The Shepherd You Can Trust | Why Jesus is "The Good Shepherd"

Good morning. Welcome to Crossroads. I'm Good morning. Welcome to Crossroads. I'm Jen. Jen. Jen. >> Hey. And I'm Andy. And if you're in the >> Hey. And I'm Andy. And if you're in the >> Hey. And I'm Andy. And if you're in the US, happy 4th of July. US, happy 4th of July. US, happy 4th of July. >> Happy 4th of July. That's >> Happy 4th of July. That's >> Happy 4th of July. That's >> right. Wherever you are, hey, thanks for >> right. Wherever you are, hey, thanks for >> right. Wherever you are, hey, thanks for spending part of your weekend with us. spending part of your weekend with us. spending part of your weekend with us. Whether you're tuning in from your Whether you're tuning in from your Whether you're tuning in from your living room or the lake or driving home living room or the lake or driving home living room or the lake or driving home or just recovering from a crazy weekend. or just recovering from a crazy weekend. or just recovering from a crazy weekend. Hey, we're so glad you're here. Hey, we're so glad you're here. Hey, we're so glad you're here. >> Yes. Crazy weekend. Lots of fireworks >> Yes. Crazy weekend. Lots of fireworks >> Yes. Crazy weekend. Lots of fireworks all through the night. Seriously, all through the night. Seriously, all through the night. Seriously, whether it's your first time joining us whether it's your first time joining us whether it's your first time joining us or you've been with us for years, you or you've been with us for years, you or you've been with us for years, you belong here and we're excited to be belong here and we're excited to be belong here and we're excited to be together today. together today. together today. >> Yeah. Hey, we're actually wrapping up >> Yeah. Hey, we're actually wrapping up >> Yeah. Hey, we're actually wrapping up our series called The Jesus Exhibit. our series called The Jesus Exhibit. our series called The Jesus Exhibit. We've been looking at these seven bold We've been looking at these seven bold We've been looking at these seven bold statements that Jesus made about himself statements that Jesus made about himself statements that Jesus made about himself and asking what do those mean for us and asking what do those mean for us and asking what do those mean for us right now. right now. right now. >> Join us like we do every weekend singing >> Join us like we do every weekend singing >> Join us like we do every weekend singing some songs. some songs. some songs. >> Go. Your word, Your word, your word your word your word is a lamp unto my feet. Your way Your way is the only way for me.

is the only way for me. is the only way for me. It's a narrow road that leads to life It's a narrow road that leads to life It's a narrow road that leads to life and I want to be on it. and I want to be on it. and I want to be on it. It's a narrow road, but the mercy's It's a narrow road, but the mercy's It's a narrow road, but the mercy's wide. Cuz you good on your promise. Come wide. Cuz you good on your promise. Come wide. Cuz you good on your promise. Come on, say, I'll take you at your word. on, say, I'll take you at your word. on, say, I'll take you at your word. If you said it, I believe it. I see how If you said it, I believe it. I see how If you said it, I believe it. I see how good it was. good it was. good it was. If you started your If you started your If you started your I take you. He's born He's born in the chaos belly light. I know I know cuz I've seen it in my life. cuz I've seen it in my life. cuz I've seen it in my life. There's a narrow road that leads to life There's a narrow road that leads to life There's a narrow road that leads to life and I want to be on it. Yes, I am. It's and I want to be on it. Yes, I am. It's and I want to be on it. Yes, I am. It's a narrow road and the light is high. You a narrow road and the light is high. You a narrow road and the light is high. You find the water.

find the water. find the water. I'll take you out. I'll take you out. I'll take you out. If you say Here's what he said. You said your love Here's what he said. You said your love will never give up. You said your grace will never give up. You said your grace will never give up. You said your grace is always enough. You said your heart is always enough. You said your heart is always enough. You said your heart would never forget or forsake me. You said I'm saved. You called me yours. You said I'm saved. You called me yours. You said my future full of your love.

You said my future full of your love. You said my future full of your love. You never fail. I know that you'll never You never fail. I know that you'll never You never fail. I know that you'll never fail. Don't you know I'll never fail. fail. Don't you know I'll never fail. fail. Don't you know I'll never fail. Heat. Heat. Heat. I'll I'll How good I feel for myself.

opened up my eyes. opened up my eyes. Your light broke through the night. Your light broke through the night. Your light broke through the night. This walking dead was breathing in new This walking dead was breathing in new This walking dead was breathing in new life. A new song filled my lungs. A new song filled my lungs. I'll sing it all my days. Yet I finally I'll sing it all my days. Yet I finally I'll sing it all my days. Yet I finally found something worthy of my praise. found something worthy of my praise. found something worthy of my praise. Anything that's good, that's good, comes Anything that's good, that's good, comes Anything that's good, that's good, comes from you. from you. from you. Anything that's good, that's good, it Anything that's good, that's good, it Anything that's good, that's good, it comes from me. comes from me. comes from me. If all I have is just the breath you If all I have is just the breath you If all I have is just the breath you gave, I'm giving it to you. Everything gave, I'm giving it to you. Everything gave, I'm giving it to you. Everything that's good, that's good, comes from that's good, that's good, comes from that's good, that's good, comes from all. all. all. It comes from you. It comes from you. It comes from you. Yeah.

Help me to remember. Help me to remember. It's only by your grace. It's only by your grace. It's only by your grace. It's not my hand. It's not my words that It's not my hand. It's not my words that It's not my hand. It's not my words that say the power of your cross. the power of your cross. Mercy is Mercy is Mercy is heaven heaven heaven to the day. Yes, in the end to the day. Yes, in the end to the day. Yes, in the end I see the other my bra. I see the other my bra. I see the other my bra. Anything that's good is good comes from Anything that's good is good comes from Anything that's good is good comes from you. you. you. Anything that's good is good comes from Anything that's good is good comes from Anything that's good is good comes from you. Show us the breath you gave. I'm giving Show us the breath you gave. I'm giving it to you. Everything is good. It's good it to you. Everything is good. It's good it to you. Everything is good. It's good comes from you.

comes from you. comes from you. It comes from you. You're the mouth, the man. You're the You're the mouth, the man. You're the author, the creator, the stand alone. author, the creator, the stand alone. author, the creator, the stand alone. You're the living God. You're the living God. You're the living God. Sing it. I You are rightous, full of Sing it. I You are rightous, full of Sing it. I You are rightous, full of justice in the valley. You are with us. justice in the valley. You are with us. justice in the valley. You are with us. You stand alone. Yes, you do. You're the You stand alone. Yes, you do. You're the You stand alone. Yes, you do. You're the living God. living God. living God. You're the savior. You're the You're the savior. You're the You're the savior. You're the redeemer. redeemer. redeemer. Heat. Heat. Oh,

Oh, you're the you're the you're the omega. You're the omega. You're the omega. You're the creator. You stand alone. creator. You stand alone. creator. You stand alone. You're the living God. You are righteous, full of justice in my You are righteous, full of justice in my body. You are with us. You said, body. You are with us. You said, body. You are with us. You said, you're the living God. you're the living God. you're the living God. Yeah. Heat. I could sing I could sing your name for all my life

your name for all my life your name for all my life and still find more and still find more and still find more to love each time. to love each time. to love each time. Jesus be the name ever on my lips. It's sweeter every time that I call on It's sweeter every time that I call on it. There's just something about your it. There's just something about your it. There's just something about your name. name. name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name There's just something about your name There's just something about your name that makes me cry holy. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. Jesus, you're worthy and you have been and you have been a friend who never a friend who never a friend who never left. And I won't left. And I won't left. And I won't forget forget forget your faithfulness.

Jesus feel the name ever on my wrist. Jesus feel the name ever on my wrist. It's sweeter. It's sweeter. It's sweeter. It's sweeter every time that I call her It's sweeter every time that I call her It's sweeter every time that I call her on it. Cuz there's just something about on it. Cuz there's just something about on it. Cuz there's just something about your name. your name. your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name There's just something about your name There's just something about your name that makes me cry. Holy. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. Jesus, you're worthy. We lift you up high. We lift you up high. We give you our attention, We give you our attention, We give you our attention, our affection. our affection. our affection. Jesus, your name is light, the morning Jesus, your name is light, the morning Jesus, your name is light, the morning light, the one the darkness can't deny, light, the one the darkness can't deny, light, the one the darkness can't deny, the resurrection the resurrection the resurrection and the life. Jesus, and the life. Jesus, and the life. Jesus, Jesus, your name can save, your name, Jesus, your name can save, your name, Jesus, your name can save, your name, can heal, your name can make the storm can heal, your name can make the storm can heal, your name can make the storm be still. You never fail, you never be still. You never fail, you never be still. You never fail, you never will. Jesus.

will. Jesus. will. Jesus. Jesus Christ. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus be the name.

Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name Jesus be the name Jesus be the name that gets all the glory. Let me pray for us. Let me pray for us. God, thank you for God, thank you for God, thank you for all that you've done for us. When I sing these words of this song, it When I sing these words of this song, it helps me just to be grateful helps me just to be grateful helps me just to be grateful that I don't have to figure it out on my that I don't have to figure it out on my that I don't have to figure it out on my own, but that at the name of Jesus, own, but that at the name of Jesus, own, but that at the name of Jesus, my life has been changed. my life has been changed. my life has been changed. So God, thank you So God, thank you So God, thank you for all you've done, for laying your for all you've done, for laying your for all you've done, for laying your life down for me, life down for me, life down for me, for seeing past all of my shortcomings for seeing past all of my shortcomings for seeing past all of my shortcomings and saying, "No, you're still my son and and saying, "No, you're still my son and and saying, "No, you're still my son and I choose you and my arms are open to I choose you and my arms are open to I choose you and my arms are open to you."

you." you." I believe you're saying that to every I believe you're saying that to every I believe you're saying that to every one of us in this room, that your arms one of us in this room, that your arms one of us in this room, that your arms are wide open. So will we take a step are wide open. So will we take a step are wide open. So will we take a step toward you today cuz you're good and toward you today cuz you're good and toward you today cuz you're good and you're faithful and you care for us. you're faithful and you care for us. you're faithful and you care for us. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Yeah. You can clap up for that. Yeah. You can clap up for that. Yeah. You can clap up for that. So good to be in this space. Happy So good to be in this space. Happy So good to be in this space. Happy holiday weekend. Why don't you turn to a holiday weekend. Why don't you turn to a holiday weekend. Why don't you turn to a couple of people around you. Give them a couple of people around you. Give them a couple of people around you. Give them a high five. Tell them your name. You can high five. Tell them your name. You can high five. Tell them your name. You can have a seat. Thanks for joining us online today. Now, Thanks for joining us online today. Now, Crossroads Anywhere is a community made Crossroads Anywhere is a community made Crossroads Anywhere is a community made up of people all over the world. And I up of people all over the world. And I up of people all over the world. And I don't know where you are right now, but don't know where you are right now, but don't know where you are right now, but here in Ohio, it's been about a here in Ohio, it's been about a here in Ohio, it's been about a bajillion degrees. It's so hot. bajillion degrees. It's so hot. bajillion degrees. It's so hot. >> Jillion degrees, >> Jillion degrees, >> Jillion degrees, >> which is why you wore your sweater >> which is why you wore your sweater >> which is why you wore your sweater apparently. apparently. apparently. >> Yes. If you're somewhere that if you're >> Yes. If you're somewhere that if you're >> Yes. If you're somewhere that if you're somewhere maybe that's cool and 70 and somewhere maybe that's cool and 70 and somewhere maybe that's cool and 70 and sunny, we're so happy for you. sunny, we're so happy for you. sunny, we're so happy for you. >> So happy. >> So happy. >> So happy. >> My AC's been out all weekend, so you >> My AC's been out all weekend, so you >> My AC's been out all weekend, so you know. But anyway, in other news, we love know. But anyway, in other news, we love know. But anyway, in other news, we love that Crossroads is a church where you that Crossroads is a church where you that Crossroads is a church where you can stream the services and take the can stream the services and take the can stream the services and take the church with you anywhere.

