The Church as a Flock
Sunday, September 18, 2022

John 10:1-21
Introduction

Jesus, Our Great Shepherd, Gives Us Life Abundantly

“The shepherding metaphor is not only comprehensive with respect to the nature of the
care received but also with respect to the extent. This is one important distinction
between the metaphor of father and that of shepherd. Children grow up and become
less dependent on their earthly fathers, though the relationship continues. Sheep on the
other hand, are always completely dependent on their shepherd. They never outgrow
their need for the shepherd to care for them, feed them, lead them, and protect them.
The shepherd cares for the newborn lambs and is still there when the sheep grow old
and weak. Therefore, the imagery of shepherd-sheep captures the comprehensive
sovereignty of the shepherd over the sheep and the need of the sheep to yield
completely to his care.” Timothy Witmer

I. I Am the Door of the Sheep (v.1-10)
Truly, Truly…” – This means ‘listen up, I want your attention’
v.6 – “This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he
was saying to them.”
v.7-9 – The true shepherd protects and promotes life; the false shepherd takes away
life.

“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of
Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock
of God that is among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but willingly, as
God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in
your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:1-4
V
.10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have
life and have it abundantly.”

“The abundant life is above all the contented life, in which our contentment is based
upon the fact that God is equal to every emergency and is able to supply all our needs
according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus.” James Boice

II. I Am the Good Shepherd (v.11-16)
The first and most important characteristic of a good shepherd is that he will lay down
his life for the sheep..
v.14 – He reiterates that he is the ‘good shepherd’ and as the good shepherd KNOWS
his sheep and they KNOW him.
v.16 – “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they
will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
Jesus calls his sheep for every background, race, social or economic class.
III. Conclusion