Welcome to the Weekend Sermon. I had to delay the sermon posting until today because of some issues at the library where I normally use the computer to post the sermon. I hope that everyone is having a good week so far.
Last week, we began a new series of messages on the names and titles of Jesus found in the Bible. In last week's message, we focused on the fact that Jesus often referred to Himself as the Son of Man, and we looked at what that title entails.
Today, I want us to look at two titles for Jesus that go along with each other. First of all, in John 10, Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. We read in verse, 11 of that chapter, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Verse 14, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."
The Bible often refers to those of us in this world as sheep. In Isaiah, people are referred to as sheep who have gone astray. Jesus said that the people were like sheep without a shepherd.
One thing is for certain, if sheep don't have someone to properly look after them, they will get into a lot of trouble. They have a lot of health concerns that need to be checked on, and they can't really protect themselves from harms that might come their way. They are a very vulnerable animal.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, because He is the one who leads us and looks after us if we are willing to let Him do that. Jesus came to give His life for the sheep that had gone astray. He died on the cross to make sure that the sheep would be free from sin and have the security that comes from having a relationship with Him.
With Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we don't need to fear what comes our way in this life or in the world to come. Jesus is always with us and providing for our needs in this life. He is watching over us and helping us to make it through the troubles and the problems that this world throws at us.
When we reach the end of this life, Jesus has prepared a place for us so that we can be with Him in the Father's House for all of eternity. Those who are willing to bring themselves under the love and guidance of the Good Shepherd can know that that they are forgiven and provided for in this world and the next. Jesus will never leave us, and He will never forsake us. He is with to help us and to be our peace.
Jesus used the title of Good Shepherd for a prophetic reason as well. In Ezekiel chapter 34, God says that His sheep had been abused by bad shepherds. In order to remedy the situation, God said that He would be the shepherd and take care of His flock. Jesus was identifying Himself as the Divine One who has come to be the true shepherd that would properly look after the people of Israel and all those who would come to Him in repentance and faith.
Now, in addition to being the Good Shepherd, Jesus is also called the Chief Shepherd in I Peter 5:4. This is in reference to the fact that pastors are to be under shepherds to the Chief Shepherd Jesus. Pastors in the church are to faithfully look after and help take care of the flock. They are not to abuse or harm those who are placed within their care. If they do, they will have to answer to Jesus for what they have done.
Remember this, Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. To me, that means that no matter what, we always look to Him and keep our focus on Him. He is the only one in this world that we can trust no matter what. Jesus is always looking out for our best interest. He loves us with an everlasting love that led Him to the cross. He will always take care of the sheep that are part of His flock. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I am once again having a lot of health issues. It is really getting me down. Also, I've been depressed about not being with my family and friends as they are all gone on to Heaven. Please pray for me that I will get to feeling better.
I did want to mention something to be thankful for. Here in the US, it seems that we've gotten through the worst of Covid, RSV and the flu. I want to thank the Lord for that. I know that there are other places in this world dealing with health problems, and we need to keep praying that those who are sick will recover and will get the medical aid and assistance that they need.
Let us also continue to pray for those around the world who are recovering from natural disasters.
We need to keep praying for peace. Sudan is a mess right now, and we need to keep praying for peace in Ukraine. Wherever there is war and conflict, let us pray and work for peace.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Suriname and Ivory Coast. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue with our current series. I will post the verses on Monday. I may post midweek. In the near future, I hope to start posting my new book on the Minor Prophets. May God bless you all. Amen.
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