language, 00:31:56.440 --> 00:31:58.960 and they're gathered around the throne of God 00:31:58.960 --> 00:31:59.980 and of the Lamb. 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:00.820 And that's the point 00:32:00.820 --> 00:32:03.580 where the seeking and the saving is complete. 00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:05.320 But up until that point, 00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:06.759 until the return of Jesus, 00:32:06.860 --> 00:32:08.040 that mission continued, 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:09.800 Jesus is still, 00:32:10.320 --> 00:32:11.320 through his word, 00:32:11.319 --> 00:32:12.179 through his spirit, 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:13.099 by his church, 00:32:13.419 --> 00:32:14.399 seeking and saving 00:32:14.399 --> 00:32:16.159 to bring people in. 00:32:18.399 --> 00:32:20.619 And that says something to us today, 00:32:20.779 --> 00:32:22.419 especially if you're not a Christian, 00:32:22.539 --> 00:32:23.460 here today, 00:32:24.399 --> 00:32:25.339 it says that today 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:26.599 is a day of opportunity, 00:32:26.599 --> 00:32:29.119 a day of invitation. 00:32:30.559 --> 00:32:32.700 Here is the voice of Jesus, 00:32:32.859 --> 00:32:33.799 the good shepherd, 00:32:35.059 --> 00:32:36.659 calling to us in the gospel, 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:37.000 saying, 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:38.819 I have lived the perfect life 00:32:38.819 --> 00:32:39.819 that you could never live. 00:32:39.940 --> 00:32:41.700 I've died in your place for your sin. 00:32:41.819 --> 00:32:45.059 I've risen for your salvation. 00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:48.220 Were you trusting? 00:32:50.799 --> 00:32:53.819 Today, do you know your needs of Jesus? 00:32:53.980 --> 00:32:55.759 Are you aware that all is not well 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:57.640 between you and God because of sin? 00:32:58.920 --> 00:32:59.740 Let me encourage you, 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:01.779 don't let anything hold you back. 00:33:02.440 --> 00:33:04.799 Don't put it off for a more convenient day, 00:33:04.799 --> 00:33:07.599 but rather believe in Jesus today. 00:33:08.980 --> 00:33:11.440 Join the flock of God today 00:33:11.440 --> 00:33:14.139 by trusting in Jesus. 00:33:16.619 --> 00:33:18.799 Verse 16 also has something really important 00:33:18.799 --> 00:33:21.159 to say to us as a church. 00:33:22.159 --> 00:33:22.779 It says, 00:33:23.000 --> 00:33:24.419 here is the mission of Jesus, 00:33:25.240 --> 00:33:27.039 to go out and to seek and save 00:33:27.039 --> 00:33:28.200 and bring people in. 00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:31.200 That means the mission of the church 00:33:31.200 --> 00:33:33.039 has to be that same mission. 00:33:34.799 --> 00:33:36.700 That God's plan for the world 00:33:36.700 --> 00:33:40.700 should lead us to prioritize mission. 