church with you anywhere. church with you anywhere. >> It's also nice to meet people face to >> It's also nice to meet people face to >> It's also nice to meet people face to face sometimes. So, if you are um want face sometimes. So, if you are um want face sometimes. So, if you are um want to be a part of something, August 28th to be a part of something, August 28th to be a part of something, August 28th through the 30th, we're taking anywhere through the 30th, we're taking anywhere through the 30th, we're taking anywhere on the road to Sanduski, Ohio for the on the road to Sanduski, Ohio for the on the road to Sanduski, Ohio for the weekend. weekend. weekend. >> Yeah. Why Sandusky? Well, because it's a >> Yeah. Why Sandusky? Well, because it's a >> Yeah. Why Sandusky? Well, because it's a quick drive and there's lots of you who quick drive and there's lots of you who quick drive and there's lots of you who stream from that area, from the whole stream from that area, from the whole stream from that area, from the whole Great Lakes region, Great Lakes region, Great Lakes region, >> Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, >> Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, >> Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, >> Fort Wayne, all over the place, >> Fort Wayne, all over the place, >> Fort Wayne, all over the place, >> all the places. And it's going to be an >> all the places. And it's going to be an >> all the places. And it's going to be an incredible few days designed to help you incredible few days designed to help you incredible few days designed to help you understand your God-given purpose and understand your God-given purpose and understand your God-given purpose and get to know some great, great people and get to know some great, great people and get to know some great, great people and have a good time. have a good time. have a good time. >> Yeah. More details to come, but most >> Yeah. More details to come, but most >> Yeah. More details to come, but most importantly, we're making it as simple importantly, we're making it as simple importantly, we're making it as simple as possible for you. All you have to do as possible for you. All you have to do as possible for you. All you have to do is get yourself to Sanduski. We'll take is get yourself to Sanduski. We'll take is get yourself to Sanduski. We'll take care of everything else. Lodging, meals, care of everything else. Lodging, meals, care of everything else. Lodging, meals, sessions, worship experience, activities sessions, worship experience, activities sessions, worship experience, activities throughout the weekend. It's going to be throughout the weekend. It's going to be throughout the weekend. It's going to be great. great. great. >> Yeah. And if getting there feels >> Yeah. And if getting there feels >> Yeah. And if getting there feels difficult for any reason, we'd love to difficult for any reason, we'd love to difficult for any reason, we'd love to help make it happen, you can register help make it happen, you can register help make it happen, you can register today at crossroads.net/anywhere101. >> Yep. Another way many people stay >> Yep. Another way many people stay connected to what God is doing here is connected to what God is doing here is connected to what God is doing here is through giving. For a lot of us who call through giving. For a lot of us who call through giving. For a lot of us who call Crossroads home, this is the one way Crossroads home, this is the one way Crossroads home, this is the one way that we can practice our trust in God that we can practice our trust in God that we can practice our trust in God and participate in h and how we can and participate in h and how we can and participate in h and how we can participate in seeing lives change participate in seeing lives change participate in seeing lives change inside and outside of these walls. If inside and outside of these walls. If inside and outside of these walls. If you'd like to be a part of that, head to you'd like to be a part of that, head to you'd like to be a part of that, head to crossers.net/g.

