Disclaimer: This is an outline of our Youth Group lesson not the entire content.
The Good Shepherd...
1. Is more than just the nursery wall paper
Dick Lucas was quick to point this out in his teaching series on the Good Shepherd. Shepherds lead. Not only do we have the imagery of care and compassion, but to the Jews this was rich with kingly images...power, strength, provision.
2. Loves His sheep to death (vs 11-13)
This is the central point. It's the kind I'd typically close with, but this is where Jesus starts (and finishes...and clarifies all throughout). I'm following His lead. He is talking about His death. He, unlike the false leaders (Pharisees) truly cares for His sheep. Oh, the wonder of knowing 1-we are loved so completely and undeservedly, and 2- we are His.
3. Knows His sheep intimately (vs 14-15)
The Father and the Son are one. They know each other with an intimacy outside human experience. This is God's desire for us. We are known and are to know Jesus on this level. This side of Heaven, this will not be fully realized. Nonetheless, obviously it is understood that the sheep will have intimate relations with Christ on earth because it this knowledge (relationship) that keeps them from following wolves.
4. Calls His sheep effectively (and they follow Him) (vs 16)
Jesus calls. His sheep follow. Praise The Lord! This is the reason we are saved. We are sheep that were not of the Jewish flock. This is why we evangelize. He has sheep; we go to them and tell them the good news; He saves them.
Also note the implication here of the sheep following Him. This is not just the sheep coming into the sheep gate. This is the sheep living behind the Good Shepherd. We go where He goes. We do what He does. He is our life.
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