00:33:43.259 --> 00:33:45.500 For those of us who are members of this church, 00:33:45.579 --> 00:33:47.079 perhaps if you get the news sheet, 00:33:47.139 --> 00:33:48.000 you may have noticed 00:33:48.000 --> 00:33:49.599 that we have just recently decided 00:33:49.599 --> 00:33:51.399 to set up a mission support fund 00:33:51.399 --> 00:33:53.460 where we want to set aside 00:33:53.460 --> 00:33:55.599 a significant amount of our money 00:33:55.599 --> 00:33:56.960 every year 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:58.879 to support people involved in mission 00:33:58.879 --> 00:34:01.740 locally and nationally around Scotland 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:02.839 and internationally. 00:34:02.839 --> 00:34:05.720 And we do that because we believe 00:34:05.720 --> 00:34:06.679 that that's the mission of God. 00:34:06.759 --> 00:34:08.199 That's what God would want us to do 00:34:08.199 --> 00:34:10.239 as his church. 00:34:11.860 --> 00:34:13.739 This week I came across a book 00:34:13.739 --> 00:34:15.119 called the St. Andrews Seven. 00:34:15.920 --> 00:34:17.940 And it's a story about mission. 00:34:18.639 --> 00:34:19.440 Thomas Chalmers, 00:34:19.739 --> 00:34:20.739 one of the founding fathers 00:34:20.739 --> 00:34:21.460 of the free church 00:34:21.460 --> 00:34:23.659 in the 1820s, 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:26.179 was teaching in St. Andrews University. 00:34:26.179 --> 00:34:28.599 And the book of St. Andrews Seven 00:34:28.599 --> 00:34:30.879 tells the story of seven of the best 00:34:30.879 --> 00:34:31.500 and the brightest 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:33.440 who were training for ministry, 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:36.279 but as they were in this Bible college, 00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:38.059 they decided that the best thing 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:38.980 for them to do, 00:34:39.239 --> 00:34:40.719 as they felt God's call on their life, 00:34:40.779 --> 00:34:42.440 was to leave Scotland behind 00:34:42.440 --> 00:34:44.039 and to go to India, 00:34:44.799 --> 00:34:46.819 one of the great mission fields at the time. 00:34:46.859 --> 00:34:49.159 And they gave 141 years combined 00:34:49.159 --> 00:34:50.179 of their life 00:34:50.179 --> 00:34:54.179 to extend God's kingdom in India. 00:34:54.179 --> 00:34:57.839 And it's because of verses like this. 00:34:59.219 --> 00:35:02.299 It's because of the mission of Jesus. 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:03.899 I have other sheep 00:35:03.899 --> 00:35:05.199 that are not of this sheepfold. 00:35:05.319 --> 00:35:07.099 I must bring them also. 00:35:08.219 --> 00:35:09.619 They too will listen to my voice 00:35:09.619 --> 00:35:10.559 and there shall be one flock 00:35:10.559 --> 00:35:11.259 and one shepherd. 00:35:11.659 --> 00:35:12.259 Here is the hope 00:35:12.259 --> 00:35:13.299 and the power for mission. 00:35:13.779 --> 00:35:14.759 The call of Jesus 00:35:14.759 --> 00:35:16.059 is what makes mission possible. 00:35:16.500 --> 00:35:18.339 There are still others 00:35:18.339 --> 00:35:19.879 to be brought in. 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:21.219 Until Jesus returns, 00:35:21.339 --> 00:35:21.919 there are still others 00:35:21.919 --> 00:35:22.699 to be brought in. 00:35:24.179 --> 00:35:26.339 And they are scattered in the world. 