The Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd7
The Shepherd of Israel
By T. Austin-Sparks0PSA 77:20PSA 78:52JHN 10:11ACT 20:28T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep, illustrating how Jesus, as the good Shepherd, cares for His flock and offers them eternal life. He reflects on Israel's history, noting their rejection of God as their Shepherd, which led to their scattering and loss of guidance. Sparks highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' ownership of His sheep and the marks that identify them, such as hearing His voice and following Him willingly. He warns against hardening our hearts and encourages believers to embrace their identity as part of the new flock under Christ's leadership. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, personal connection with the Shepherd, who desires companionship with His sheep.
How the Lost Sheep Was Found
By John Nelson Darby0LUK 15:4John Nelson Darby shares a poignant account of visiting a dying boy in Ireland who had never been taught about salvation. Through the boy's story of searching for a lost sheep, Darby illustrates the gospel message, revealing how the boy's experience mirrors that of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who seeks and saves the lost. As Darby explains the parable from Luke 15, the boy's heart opens to the truth of Christ's sacrifice and love. In his final days, the boy finds peace and hope in accepting Jesus as his Savior, passing away with His name on his lips. This powerful encounter emphasizes the urgency of sharing the gospel with those who are lost and in need of salvation.
Dr. Booth's Story
By D.L. Moody0PSA 23:1JHN 10:11D.L. Moody shares the poignant story of Dr. Booth, who, despite the loss of his children, finds hope in the imagery of a shepherd guiding his flock across a stream. The shepherd's act of carrying two lambs symbolizes how the Good Shepherd, Jesus, takes our loved ones to heaven, encouraging grieving parents to look up and follow Him. Moody emphasizes that the loss of loved ones is not the end, but a call to trust in God's promise of eternal life and the preparation of a heavenly home. This message serves as a reminder of the comfort and hope found in faith during times of sorrow.
Abel Was a Keeper of Sheep
By C.H. Spurgeon0GEN 4:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of Abel as a shepherd who sanctified his work to glorify God through his sacrificial offering, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Abel's role as both shepherd and priest illustrates the deep connection between his sacrifice and Christ's, highlighting the hatred he faced from his brother Cain, akin to the enmity Jesus experienced from mankind. The sermon reflects on the power of Abel's blood, which speaks of mercy rather than vengeance, and the peace that the blood of Jesus brings to believers. Spurgeon calls the congregation to recognize Jesus as the ultimate Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, encouraging them to bless Him for His sacrifice. Ultimately, Abel serves as a type of Christ, reminding us of the profound love and grace found in the blood of the Lamb.
The Good Shepherd
By Phil Beach Jr.2727:54JHN 10:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus as the Good Shepherd, urging believers to evaluate anything in their lives that hinders their relationship with Him. He highlights that Jesus is both the door to the sheepfold and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, inviting everyone to come to Him for guidance and peace. The sermon encourages listeners to discern the voice of the Good Shepherd amidst the noise of the world and to trust in His care and direction. Beach Jr. reassures that true satisfaction and abundant life can only be found in Jesus, who knows each of us by name and leads us to green pastures. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper relationship with Christ, encouraging believers to listen for His voice and follow Him faithfully.
Mark 14:26
By Chuck Smith0PSA 23:1ZEC 13:7MAT 26:31MRK 14:26LUK 22:46JHN 10:11ROM 8:381CO 15:57HEB 13:51PE 5:4Chuck Smith preaches on Mark 14:26, focusing on the theme of being forsaken by man as Jesus prepares for His crucifixion. He highlights the prophecy of Zechariah regarding the smiting of the Shepherd and the scattering of the sheep, illustrating the disciples' false security and their failure to stay awake and pray. Despite their shortcomings, Jesus demonstrates patience and love, reminding them of the ultimate victory through resurrection. Smith emphasizes that even in our weakness and moments of denial, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, remains faithful and watches over us.
Ezekiel 34:23
By Chuck Smith0EZK 34:11Chuck Smith emphasizes the biblical analogy of God as the Good Shepherd, contrasting Him with bad shepherds who exploit and neglect their flock. He highlights the responsibilities of true spiritual leaders to care for, heal, and seek out the lost sheep, as prophesied in Ezekiel 34. Smith points out that while false shepherds scatter the flock, the Good Shepherd, represented by Jesus, gathers and restores them, fulfilling God's promise of a righteous leader. The sermon also reflects on the historical context of Israel's scattering and the hope of their regathering under the Good Shepherd. Ultimately, Smith reassures the church that they already know and follow this Shepherd who laid down His life for them.