Quest 34
I am the door of the sheep.
Do you see yourself as a sheep?
Sheep are basically timid animals who tend to graze in flocks and are almost totally lacking in protection from predators.
Do you need a shepherd?
Most shepherds work in isolated areas and are on call for their animals around the clock. The shepherd’s primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of the flock. The shepherd will graze the animals, leading them to areas of good forage. As the sheep eat all the forage in an area, the shepherd will move the sheep to fresh range. In most cases, the shepherd will move the sheep out to fresh grazing each day and bring them back to bed down in the same area each night. To protect the sheep under his care, a shepherd must deal with predators like coyotes, wolves, and bears. Shepherds are responsible for injuries and basic medical treatment, especially since they work in isolated areas. During lambing season, the shepherd will make frequent checks on the ewes at all hours of the day and night, and may assist the ewe if birthing problems occur.
A. God is pictured as a shepherd in the Old Testament because he sees people as sheep.
Psalm 100:3 - Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Isaiah 40:11 - He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
B. That picture carries over to the New Testament:
Matthew 9:36 - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Luke 12:29 - Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
C. Sheep need the security of a shepherd who:
1. Calls them by name (2-3): But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
This is the picture of the village sheepfold, where several flocks are kept at night.
2. Leads them (4): When he has brought out all his own… the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
Where is he leading? “I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (John 12:50)
3. Provides protection (5): A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.
The Lord stand guards over you (2 Thessalonians 3:3) - But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
D. The Great Shepherd of the Sheep:
1. Is there before you get there (4): …he goes before them…
He does not lead you into places you cannot handle (1 Corinthians 10:13): God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
2. Is vigilant in his care (7): I am the door of the sheep.
This is a picture of the sheepfold in the hills.
3. Is concerned for your needs (9): If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
God knows how to give you what you need (Luke 11:13): If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
4. Is fearless (11): – I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus courageously chose to go to the cross (John 10:17-18): I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
5. Has love that knows no bounds (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.
Do you need this shepherd?