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:27.440 Jesus said, 00:35:27.460 --> 00:35:28.579 they're not in the flock already, 00:35:28.619 --> 00:35:29.480 so we need to go 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:30.199 and we need to bring 00:35:30.199 --> 00:35:31.579 the good news to them. 00:35:33.339 --> 00:35:34.379 And our confidence 00:35:34.379 --> 00:35:35.940 isn't rooted in ourselves. 00:35:36.019 --> 00:35:37.480 It's the fact that the Lord Jesus 00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:38.759 has committed 00:35:38.759 --> 00:35:40.679 to bring them home. 00:35:41.339 --> 00:35:42.519 And if he brings 00:35:42.519 --> 00:35:43.659 and if he calls, 00:35:43.919 --> 00:35:45.000 they will listen 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:46.539 and they will come. 00:35:47.399 --> 00:35:49.099 So we have this wonderful confidence 00:35:49.099 --> 00:35:51.379 as we go in mission locally, 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:53.000 nationally, internationally. 00:35:53.000 --> 00:35:54.820 Because we're going 00:35:54.820 --> 00:35:55.940 on the mission of God. 00:35:56.760 --> 00:35:57.880 We're going on the mission 00:35:57.880 --> 00:35:58.519 of Jesus, 00:35:59.079 --> 00:36:00.960 the seeking Savior. 00:36:02.519 --> 00:36:04.340 One last thing to notice 00:36:04.340 --> 00:36:05.539 from our verses. 00:36:06.360 --> 00:36:07.260 So important. 00:36:07.599 --> 00:36:08.440 The sacrifice 00:36:08.440 --> 00:36:10.320 of Jesus, 00:36:10.840 --> 00:36:11.599 the good shepherd. 00:36:11.820 --> 00:36:12.480 Verse 17. 00:36:12.480 --> 00:36:15.599 The reason my Father loves me 00:36:15.599 --> 00:36:17.880 is that I lay down my life 00:36:17.880 --> 00:36:18.980 only to take it up again. 00:36:20.179 --> 00:36:21.699 No one takes it from me, 00:36:22.219 --> 00:36:23.260 but I lay it down 00:36:23.260 --> 00:36:24.119 of my own accord. 00:36:24.400 --> 00:36:25.059 I have authority 00:36:25.059 --> 00:36:25.940 to lay it down 00:36:25.940 --> 00:36:27.559 and authority 00:36:27.559 --> 00:36:29.639 to take it up again. 00:36:30.360 --> 00:36:31.320 So at this point 00:36:31.320 --> 00:36:32.119 in the Gospels, 00:36:32.280 --> 00:36:34.320 Jesus is more than aware 00:36:34.320 --> 00:36:35.840 that there are enemies 00:36:35.840 --> 00:36:37.300 who are plotting against him. 00:36:38.099 --> 00:36:39.960 That he's been facing rejection 00:36:39.960 --> 00:36:41.159 and opposition 00:36:41.159 --> 00:36:42.380 and he knows 00:36:42.380 --> 00:36:43.420 that they are conspiring 00:36:43.420 --> 00:36:44.139 to kill him. 00:36:44.220 --> 00:36:44.840 But the point 00:36:44.840 --> 00:36:45.920 that he makes 00:36:45.920 --> 00:36:47.220 to his enemies 00:36:47.220 --> 00:36:47.780 is to say, 00:36:47.980 --> 00:36:50.099 you can't take my life 00:36:50.099 --> 00:36:50.679 from me. 00:36:51.960 --> 00:36:53.940 You don't set the timetable 00:36:53.940 --> 00:36:56.280 because my Father dies. 00:36:57.639 --> 00:36:58.679 Even when Jesus 00:36:58.679 --> 00:36:59.599 is arrested 00:36:59.599 --> 00:37:01.059 and he's on trial, 00:37:01.159 --> 00:37:01.619 he says, 00:37:02.240 --> 00:37:03.420 you would have no power 00:37:03.420 --> 00:37:05.639 unless God my Father 00:37:05.639 --> 00:37:06.240 was pleased 00:37:06.240 --> 00:37:07.159 to give it to you. 00:37:07.820 --> 00:37:08.740 Here is Jesus. 