HOW JESUS TREATS HIS SHEEP
Living in the Goodness of God — Part 7
Rick Warren
April 22-23, 2017
PSALM 23
“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I have everything I need. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me! Your rod and your staff comfort me. You prepare a banquet for me in front of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, and my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”
WHAT’S A ROD & A STAFF?
- A rod is a tool for guarding and protecting
- A STAFF is a tool for guiding and directing
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THESE METAPHORS?
- The ROD represents Power and Authority
- The STAFF represents Care and Compassion
“Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the sheep.” Hebrews 13:20b (NIV)
Jesus: “I came so that my sheep will have life and everything they need. I am the good shepherd! The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep.” John 10:10b-11 (GW)
How Does Jesus Treat His Sheep?
- If I bring him my hurts Jesus shows me compassion
“When Jesus saw the crowds, his heart was filled with compassion for them because they were hurting and didn’t know where to get help. They were like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
Jesus: “I came here not to be served, but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
Action Plan: Write out your pain on paper, read it in prayer and release it to your Good Shepherd.
- If I choose to follow him Jesus leads me in the right direction
“He leads me in the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3b (NRSV)
Jesus: “(The Good Shepherd) walks ahead of the sheep; and they follow him, for they recognize his voice.” John 10:4 (LB)
“Your constant love is my guide; your faithfulness always leads me.” Psalm 26:3 (TEV)
Action Plan: Continue to memorize Psalm 23. Use it as a morning prayer each day.
- If I get confused & wander off Jesus finds and brings me back
Jesus: “If a shepherd has 100 sheep, and one wanders away and is lost, won’t he leave the 99 safe sheep to go search for the lost one?” Matthew 18:12
Jesus: “I came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10
“I used to wander off until you Lord disciplined me, but now I closely follow your word. You are good, and you only do good, so train me in your principles.” Psalm 119:67-68 (NLT)
Action Plan: Get God’s Word into your daily routine by subscribing to both Daily Hope and DriveTime Devotions (http://pastorrick.com/ and http://drivetimedevotions.com/). Look for ways to put into practice their teaching that day.
- If I fail or fall Jesus rescues and recovers me
Jesus said, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not rescue it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!” Matthew 12:11-12a (NIV)
“You allowed me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life.” Psalm 71:20 (CEV)
“You never need to be afraid of sudden disaster or hidden troubles that ensnare the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep you safe and keep your foot from getting caught in a trap.” Proverbs 3:25-26
Action Plan: If you are in pain, don’t go it alone. Seek out a small group or Celebrate Recovery and find help for your hurts, habits, and hang-ups in community. There is a CR near you (http://www.celebraterecovery.com/).
- If I trust him to save me Jesus keeps me saved
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die, and no one can steal them out of my hand. My Father gave my sheep to me. He is greater than all, and no person can steal my sheep out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29 (NCV)
“Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NCV)
Action Plan: Take the next step to learn more about who God is and what the Bible teaches by taking Foundations. The course starts again Thursday, April 27 and you can join no matter where you live. For more information go to saddleback.com/foundationslive.
