John Week 19

John 10:1-21

So why a door? 

• Sheepfold is a structure that were scattered throughout pasture land for Shephards to freely use. At night they would bring the sheep into the fold. The entrance was often an opening with no door. The shephard would sleep in this opening to protect his sheep from theives and predators. 
• Place Jesus into the Shepherds place 
  • Jesus is placing himself as the doorway to God   
  • But this parable is so much deeper once one enters the Sheepfold 
  • Jesus is the protector and guardian 
  • Making sure you are safe 

So what are the Characteristics of the Good Shephard? 

The Good Shepherd Characteristics 

• He goes before them 
• Sacrifice for the Flock 
• Knowing his flock 
• Speaks to them 
• Chases after the sheep 

Translate to Christ 

• Jesus has experienced everything you have experienced  
  • Every temptation to pain to joy to taste to etc 
  • He has also layed the groundwork and example for you 
  • Our role: to use him as an example and rely on him as we go into different circumstances 
• Jesus laying His life down on His own authority for the flock 
  • Jesus died a gruesome death to protect us 
  • To redeem us so we have a permanent place in his flock 
  • Our role: to accept, believe, and trust of the fruit of this sacrifice 
• He has known you since before your existence, and knows every ounce of your existence 
  • He created and designed you 
  • He has an intimacy with you that you don't even have. 
  • Our role: to continue this intimate relationship by sharing and letting the Lord partake in your life 
• He is constantly trying to get your attention and speaks to you 
  • He uses the Bible 
  • He uses the liturgy 
  • He uses the voice in your head 
  • He will speak through the Sermon 
  • He could also be trying to get your attention through my words 
  • Our role: to open our ears and listen, but also we must learn his voice through scripture  
• He will never stop pursuing you 
  • No matter what you do you will still be there for you 
  • No matter what situation you find yourself in he is there 
  • There is nothing, you are his sheep. 
  • Our role: accept that Jesus genuinely loves you and think you are worthy to be in the family. You just have to accept the adoption. 

Family Discussion 

1. Knowing the extend at which the Good Shepherd is willing to do for you, what is your respond?

2. Do you think the Good Shepherd knows more about you or you him?