00:37:08.739 --> 00:37:09.500 I am, 00:37:09.579 --> 00:37:10.079 he is God 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:11.500 and he is total authority 00:37:11.500 --> 00:37:13.339 and with that total authority, 00:37:13.479 --> 00:37:14.279 what's he going to do? 00:37:15.519 --> 00:37:16.779 He says he's going to lay down 00:37:16.779 --> 00:37:17.659 his life 00:37:17.659 --> 00:37:19.199 for his sheep. 00:37:20.179 --> 00:37:22.479 He's going to sacrifice himself 00:37:22.479 --> 00:37:23.119 and 00:37:23.119 --> 00:37:25.459 he's going to take that life 00:37:25.459 --> 00:37:26.139 back up again 00:37:26.139 --> 00:37:26.799 in resurrection. 00:37:28.959 --> 00:37:30.039 And he does it 00:37:30.039 --> 00:37:31.219 to obey 00:37:31.219 --> 00:37:32.639 his Father's command. 00:37:34.099 --> 00:37:35.799 So Jesus knows, 00:37:36.799 --> 00:37:38.039 comes into the world, 00:37:38.039 --> 00:37:39.480 he knows that the cross 00:37:39.480 --> 00:37:40.880 is vital 00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:41.759 and fundamental 00:37:41.759 --> 00:37:43.279 to God's eternal plan 00:37:43.279 --> 00:37:43.980 of salvation. 00:37:45.900 --> 00:37:47.139 He knows, too, 00:37:47.199 --> 00:37:48.000 that the cross 00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:49.779 represents a fulfillment 00:37:49.779 --> 00:37:50.579 of Scripture. 00:37:52.199 --> 00:37:53.099 Scripture was always 00:37:53.099 --> 00:37:53.800 preparing 00:37:53.800 --> 00:37:55.500 for the reality 00:37:55.500 --> 00:37:56.460 that a perfect, 00:37:56.900 --> 00:37:58.179 voluntary sacrifice 00:37:58.179 --> 00:37:59.320 must be given. 00:38:00.320 --> 00:38:01.219 Not of an animal, 00:38:01.320 --> 00:38:02.559 but of a perfect person. 00:38:03.300 --> 00:38:04.199 A substitute 00:38:04.199 --> 00:38:05.460 who would wash 00:38:05.460 --> 00:38:06.460 his people clean 00:38:06.460 --> 00:38:06.960 from sin 00:38:06.960 --> 00:38:07.840 once and for all, 00:38:07.900 --> 00:38:08.720 who would end 00:38:08.720 --> 00:38:10.260 slavery to sin, 00:38:10.420 --> 00:38:11.079 who would give 00:38:11.079 --> 00:38:11.980 new life 00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:13.240 through his life 00:38:13.240 --> 00:38:13.980 given. 00:38:14.579 --> 00:38:15.619 And Jesus knows 00:38:15.619 --> 00:38:16.480 that he has come 00:38:16.480 --> 00:38:17.260 to fulfill 00:38:17.260 --> 00:38:18.420 that role. 00:38:20.619 --> 00:38:21.519 What is Jesus 00:38:21.519 --> 00:38:22.260 saying to us 00:38:22.260 --> 00:38:22.960 about himself 00:38:22.960 --> 00:38:23.800 and about his death 00:38:23.800 --> 00:38:24.199 here? 00:38:24.900 --> 00:38:25.260 He's saying, 00:38:25.360 --> 00:38:25.820 when we think about 00:38:25.820 --> 00:38:26.280 the cross, 00:38:26.340 --> 00:38:27.179 we are not to think 00:38:27.179 --> 00:38:27.679 of Jesus 00:38:27.679 --> 00:38:28.900 as a helpless victim. 00:38:30.320 --> 00:38:31.480 We're not to think 00:38:31.480 --> 00:38:32.019 of the cross 00:38:32.019 --> 00:38:32.840 as an accident 00:38:32.840 --> 00:38:33.519 of fate 00:38:33.519 --> 00:38:34.480 and circumstance. 