541. JOH 10:1-18. THE GOOD SHEPHERD. (2ND SKETCH.)

Joh_10:1-18. The Good Shepherd. (2nd Sketch.)

"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: but he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep," &c.’97Joh_10:1-18.

We have previously contemplated Christ Jesus as a shepherd, and noticed his flock, with the distinguishing signs by which they are recognized. Let us now proceed to consider,

III. The Saviour’s fold. Now the sheepfold is brought before us in the Saviour’s address, Joh_10:1. We remark,

1. The Saviour’s fold is the church. Here they are collected and united together. All the saints belong to this one fold. For there is only one fold, and one shepherd. However diversified in opinion’97in modes of worship, or sectarian designation; they are but one body, of which Christ is the Head’97one fold, of which Christ is the Shepherd.

2. Of the fold, Christ is the only entrance. He is the only way into the sheepfold, see Joh_10:1, &c. Hence he says, "I am the door of the sheep," Joh_10:8, Joh_10:9. There is no saving acceptance to God, but by the Saviour. No man cometh to the Father, except by him. Christ is the centre of union to all his people. They are all one in Christ Jesus. Faith in him, and a profession of him before men, are the essential qualifications to membership with his church. Any other mode of admission is climbing over, and is the entrance of the thief and robber.

As we are all the children of God by faith, so being his children we belong to the one fold of the Redeemer. We proceed to notice,

IV. The Saviour’s pastures. The Psalmist sang, "He leadeth me into green pastures." The shepherd not only has his fold for security, but his pastures for the nourishment of his sheep.

1. There is the word. Here is rich and ample provision for his people. By it they are nourished and strengthened. It is the living and abiding word. Here there are resources of instruction, peace, and security. They are to desire the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby. There are,

2. The ordinances of the gospel. Preaching of the gospel. Social prayer. The Lord’s Supper, &c. In all these there is abundant nourishment for the soul. Here God prepares his feast of fat things. Hero the provision of mercy is laid on the family board. Here there is enough and to spare.

3. Secret prayer and meditation. By these the soul comes into immediate and gracious connection with God. Here they have food to eat of which the world knows nothing. These are the delectable mountains. The verdant hills ever fresh and green. The fertile valleys yielding the richest pasturage for the soul.

V. Some of the peculiar and distinguishing characteristics of Christ as the good shepherd.

A careful, attentive, and faithful shepherd, under ordinary circumstances, would be entitled a good shepherd. But Christ is preeminently so,

1. On account of his unbounded love to the flock. This love was exhibited in that great act by which their redemption was accomplished, in laying down his life for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep," Joh_10:11. He not only entertained purposes of mercy and grace’97not only left heaven and came to earth to collect the scattered wanderers. Not only lived a life of sorrow, grief, and humiliation; but he gave up his sacred life. His soul sorrowed even unto death, in Gethsemane. He was arraigned, buffeted, tried, condemned, and put to death, even the ignominious death of the cross. Herein was love, such as had never before been exhibited.

"See from his head, his hands, his feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?"

Hence every disciple can say, "He loved me and gave himself for me." We refer,

2. To his especial care of his flock. He takes especial interest in their preservation. They are in his hand. He is able to keep them. Hence he adds, "Neither shall any pluck them out of my hand," Joh_10:28. No enemy can destroy them. Their defence is invincible’97their security inviolable, for he avers, "They shall never perish." Individuals, nations, and vast empires have perished’97have been blotted out; but his sheep shall never perish. The wisdom, love, and power of the omnipotent Redeemer are all guaranteed for their preservation. Kept by the power of God through faith to salvation. We allude,

3. To their future and final destination. "I give unto them eternal life." They are collected, folded, preserved here, and glorified hereafter. Hence the purpose of Christ respecting them is presented in his sacerdotal prayer, "Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory," Joh_17:24. Now this is the final destiny of the Saviour’s sheep. They are called to his eternal kingdom and glory. Think of the love which purposed such a state of exaltation and blessedness. That has prepared such glorious things for those who love him. Let us just glance,

VI. At the fold of Christ, when perfected in the heavenly state. He has had his sheep and fold in every age of the world. He had them in the days of his sojourning on earth. But he said, "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; these also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd," Joh_10:16. Here, doubtless, he referred to the Gentiles, who should be called to be partakers of his grace, and who should be one in him with the Jews. But there is yet the grand consummation, when all his sheep shall be collected.

(1.) Gathered from all generations.

(2.) Gathered from all nations, and people, and tongues.

(3.) Gathered to the upper and better fold in heaven.

(4.) Gathered to enjoy the celestial pastures. "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;" Rev_7:17.

Application

1. How transcendently excellent and holy the character of our good shepherd.

2. How safe, and happy, and blessed his flock.

3. How the hope of future perfected bliss should inspire with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

4. How futile the malevolent attacks of satanic agents and wicked men.

5. How glorious will be the completed fold of the Saviour in heaven.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS