The True Shepherd | Full Service | September 22, 2024

The world Jesus entered was filled with false leaders. The spiritual leaders of the nation had become self-interested. Rather than caring for the people, they fattened themselves. They were self-appointed and self-righteous. Jesus entered their world and said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” He was appointed by His Father as the true leader of God’s people. He is the Chief Shepherd to which all other leaders of God’s people must submit.  If we are true sheep, we will follow Jesus, the True Shepherd. Following Jesus means having a personal relationship with Him and being led by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Jesus calls us by name and tenderly guides us as we listen to His voice. How do we discern His voice from the voice of a stranger? Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn. 8:31-32).  Take-Home Message: True sheep follow the True Shepherd. Introducing John 10 Old Testament Connections Ezek. 34; Ps. 23:1; Isa. 40:11; Jer. 3:15; cf. Isa. 56:9-12; Jer. 23:1-4; 25:32-38; Zech. 11:16 New Testament Connections Matt. 9:36; Mark 6:34; 14:27; Luke 15:1-7  The True Shepherd (10:1-3a) The True Sheep (10:3b-5)True Sheep… Hear Jesus’ voice (3).Follow Jesus (4).Know Jesus’ voice (4-5). The False Shepherds (10:6) Message:  The True Shepherd Scripture: John 10:1-6 Simple. Authentic. Jesus. Prairiebible.org