540. JOH 10:11-18. THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Joh_10:11-18. The Good Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep," &c.’97Joh_10:11-18.

Of the various titles which are applied to the Lord Jesus, none are more general or expressive than that of the Shepherd. As such the Hebrew prophets spoke of Christ. Isaiah says of the Messiah, "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd," &c., ch. Isa_40:11. The Saviour often also adverted to his own work as that of a shepherd. He evidently depicted his own character and mission in the Good Shepherd, who pursued the wanderer and left the ninety-nine sheep in the wilderness. And a great portion of this rich and instructive chapter is thus occupied. The apostle Paul speaks of him as that "Great Shepherd," Heb_13:20. Peter as "the shepherd and bishop of our souls," 1Pe_2:5, and also as the "Chief Shepherd," who shall bestow the crown of glory upon all his faithful servants in the great day of his glorious appearing, ch. 1Pe_5:4. At present let us take a survey of the parabolical discourse in which Jesus pursues this subject so fully. Let us contemplate,

I. Christ Jesus as the Shepherd. The office is so well known as not to require definition or description. Christ is the Shepherd of souls,

1. By the Father’s appointment. The Father is represented as knowing him as the Shepherd, in distinction from those who are merely hirelings. His mediatorial authority and offices were given to him of the Father. Hence he is styled by Jehovah, "My shepherd, the man that is my fellow," Zec_13:7. He ever laid great stress on his being sent of the Father, and receiving his mission and power from him.

2. By his own voluntary choice. He was ready both to hear and to conform to the Father’s will. He was ready to come, as the Father was to send him. Hence both forms of speech are constantly used by the sacred writers, and both with equal truth and propriety. He was so rich in grace, that he freely came to seek and to save that which was lost.

II. Consider the flock of Christ. And here we must consider them,

1. As redeemed. He came to redeem. And in his precious blood we have redemption, even the forgiveness of sin. They had wandered, were perishing, and self-destroyed. They required to be ransomed out of the hand of the enemy, and to be brought back to God, from whom they had departed. Christ, by his incarnation, life, obedience, and death, effected this great, this wondrous work. Hence they are described as purchased with the blood of the Son of God. Redeemed not with corruptible things, but with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. As restored. Not only must the sheep be redeemed, but restored. Hence the address of the Good Shepherd is, "Return unto me, for I have redeemed you." And in order to their restoration, he pursues the wanderer, "and announces to him the tidings of reconciliation. He sends his servants to find out, and bring the wanderers back. By the gracious influences of the truth and love of the gospel, he allures them, and draws them to himself.

3. As united to him. Brought near to him. Reconciled. No longer aliens or outcasts, but citizens and friends. In the day of conversion, the soul is graciously united to Christ. Then they are his, and he is theirs. They are the sheep of his pasture, and as their Shepherd he rejoices over them to do them good.

4. As recognized by him. "And know my sheep," Joh_10:14. The Lord Jesus knoweth all things, he therefore knoweth them that are his. And as such they are distinguished from others. They bear the mark of their Divine owner. They differ from others by the operation of the good Spirit within them. He knows every one of his. They are described,

5. As also knowing Christ. "And am known of mine," Joh_10:14. None belong to him who do not know Christ, who do not know him in his titles, and offices, and grace. They have all tasted and known that the Lord is gracious. This knowledge, in both cases, signifies also approbation. Christ approves of his sheep, and is the Saviour of their choice and delight.

6. They distinguish the voice of Christ. "They shall hear my voice," Joh_10:16, Joh_10:17. The voice of Christ is presented to us in his word. Here he speaks to us, and his words are spirit and life. He speaks to us, too, by his Holy Spirit, the voice of God within us. Now the carnal and careless disregard the Son of God, and despise his word. But the Saviour’s disciples, like Mary, sit at his feet, and hear all his gracious words. Whether he speaks in words of authority, or of direction, or comfort, they hear his voice. And they delight to hear it. It is the joy and life of their souls.

7. They obey the commands of Christ. This is also evidently implied in the words, hearing his voice. They so hear as to. know and understand his will. So as to love his commands. So as heartily and cheerfully to obey him. "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments," &c.

8. They imitate his example. "And they follow me." The eastern shepherd leads, not drives, his flock to the pastures and streams. He goes before, and with pleasing docility they follow after. Jesus has marked the path of holiness by his own blessed and perfect example. In all things he was the great pattern. In self-government, self-denial, and lowliness, and humility. In kindness, goodness, mercy, and pity. In longsuffering and gentleness. In purity of speech and manners. In holiness of heart and conversation. In the devotion of his spirit and communion with God. In one word, in all things, "He hath left us an example that we should follow his steps." Such, then, are the leading characteristics of the sheep of Christ.

Application

1. How interesting and delightful the character of Christ as a shepherd. How wise, and good, and gentle,’97how gracious and kind.

2. How lovely and beautiful the character of his flock. A redeemed company of immortal spirits. Called. Justified. Sanctified,

3. How important the question, Are we his sheep? Have we the signs of his people on us? His love within us?

Autor: JABEZ BURNS