00:38:35.980 --> 00:38:36.900 We're not to think 00:38:36.900 --> 00:38:37.460 of the cross 00:38:37.460 --> 00:38:38.239 as the waste 00:38:38.239 --> 00:38:39.280 of a good life, 00:38:39.759 --> 00:38:41.059 one who died young 00:38:41.059 --> 00:38:42.219 and could have done 00:38:42.219 --> 00:38:43.039 so much more. 00:38:43.280 --> 00:38:43.719 Rather, 00:38:43.860 --> 00:38:44.559 we are to think 00:38:44.559 --> 00:38:44.800 of it, 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:45.840 of the self-giving 00:38:45.840 --> 00:38:47.119 sacrifice of Jesus 00:38:47.119 --> 00:38:48.400 in order to save 00:38:48.400 --> 00:38:49.699 his sheep. 00:38:51.059 --> 00:38:52.159 We are to see 00:38:52.159 --> 00:38:52.960 in the cross 00:38:52.960 --> 00:38:54.039 the demonstration 00:38:54.039 --> 00:38:55.199 of the love 00:38:55.199 --> 00:38:56.039 of God. 00:38:57.679 --> 00:38:58.500 Here is Jesus, 00:38:58.659 --> 00:38:59.679 the Son of God, 00:38:59.679 --> 00:39:01.480 willing to bear 00:39:01.480 --> 00:39:02.219 our sin, 00:39:03.440 --> 00:39:04.359 willing to take 00:39:04.359 --> 00:39:05.019 our place 00:39:05.019 --> 00:39:05.699 to suffer 00:39:05.699 --> 00:39:06.879 God's wrath 00:39:06.879 --> 00:39:09.119 as the only way 00:39:09.119 --> 00:39:11.039 to save us. 00:39:12.799 --> 00:39:13.679 In the teaching 00:39:13.679 --> 00:39:14.419 of Jesus here, 00:39:14.460 --> 00:39:15.319 he's saying something 00:39:15.319 --> 00:39:17.500 about our human 00:39:17.500 --> 00:39:18.500 condition that really 00:39:18.500 --> 00:39:19.219 humbles us 00:39:19.219 --> 00:39:20.940 or should humble us 00:39:20.940 --> 00:39:21.879 when we consider it. 00:39:23.000 --> 00:39:23.779 Blaise Pascal, 00:39:24.460 --> 00:39:25.419 the mathematician, 00:39:26.599 --> 00:39:27.699 said helpfully, 00:39:27.819 --> 00:39:28.019 I think, 00:39:28.419 --> 00:39:29.440 the incarnation, 00:39:29.679 --> 00:39:30.819 the coming of Jesus 00:39:30.819 --> 00:39:31.879 into our world, 00:39:31.940 --> 00:39:32.559 the incarnation, 00:39:33.379 --> 00:39:34.239 shows man 00:39:34.239 --> 00:39:35.659 the greatness 00:39:35.659 --> 00:39:38.299 of his wretchedness 00:39:38.299 --> 00:39:40.779 through the greatness 00:39:40.779 --> 00:39:42.919 of the remedy 00:39:42.919 --> 00:39:44.219 provided. 00:39:46.799 --> 00:39:47.579 In other words, 00:39:47.639 --> 00:39:48.759 what Pascal is saying, 00:39:48.899 --> 00:39:50.179 that we may be tempted 00:39:50.179 --> 00:39:51.619 to think that our sin 00:39:51.619 --> 00:39:52.940 is no big deal. 00:39:55.500 --> 00:39:56.379 So long as it doesn't 00:39:56.379 --> 00:39:56.940 hurt anyone, 00:39:57.039 --> 00:39:57.539 so long as it doesn't 00:39:57.539 --> 00:39:58.059 get us in jail, 00:39:58.099 --> 00:39:58.579 no big deal. 00:39:58.579 --> 00:39:59.799 Perhaps we may be 00:39:59.799 --> 00:40:00.539 tempted to think 00:40:00.539 --> 00:40:01.519 that our needs 00:40:01.519 --> 00:40:02.380 of God 00:40:02.380 --> 00:40:03.279 and his salvation 00:40:03.279 --> 00:40:05.079 are no big deal. 00:40:05.179 --> 00:40:06.259 We perhaps wouldn't 00:40:06.259 --> 00:40:07.299 appreciate just how 00:40:07.299 --> 00:40:08.159 desperate our condition 00:40:08.159 --> 00:40:09.619 is until 00:40:09.619 --> 00:40:12.840 we look at the cross, 00:40:13.840 --> 00:40:16.440 until we see that remedy. 