crossers.net/g. crossers.net/g. /give. /give. /give. >> Um, thank you everyone who gives so >> Um, thank you everyone who gives so >> Um, thank you everyone who gives so generously. It's because of that that we generously. It's because of that that we generously. It's because of that that we can do Sanduski event coming up and all can do Sanduski event coming up and all can do Sanduski event coming up and all over the world. Yeah. Weekends like over the world. Yeah. Weekends like over the world. Yeah. Weekends like right now today. right now today. right now today. >> Hey, and next weekend we're actually be >> Hey, and next weekend we're actually be >> Hey, and next weekend we're actually be kicking off a brand new series I'm kicking off a brand new series I'm kicking off a brand new series I'm really excited about called Origin really excited about called Origin really excited about called Origin Stories. And I'll just say my favorite Stories. And I'll just say my favorite Stories. And I'll just say my favorite part of any superhero movie is the part of any superhero movie is the part of any superhero movie is the origin story. How somebody normal became origin story. How somebody normal became origin story. How somebody normal became something great. In this series, we're something great. In this series, we're something great. In this series, we're looking how the spiritual giants, the looking how the spiritual giants, the looking how the spiritual giants, the heroes from the Bible, started out as heroes from the Bible, started out as heroes from the Bible, started out as normal, flawed people who experienced normal, flawed people who experienced normal, flawed people who experienced extraordinary things. extraordinary things. extraordinary things. >> Yeah. Which honestly is encouraging >> Yeah. Which honestly is encouraging >> Yeah. Which honestly is encouraging because that's where most of us live in because that's where most of us live in because that's where most of us live in our lives. Ordinary, normal. Um, but our lives. Ordinary, normal. Um, but our lives. Ordinary, normal. Um, but first, we're going to wrap up the Jesus first, we're going to wrap up the Jesus first, we're going to wrap up the Jesus exhibit. We're going to hear from one of exhibit. We're going to hear from one of exhibit. We're going to hear from one of our teaching pastors and a friend of our teaching pastors and a friend of our teaching pastors and a friend of mine, Ally Patterson, as she unpacks mine, Ally Patterson, as she unpacks mine, Ally Patterson, as she unpacks Jesus's final I am the good shepherd. Jesus's final I am the good shepherd. Jesus's final I am the good shepherd. >> Where are we in the Bible? We're in the >> Where are we in the Bible? We're in the >> Where are we in the Bible? We're in the New Testament in the Gospel according to New Testament in the Gospel according to New Testament in the Gospel according to John. This is a firsthand biography of John. This is a firsthand biography of John. This is a firsthand biography of Jesus by one of his closest friends. In Jesus by one of his closest friends. In Jesus by one of his closest friends. In it, John records seven iconic I am it, John records seven iconic I am it, John records seven iconic I am statements that Jesus made. Seven statements that Jesus made. Seven statements that Jesus made. Seven metaphors, seven self-portraits of the metaphors, seven self-portraits of the metaphors, seven self-portraits of the living God. This week, Jesus says, I am living God. This week, Jesus says, I am living God. This week, Jesus says, I am the good shepherd. Here's how it goes in the good shepherd. Here's how it goes in the good shepherd. Here's how it goes in the book of John chapter 10. I am the the book of John chapter 10. I am the the book of John chapter 10. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays good shepherd. The good shepherd lays good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a down his life for the sheep. He who is a down his life for the sheep. He who is a higher hand and not a shepherd, who does higher hand and not a shepherd, who does higher hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees. And the and leaves the sheep and flees. And the and leaves the sheep and flees. And the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He

wolf snatches them and scatters them. He wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and flees because he is a hired hand and flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the cares nothing for the sheep. I am the cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own good shepherd. I know my own and my own good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. Just as the Father knows me and know me. Just as the Father knows me and know me. Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life I know the Father and I lay down my life I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. Happy Independence Day everyone. So good Happy Independence Day everyone. So good to be with you here at Crossroads on to be with you here at Crossroads on to be with you here at Crossroads on this Fourth of July weekend. Thanks for this Fourth of July weekend. Thanks for this Fourth of July weekend. Thanks for gathering with us. Anyone else a little gathering with us. Anyone else a little gathering with us. Anyone else a little bit more grateful to live in this bit more grateful to live in this bit more grateful to live in this country after watching videos of World country after watching videos of World country after watching videos of World Cup fans? They're discovering Bies and Cup fans? They're discovering Bies and Cup fans? They're discovering Bies and Walmart. They're I mean Ranch's Walmart. They're I mean Ranch's Walmart. They're I mean Ranch's dressing. Their eyes have been opened dressing. Their eyes have been opened dressing. Their eyes have been opened free refills. They're just sitting in free refills. They're just sitting in free refills. They're just sitting in restaurants. Free refills. I I kind of restaurants. Free refills. I I kind of restaurants. Free refills. I I kind of got what that was about because I spent got what that was about because I spent got what that was about because I spent um I just took a trip over to Europe and um I just took a trip over to Europe and um I just took a trip over to Europe and went a couple different places and I've went a couple different places and I've went a couple different places and I've got to tell you worst heatwave in got to tell you worst heatwave in got to tell you worst heatwave in recorded European history. That's when recorded European history. That's when recorded European history. That's when we took our trip. And so I will be we took our trip. And so I will be we took our trip. And so I will be celebrating this weekend by asking for a celebrating this weekend by asking for a celebrating this weekend by asking for a table inside the 62°ree air conditioning table inside the 62°ree air conditioning table inside the 62°ree air conditioning that we enjoy here in the United States that we enjoy here in the United States that we enjoy here in the United States of America. So that is my plan for the of America. So that is my plan for the of America. So that is my plan for the weekend. I hope yours have been that weekend. I hope yours have been that weekend. I hope yours have been that good. We are in our last week of this good. We are in our last week of this good. We are in our last week of this series and I I truly think this has been series and I I truly think this has been series and I I truly think this has been one of my favorite teaching series that one of my favorite teaching series that one of my favorite teaching series that we've done for a while. I I love all of we've done for a while. I I love all of we've done for a while. I I love all of the different statements that we've been the different statements that we've been the different statements that we've been exploring. Jesus says things like, "I am

