This past weekend at Eastbrook, we continued our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus through our preaching series, “I AM: Seven Identity Markers of Jesus,” drawn from the Gospel of John. This week Pastor Femi Ibitoye continued the series by exploring Jesus’ statement, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11).

You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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

Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14)

The good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (Verse 10)

The good Shepherd owns the sheep (verse 11)

The good Shepherd knows the sheep and the sheep knows him (verse 14)

The good Shepherd cares for the sheep and does not abandon them when trouble comes (verse 12-13)

The Good Shepherd calls his sheep by name and leads them (Verse 3)

The Good Shepherd versus the Hired hand (10:11-14)

The Good Shepherd loves his sheep.  The hired hand does not

The Good shepherd owns the sheep.  The hired hand does not

The Good Shepherd cares for the sheep. The hired hand does not.

The Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep.  The hired hand runs from danger

Jesus has other sheep (11:15-16)

Jesus’ relationship with his sheep is intimate like his relationship with his Father (verse 15)

Jesus has other sheep that he will own.  Referring to gentiles who will believe

Jesus is shepherd over all sheep that knows him and listens to his voice

Jesus calls his sheep by name (Verse 2)

Jesus leads his sheep and they follow (Verse 3)

Jesus is God.  

      By claiming to be the good Shepherd, Jesus is claiming to be God (Isaiah 40:10-12, 

      Jesus gives us eternal life.  Only God can do that.  John 10:10, 10:28-30; 

      Jesus existed before Abraham was born, (John 8:56-58)

      Jesus uses the phrase “I AM”, which is a personal name of God (Exodus 3:13-15)

Jesus is the Shepherd Lord referenced in Psalm 23

    All the sheep will ever need is provided by the Good Shepherd

    Jesus leads us, Jesus restores us

    Jesus guides us in the right path

    Jesus is with us when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  He never leaves.

    Jesus protects, comforts, defends, saves us with his rod and staff

    Jesus provides for us, Jesus anoints us

    Jesus lavishes us with his goodness and love

Jesus is our dwelling place forever

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Dig Deeper

This week dig deeper in one or more of the following ways:

• Memorize John 10:11 and/or Psalm 23
• Draw, ink, or paint Jesus as the good shepherd.  As you do that, let God speak to you about what it means that Jesus is your shepherd. Pay attention to what God draws to the surface as. When you finish, consider sharing your prayer reflections and/or artistry with a friend.