SERMON: John: 10: 1-6

The intimate relationship between God and individuals through the metaphor of the Good
Shepherd and His sheep.
Introduction
The imagery of sheep and shepherds is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical narratives,
reflecting the agricultural and nomadic lifestyle of the ancient Hebrews. With nearly four
hundred references to sheep and around one hundred to shepherds, these figures serve not
only as vital elements of the Israelite economy but also as powerful metaphors for spiritual
truths. The relationship between shepherds and their flocks illustrates themes of guidance,
protection, and personal connection, particularly in the teachings of Jesus, who is often
depicted as the Good Shepherd. This passage explores the significance of this relationship,
highlighting the intimate knowledge God has of each individual, and the call to follow His
voice amid the distractions of modern life.
Sheep are the most frequently mentioned animal in the Bible, with nearly four hundred
references if we include references to flocks. Additionally, the figure of the shepherd receives
approximately one hundred references. This prominence grows out of two phenomena the
importance of sheep to the nomadic and agricultural life of the Hebrews, and the qualities of
sheep and shepherds that made them particularly apt sources of metaphor for spiritual
realities.
Sheep were a central part of the Israelite economy from the earliest days (Gen 4:2). Abraham,
Isaac, Moses, David and Amos were all shepherds (Gen 12:16; 26:14; Ex 3:1; 2 Sam 7:8;
Amos 1:1). Shep- herds were not always men; shepherdesses include Rebekah (Gen 29:9)
and the daughters of Jethro (Ex 2:16). Raised for both food (milk and meat) and wool, sheep
were a natural part of life in the dry eastern Mediterranean because they can survive with a
minimum of water and grass and can be moved to new grazing and watering areas during dry
times (see Pasture). Sheep also figured prominently in the OT sacrificial system.
Conditions of shepherding in ancient Palestine provide the foundation for figurative
references. These conditions were very different from most modern practices. Sheep were not
fenced in and left to stand for themselves. Instead, they were totally dependent on shepherds
for protection, grazing, watering, shelter and tending to injuries. In fact, sheep would not
survive long without a shepherd. Sheep are not only dependent creatures; they are also
singularly unintelligent, prone to wandering and unable to find their way to a sheepfold even
when it is within sight.
1. Jesus does not protect those he loves from bad things happening, but uses bad things to
fulfil his plans for our lives. When we suffer, he is glad not because we are suffering, but
because through suffering we have the chance to grow in faith.
(2) A mother was once asked by a census-taker how many children she had. She replied,
“Well, there’s Billy and Harry and Martha and…”. “Never mind the names,” the man
interrupted, “Just give me the numbers”. The mother angrily replied, “They don’t have
numbers, they all have names! This might be a funny story, but in our modern world this is
oh so true. We are often reduced to numbers and statistics, especially by the government.
Here in our Indian government and municipal, know us by our identity (voter Id and Aadhar
card, driving licence, Passport, So on is included) in almost all of our lifetime records and
transactions. We are no longer identities to our governments, only our “number” is. Even our
opinions are reflected by numbers in survey results, as was seen by the surveys conducted
during the recent election campaign. No wonder many people have an “identity crisis”.
(3). Thankfully, our Saviour Jesus Christ is not like this. He knows each and every one of us
by our names, just like a shepherd knows each and every one of the sheep in his flock.
Personal names and identities are important to God, especially his own; therefore, it is not
surprising that Jesus knows us by our names. After all, he is the Good Shepherd. The parable
of the good shepherd and his sheep is a reference to God’s intimate knowledge of all of us. A
good shepherd looks after his flock and knows his sheep. Sheep are not the brightest animals
in the world. They seek the security of the flock and blindly follow the lead of the shepherd.
When several flocks are grazing together in a field, they are still able to distinguish the voice
of their own shepherd and follow his movements, clap, voice, etc. Sheep need a leader not
because they are dumb, but because they know they can’t go it alone. They need someone to
lead and to guide them.
(4) Jesus is our shepherd. People who truly belong to God listen to and believe in the words
of Jesus. We must distinguish his voice from all the other voices we hear in our daily lives
and follow Him in faith. He provides the security of an eternal kingdom, but people often
look elsewhere for their spiritual and eternal security. No forces other than our own can
snatch us out of His good care and keeping. There is no security in the law, only unbelief.
Christianity is not about Christians behaving themselves. It is about hope for those who do
not have any including all of us. All we have in ourselves is doubt and fear-and nothing there
is certain.
(5) In Biblical times, sheep were often placed in a fenced-in area at night for their protection.
If the sheep pen had a gate, the shepherd could close and lock it and go home; however, many
sheep pens did not have a gate. Instead, there was an opening. A shepherd would then lie
across the opening to keep predators out. Just as the shepherd controlled the entrance to the
sheep pen, Jesus controls our entrance to heaven. In fact, Jesus is the only way to heaven. As
Jesus once said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me”.
Our comings and goings are through Jesus.
Conclusion
In a world where individuals often feel reduced to mere numbers and statistics, the biblical
portrayal of Jesus as the Good Shepherd offers profound reassurance. He knows each of us by
name, emphasizing our unique identities and worth. Just as sheep rely on their shepherd for
guidance and security, we are invited to trust in Jesus for our spiritual safety and direction.
The passage concludes by affirming that Jesus is the sole pathway to eternal life, reminding
us that true security comes not from worldly systems but from a personal relationship with
Him. In recognizing His voice amid the noise of life, we can find hope and purpose,
confident in the care of our Shepherd.