The Resume Of The Good Shepherd

St. Charles  |  Bob Ingle
September 14, 2025
John 10:11-21

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” The Jews who heard these words were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” John 10:11-21 (NIV)

* The Credentials of the Good Shepherd…

1. He Selflessly DIES for His Sheep.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NIV)

-> Jesus’ death was sacrificial.

“…FOR the sheep.” John 10:11b (NIV)

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

-> Jesus’ death was specific.

“The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11b (NIV)

“…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25b (NIV)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” Revelation 22:17 (NLT)

-> Jesus’ death was successful.

“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:17-18 (NIV)

“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Romans 4:25 (NIV)

“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

2. He Steadfastly DEFENDS His Sheep.

“The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” John 10:12-13 (NIV)

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7b (NIV)

“The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

3. He Safely DIRECTS His Sheep.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:14-16 (NIV)

-> Jesus lead us personally.

“I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” John 10:14 (NIV) “The Lord knows those who are His.” 2 Timothy 2:19b (NIV)

-> Jesus leads us purposefully.

“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:15 (NIV)

-> Jesus leads us permanently.

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28 (NIV)