The parable of the "Good Shepherd"

 S- John 10:1- 18(NASB)

Parable of the Good Shepherd

10 “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. 2 But the one who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus told them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what the things which He was saying to them [a]meant.

7 So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All those who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and [b]have it abundantly.

11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters the flock. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it back. 18 No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father.”

O - Jesus is the good shephard, and those who know His voice and are called by Him are able to enter by the shepherds gate.   Those called know His voice and follow Him, and He keeps them safe by protecting them from the thieves and robbers that may come.  He lays down His life for them that they may be protected.   When we follow the Good Shepherd we follow the one who gives life,  protection,  wisdom and the path to the Kingdom of God.   We know His voice because we have heard the Truth speak to us and follow His voice , the voice of Truth.  

A - The application for me is to head the warning not to become like the pharisee's who led God's flock away from God.   Not out of malice but with the same slyness of thieves and robbers,  preventing God's children from seeking the kingdom of God and receiving Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But Jesus, our Good Shepherd has come for us, so that none of us would be lost.   Instead He came as the Door to the Kingdom of Heaven.   He gives us shelter and has us lay down in green pastures,  He gives us rest for our wearied souls.   My role in the kingdom is to help spread the good message of the savior who has come to take away our sins.    I am not to be conformed by the world, but transformed in the renewing of my mind.  I am to be the "Church" of God who is reaching out into the world. 

P - Lord this is my prayer, that you would shepherd me in my ways, and that you would show me my purpose in the Kingdom of Heaven.   Lord I know I am a sinner in need of a savior.   I pray that you cleanse me of all unrighteousness,  and show me your ways.    Lord I know your ways are not the ways of the world but rather lead to eternal life.   Thank you Lord for your patience, grace, mercy, and love.   I am forever committed to follow you.   In Jesus name I pray, Amen.