The Good Shepherd and other parables

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. . . . My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. . . . My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:14, 27, 29).

Three apostles refer to Jesus as the Shepherd of the sheep. John calls Him the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (see John 10:11). Paul refers to Jesus as the Great Shepherd who rose from the dead (see Hebrews 13:20), while Peter honors Him as the Chief Shepherd who is coming again (see 1 Peter 5:4).

To represent the willing subjects of His kingdom, Christ used humble, faithful sheep—not goats, which are self willed (see Matthew 25:31-46).

Dwight L. Moody once said, "Christ's sheep have two marks—one in their ears—'they hear my voice,' and one in their feet—'they follow me.' "

David, the shepherd boy, sang in the pastures of Bethlehem, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23:1). Jesus is the understanding Shepherd of His church on earth. He feeds His flock with the bread of spiritual life; He guides them in service; He teaches them how to pray; He protects them from the attacks of Satan; He binds up their wounds; He guides them into the true fold; He watches over them.

In this lesson we will join the crowds in Jerusalem who are listening to the wonderful parables of Jesus. As He speaks, we are led to think of Him as the Chief Shepherd of the church—counseling, instructing, guiding, and warning His flock.