00:40:16.599 --> 00:40:17.739 The only way for us 00:40:17.739 --> 00:40:18.340 to be saved 00:40:18.340 --> 00:40:18.819 and forgiven 00:40:18.819 --> 00:40:19.880 and to have peace 00:40:19.880 --> 00:40:20.500 with God 00:40:20.500 --> 00:40:21.739 is if Jesus, 00:40:21.880 --> 00:40:22.619 the Son of God, 00:40:22.659 --> 00:40:23.799 will give his life 00:40:23.800 --> 00:40:26.560 in place of us. 00:40:28.019 --> 00:40:29.000 So as we look 00:40:29.000 --> 00:40:29.560 at the cross, 00:40:29.620 --> 00:40:30.539 as we look 00:40:30.539 --> 00:40:31.480 at the cost 00:40:31.480 --> 00:40:32.500 to Jesus 00:40:32.500 --> 00:40:33.080 to bring us 00:40:33.080 --> 00:40:33.720 home to God, 00:40:33.760 --> 00:40:34.560 that we understand 00:40:34.560 --> 00:40:35.360 our desperate 00:40:35.360 --> 00:40:36.500 situation 00:40:36.500 --> 00:40:37.800 and we understand 00:40:37.800 --> 00:40:38.480 how great 00:40:38.480 --> 00:40:39.580 is God's salvation. 00:40:43.060 --> 00:40:44.160 What do we learn 00:40:44.160 --> 00:40:46.039 too about the church? 00:40:46.539 --> 00:40:47.580 As we think about 00:40:47.580 --> 00:40:49.080 this whole image 00:40:49.080 --> 00:40:49.660 of Jesus, 00:40:49.820 --> 00:40:50.519 the Good Shepherd, 00:40:50.640 --> 00:40:51.420 don't we understand 00:40:51.420 --> 00:40:52.220 that we are only 00:40:52.220 --> 00:40:53.440 in God's flock 00:40:53.440 --> 00:40:54.480 by God's grace 00:40:54.480 --> 00:40:55.420 so it's never a case 00:40:55.420 --> 00:40:56.079 for pride, 00:40:56.220 --> 00:40:59.039 rather grateful worship. 00:41:01.240 --> 00:41:02.760 If we belong to Jesus, 00:41:02.880 --> 00:41:03.920 it's because of the love 00:41:03.920 --> 00:41:04.480 of God. 00:41:05.240 --> 00:41:05.920 It's because of the 00:41:05.920 --> 00:41:07.139 obedience of the Son. 00:41:07.579 --> 00:41:08.220 It's because of that 00:41:08.220 --> 00:41:09.740 effective call of Jesus 00:41:09.740 --> 00:41:10.740 to us. 00:41:10.780 --> 00:41:11.599 It's because Jesus 00:41:11.599 --> 00:41:12.159 knows us. 00:41:12.240 --> 00:41:13.019 It's because Jesus 00:41:13.019 --> 00:41:14.639 chose to lay down 00:41:14.639 --> 00:41:16.720 his life for us. 00:41:18.539 --> 00:41:20.280 So our hymn of praise 00:41:20.280 --> 00:41:22.780 should be forever Jesus. 00:41:24.860 --> 00:41:25.740 Let's ask God 00:41:25.740 --> 00:41:26.840 to fill our hearts 00:41:26.840 --> 00:41:27.400 and our minds 00:41:27.400 --> 00:41:28.680 with that sense 00:41:28.680 --> 00:41:30.340 of gratitude 00:41:30.340 --> 00:41:31.780 for grace received. 00:41:33.220 --> 00:41:34.040 That it would give us 00:41:34.040 --> 00:41:34.760 a sense of joy, 00:41:34.880 --> 00:41:35.600 it would give us security, 00:41:35.740 --> 00:41:36.460 it would give us hope 00:41:36.460 --> 00:41:37.000 for the future, 00:41:37.080 --> 00:41:38.019 it would give us a sense 00:41:38.019 --> 00:41:39.760 of our mission 00:41:39.760 --> 00:41:41.760 as the people of God. 00:41:43.280 --> 00:41:44.300 So we spent a couple 00:41:44.300 --> 00:41:44.900 of weeks 00:41:44.900 --> 00:41:46.620 in John chapter 10 00:41:46.620 --> 00:41:47.940 thinking around 00:41:47.940 --> 00:41:49.040 the issue of Jesus, 00:41:49.039 --> 00:41:49.920 the good shepherd. 00:41:50.039 --> 00:41:50.880 And in light of all 00:41:50.880 --> 00:41:51.599 that we've seen, 00:41:51.659 --> 00:41:52.719 I guess the question 00:41:52.719 --> 00:41:53.920 as we finish would be, 00:41:55.059 --> 00:41:55.960 what other shepherd 00:41:55.960 --> 00:41:56.940 would we want 00:41:56.940 --> 00:41:58.039 in our lives? 