9-30-09 Shepherd Series: The Sheep and the Shepherd

The Sheep and the Pastor

Text:      John 10:1-5 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. ²But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. ⁴And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. ⁵And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

I.         There is a door to becoming a Shepherd – verse 1.  God sends and prayer matters.

Matt. 9:36-38 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. ³⁷Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; ³⁸Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

II.        There will be those who try to take shepherd hood without going through the proper door – verse 2

These are thieves and robbers.  Thief – one who steels, Larceny; Robber – one who steels by force, threats or violence robbery

III.       The Porter opens the door for the Shepherd – verse 3

A.        Jesus is the Door  

 John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

B.        The porter is the doorkeeper (rules the door)

John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

IV.      The Shepherd knows the sheep by name – verse 3

V.        Sheep Follow their shepherd – verse 4

VI.      Sheep run from strangers – verse 5

VII.     The “Voice” makes the difference – verse 5

VIII.    Why do Sheep Follow?

Why do fish swim?  Why do worms spin cocoons?  Why do women shop?  Why do men get defensive when they are criticized?    ... BECAUSE THEY ARE SHEEP

IX.       Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.