Intro – Here in this passage, we have one of the greatest declarations of our Lord.  He declares Himself to be the Good Shepherd spoken of by the Psalmist in the 23^rd Psalm.  David was always seen as the great shepherd of Israel in the OT.  But David is not the good shepherd, Jesus is!

Philip Keller, in that great work on the 23^rd Psalm says the following… When all is said and done the welfare of any flock is entirely dependent upon the management afforded them by their owner.

            The tenant sheepman on the farm next to my first ranch was the most indifferent manager I had ever met. He was not concerned about the condition of his sheep. His land was neglected. He gave little or no time to his flock, letting them pretty well forage for themselves as best they could, both summer and winter. They fell prey to dogs, cougars and rustlers. Every year these poor creatures were forced to gnaw away at brown fields and impoverished pastures. Every winter there was a shortage of nourishing hay and wholesome grain to feed the hungry ewes. Shelter to safeguard and protect the suffering sheep from storms and blizzards was scanty and inadequate.
They had only polluted, muddy water to drink. There had been a lack of salt and other trace minerals needed to offset their sickly pastures. In their thin, weak and diseased condition these poor sheep were a pathetic sight.

            In my mind’s eye, I can still see them standing at the fence, huddled sadly in little knots, staring wistfully through the wires at the rich pastures on the other side.

            To all their distress, the heartless, selfish owner seemed utterly callous and indifferent. He simply didn’t not care. What if his sheep DID want green grass; fresh water; shade; safety or shelter from the storms? What if they did want relief from wounds, bruises, disease and parasites?

            He ignored their needs-he couldn’t care less. Why should he-they were just sheep-fit only for the slaughterhouse.

What are the characteristics of the Good Shepherd?

I. HE OWNS THE SHEEP

Being compared to a sheep is not a compliment!

Attributes of sheep-nothing romantic or complimentary about sheep
1. Stupid and stubborn-ever seen a trained sheep?At the circus, come see the dancing elephants, funny monkeys and trained sheep? They are simplehearted
2. Dirty and Wayward-NOT THE SERTA SHEEP WE SEE ON TV. They easily wander and never learn from their mistakes
3. Easily frightened and confused-known to plunge off cliffs in their fear and confusion
4. Defenseless and dependant.
5. Need guidance and protection.
6. May not be complimentary to be a sheep (we are sinful, obstinate, rebellious and foolish), but it is comforting to know we have a good shepherd.

1. By Creation

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

(John 1:3)

We are His by creation.  Everyone born in this world should give honor and worship to God for HE created us!  By creation He owns us.  You did not have a say as to when or where you were born. God did not consult you about the logistics of your birth.

1. By The Gift of the Father

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

(John 10:29)

God did not have to provide a way for you to go to heaven but He did.  In Christ, He has chosen you.  In Christ, all who come to Him in faith, trusting in His sacrifice shall be saved and given the gift of God.  Jesus said – the Father gave them to me.

1. By Divine Purchase Through the Shedding of His Blood

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

(John 10:15)

He owns us twice – through birth and the new birth.  That is why every single person should give their life to Him.  Fully and completely.  Without reservation.

II. HE KNOWS HIS SHEEP

1. A Close and Intimate Relationship

Verses 3,14,27 – He knows his sheep.  What does that mean?  Several flocks might be herded together for the night, but the shepherd knows each one of his own by name.  He knows them personally, intimately, fully.

1. It Is A Reciprocal Reltionship

Verses 4,5,27 – not only does He know the sheep, the sheep also know Him.

(1) They listen to His voice – their ears are open and attentive to what he says.  The Gk here is eido, they perceive it is Him and are attentive.  ILL – cows, growing up – my father.

(2) The follow Him – they accompany Him because they know his voice.  Goats do not follow, sheep follow!

III. HE FEEDS HIS SHEEP

Verse 9 – if you are saved, He will lead you in places where you can grow.  If you do not grow, it is YOUR fault!

1. His Pastures are Green and Well Watered

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

(Psalms 23:1-2)

Our shepherd leads us in good places where we can feed upon His Word and His ways and we find spiritual growth and refreshment.

1. Not Only Is The Grass Green, There is Plenty Of It

Verse 10 – abundantly, exceedingly, extraordinary, beyond measure, superior, more remarkable, better than all others – that is what we have in Christ.  And… that they may keep on having this abundant life!

The greatest life you can live is the Christian life.  It is the most satisfying life in the world.  Not in money, not in fame, but following Christ the good shepherd for He gives us good things.

IV. HE LEADS AND PROTECTS HIS SHEEP

Verses 4,11-14 – the Good Shepherd watches out for His sheep!

1. He Leads Them Gently

He does not run off from them but stays with them, going before them, with them, always caring about them – that is Christ.  Never does he give them a burden to great to bear.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

(Matthew 11:28-30)

1. He Leads Them Safely

At night, the shepherd would lay across the gate to the sheep fold, protecting his sheep.  Christ, the Good Shepherd watches over us, protecting us from thieves and robbers who would steal our soul.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

(Jude 1:24-25)

1. He Leads Us Eternally

Through death, Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, THOU art with me.  He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Verses 27-29 – His sheep face not danger of being stolen in the sheepfold, we as believers abide in the hand of God.

His sheep (v.27) they follow Him in faith, they are true believers.  His keeping (v.28) we abide in the hand of God.  Oh, what a wonderful place to be!  No danger in His hand,  No worries in His sheepfold, we shall NEVER perish in Christ!  It is a double negative in the Gk – they shall never, in no way, by any means, not at all perish in His hand!

Concl –

The greatest thing you could do today is to follow the Good Shepherd.  Why don’t you come to Him in faith and turn from your old life of sin and rebellion and be saved today.