00:41:58.279 --> 00:41:59.559 Who else would we want 00:41:59.559 --> 00:42:01.119 to lead us 00:42:01.119 --> 00:42:02.380 and to provide for us, 00:42:02.420 --> 00:42:03.000 to guide us, 00:42:03.039 --> 00:42:04.159 to care for us? 00:42:04.460 --> 00:42:05.639 Who else can offer 00:42:05.639 --> 00:42:07.199 this safety and security? 00:42:07.420 --> 00:42:08.219 Who else can give us 00:42:08.219 --> 00:42:09.440 life like Jesus? 00:42:09.440 --> 00:42:09.760 us. 00:42:12.440 --> 00:42:13.079 We could, 00:42:13.139 --> 00:42:14.019 and often we can 00:42:14.019 --> 00:42:14.480 and do, 00:42:14.599 --> 00:42:15.200 look elsewhere. 00:42:15.320 --> 00:42:16.440 We look into ourselves, 00:42:16.559 --> 00:42:17.460 we look to a career 00:42:17.460 --> 00:42:18.659 or education 00:42:18.659 --> 00:42:19.980 or to performance 00:42:19.980 --> 00:42:20.980 of various kinds 00:42:20.980 --> 00:42:21.619 and we think, 00:42:21.720 --> 00:42:22.840 that's going to give us 00:42:22.840 --> 00:42:23.740 security and joy 00:42:23.740 --> 00:42:24.720 and peace and hope. 00:42:26.940 --> 00:42:27.300 Friends, 00:42:27.340 --> 00:42:28.139 why would we? 00:42:28.740 --> 00:42:29.380 When we think about 00:42:29.380 --> 00:42:30.360 what Jesus has said 00:42:30.360 --> 00:42:30.820 about himself 00:42:30.820 --> 00:42:31.460 and what Jesus 00:42:31.460 --> 00:42:32.400 has done for us, 00:42:32.440 --> 00:42:33.019 he is Jesus 00:42:33.019 --> 00:42:33.980 and he is God. 00:42:35.079 --> 00:42:35.260 He said, 00:42:35.320 --> 00:42:35.940 I'll give you all 00:42:35.940 --> 00:42:36.360 that I need 00:42:36.360 --> 00:42:37.380 and he gives himself. 00:42:38.840 --> 00:42:39.380 He says, 00:42:39.460 --> 00:42:40.220 I will save you 00:42:40.220 --> 00:42:41.300 and protect you 00:42:41.300 --> 00:42:43.360 and he goes 00:42:43.360 --> 00:42:44.620 to the furthest length 00:42:44.620 --> 00:42:45.599 he dies for us 00:42:45.599 --> 00:42:46.320 to prove it. 00:42:48.059 --> 00:42:48.780 He is the one 00:42:48.780 --> 00:42:49.340 who can bring us 00:42:49.340 --> 00:42:49.940 into life, 00:42:50.140 --> 00:42:51.220 into life eternal. 00:42:51.460 --> 00:42:52.280 So the call again 00:42:52.280 --> 00:42:53.200 is to listen 00:42:53.200 --> 00:42:55.140 and to believe 00:42:55.140 --> 00:42:57.180 Jesus when he says, 00:42:57.320 --> 00:42:58.440 I am the good shepherd 00:42:58.440 --> 00:43:00.180 and the good shepherd 00:43:00.180 --> 00:43:01.320 lays down his life 00:43:01.320 --> 00:43:02.960 for the sheep. 00:43:03.960 --> 00:43:04.920 Let's pray together. 00:43:06.360 --> 00:43:10.599 Our Father in heaven, 00:43:10.820 --> 00:43:11.660 we thank you 00:43:11.660 --> 00:43:13.280 for this wonderful chapter 00:43:13.280 --> 00:43:15.180 from your word 00:43:15.180 --> 00:43:16.780 and we thank you 00:43:16.780 --> 00:43:17.820 for all it reveals 00:43:17.820 --> 00:43:19.320 about the work 00:43:19.320 --> 00:43:20.240 and the character 00:43:20.240 --> 00:43:20.840 of Jesus, 00:43:21.000 --> 00:43:21.680 the good shepherd. 00:43:22.640 --> 00:43:23.320 Thank you 00:43:23.320 --> 00:43:24.660 for his commitment 00:43:24.660 --> 00:43:27.019 to his church, 00:43:28.180 --> 00:43:29.260 his promise 00:43:29.260 --> 00:43:30.780 to protect 00:43:30.780 --> 00:43:32.099 and to guard us 00:43:32.099 --> 00:43:33.660 and to bring us 00:43:33.660 --> 00:43:34.920 home to glory. 00:43:34.920 --> 00:43:37.039 We thank you 00:43:37.039 --> 00:43:37.820 for the wonderful 00:43:37.820 --> 00:43:40.360 knowledge of Jesus. 00:43:40.500 --> 00:43:40.760 Thank you 00:43:40.760 --> 00:43:41.840 that we can know him 00:43:41.840 --> 00:43:42.740 and thank you 00:43:42.740 --> 00:43:45.079 that he knows us. 00:43:45.360 --> 00:43:45.720 Thank you 00:43:45.720 --> 00:43:46.260 that we're brought 00:43:46.260 --> 00:43:48.760 into that perfect, 00:43:49.260 --> 00:43:50.619 loving relationship 00:43:50.619 --> 00:43:51.639 and fellowship 00:43:51.639 --> 00:43:53.159 with the living God 00:43:53.159 --> 00:43:54.780 through Jesus, 00:43:54.940 --> 00:43:55.720 our good shepherd. 00:43:57.619 --> 00:43:58.260 Lord, 00:43:58.360 --> 00:43:58.860 thank you 00:43:58.860 --> 00:44:00.200 for the mission 00:44:00.200 --> 00:44:00.760 of Jesus. 00:44:00.960 --> 00:44:01.220 Thank you 00:44:01.220 --> 00:44:02.039 that he continues 00:44:02.039 --> 00:44:03.220 to call people 00:44:03.219 --> 00:44:03.980 to himself. 00:44:05.379 --> 00:44:05.899 Lord, 00:44:06.059 --> 00:44:07.139 as we have heard 00:44:07.139 --> 00:44:07.719 your word, 00:44:07.799 --> 00:44:08.799 as we have heard 00:44:08.799 --> 00:44:09.619 the gospel, 00:44:10.339 --> 00:44:11.559 as the call 00:44:11.559 --> 00:44:12.019 of Jesus 00:44:12.019 --> 00:44:12.679 has gone out, 00:44:12.759 --> 00:44:13.339 we pray 00:44:13.339 --> 00:44:14.539 for any who 00:44:14.539 --> 00:44:15.399 aren't yet Christians 00:44:15.399 --> 00:44:15.959 that they might 00:44:15.959 --> 00:44:17.579 hear that call 00:44:17.579 --> 00:44:19.399 and turn to him, 00:44:20.119 --> 00:44:21.139 to trust in him 00:44:21.139 --> 00:44:21.759 as their Lord 00:44:21.759 --> 00:44:22.299 and Savior. 00:44:23.419 --> 00:44:23.619 Lord, 00:44:23.659 --> 00:44:24.199 we thank you 00:44:24.199 --> 00:44:25.139 for the sacrifice 00:44:25.139 --> 00:44:25.879 of Jesus, 00:44:26.139 --> 00:44:26.759 Jesus who had 00:44:26.759 --> 00:44:27.480 all power 00:44:27.480 --> 00:44:28.159 and authority, 00:44:29.039 --> 00:44:29.659 being willing 00:44:29.659 --> 00:44:30.779 to give his life 00:44:30.780 --> 00:44:31.720 to save us. 00:44:32.620 --> 00:44:32.920 Lord, 00:44:32.980 --> 00:44:33.640 may these never 00:44:33.640 --> 00:44:35.800 become commonplace 00:44:35.800 --> 00:44:36.519 ideas, 00:44:37.720 --> 00:44:38.420 but may they be 00:44:38.420 --> 00:44:39.500 the very foundation 00:44:39.500 --> 00:44:40.660 of our life 00:44:40.660 --> 00:44:41.660 and our worship. 00:44:42.660 --> 00:44:43.400 May they give us 00:44:43.400 --> 00:44:45.019 hope and strength 00:44:45.019 --> 00:44:46.760 and peace and joy. 00:44:47.800 --> 00:44:48.360 And we pray 00:44:48.360 --> 00:44:49.380 in Jesus' name. 00:44:50.000 --> 00:44:50.340 Amen. 00:44:50.340 --> 00:44:50.500 Amen. 00:44:57.340 --> 00:44:58.019 Now, 00:44:58.180 --> 00:44:59.519 our closing hymn 00:44:59.519 --> 00:45:00.920 is 00:45:00.920 --> 00:45:02.460 Forever Jesus 00:45:02.460 --> 00:45:04.039 and we'll stand 00:45:04.039 --> 00:45:05.360 to sing together. 00:45:05.360 --> 00:45:05.840 Amen. 00:45:05.840 --> 00:45:35.820 Thank you.