exploring. Jesus says things like, "I am exploring. Jesus says things like, "I am the bread of life. I am the the bread of life. I am the the bread of life. I am the resurrection. I am the light of the resurrection. I am the light of the resurrection. I am the light of the world." And we've gone into all of world." And we've gone into all of world." And we've gone into all of those. Today we're doing, "I am the good those. Today we're doing, "I am the good those. Today we're doing, "I am the good shepherd." And it's our final one. And shepherd." And it's our final one. And shepherd." And it's our final one. And I've been noticing something as we've I've been noticing something as we've I've been noticing something as we've gone through the places in the Gospel of gone through the places in the Gospel of gone through the places in the Gospel of John where these statements are John where these statements are John where these statements are recorded. oftentimes Jesus was doing recorded. oftentimes Jesus was doing recorded. oftentimes Jesus was doing them, saying them in a moment where he them, saying them in a moment where he them, saying them in a moment where he wanted to elicit a response that there's wanted to elicit a response that there's wanted to elicit a response that there's like a a question under the statement like a a question under the statement like a a question under the statement for whoever is listening and it's the for whoever is listening and it's the for whoever is listening and it's the same question for us today is do we same question for us today is do we same question for us today is do we really believe him? John actually tells really believe him? John actually tells really believe him? John actually tells us in chapter 20 of his gospel that's us in chapter 20 of his gospel that's us in chapter 20 of his gospel that's why he wrote down his entire gospel to why he wrote down his entire gospel to why he wrote down his entire gospel to ask the question, do you believe that ask the question, do you believe that ask the question, do you believe that this is who Jesus is? So today we're this is who Jesus is? So today we're this is who Jesus is? So today we're going to look at what did he mean when going to look at what did he mean when going to look at what did he mean when he said, "I am the good shepherd." And he said, "I am the good shepherd." And he said, "I am the good shepherd." And do our lives look like we believe him. do our lives look like we believe him. do our lives look like we believe him. Let me pray for us. Um Jesus, show us Let me pray for us. Um Jesus, show us Let me pray for us. Um Jesus, show us who you are today. who you are today. who you are today. Just teach us a little bit more about Just teach us a little bit more about Just teach us a little bit more about your heart for us and help us to follow your heart for us and help us to follow your heart for us and help us to follow you as the good shepherd. It's in your you as the good shepherd. It's in your you as the good shepherd. It's in your great name that I pray. Amen.

great name that I pray. Amen. great name that I pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Well, um I when I say this statement, I Well, um I when I say this statement, I Well, um I when I say this statement, I am the good shepherd, I actually think am the good shepherd, I actually think am the good shepherd, I actually think it sounds like one of the nicer ones, it sounds like one of the nicer ones, it sounds like one of the nicer ones, you know, the softer ones. Like you kind you know, the softer ones. Like you kind you know, the softer ones. Like you kind of go like, "Oh, that's nice." And I of go like, "Oh, that's nice." And I of go like, "Oh, that's nice." And I think we have that reaction because, think we have that reaction because, think we have that reaction because, well, at least I do. I'll just own this. well, at least I do. I'll just own this. well, at least I do. I'll just own this. I've been around church. And so when I've been around church. And so when I've been around church. And so when people say the word shepherd in a people say the word shepherd in a people say the word shepherd in a church, let me see if I can get this church, let me see if I can get this church, let me see if I can get this tone right. Here's how they sound. tone right. Here's how they sound. tone right. Here's how they sound. He's such a good shepherd. Oh, he's such He's such a good shepherd. Oh, he's such He's such a good shepherd. Oh, he's such a shepherd. You know, it's soft. It's a shepherd. You know, it's soft. It's a shepherd. You know, it's soft. It's sweet. We usually accompany it with what sweet. We usually accompany it with what sweet. We usually accompany it with what my friend calls Christian mooing. We go. Oh. She's like, "Y'all, when you pray Oh. She's like, "Y'all, when you pray and you like listen to people, you moo." and you like listen to people, you moo." and you like listen to people, you moo." She's like, "That's what we do when we She's like, "That's what we do when we She's like, "That's what we do when we say shepherd, we go, oh, it's so say shepherd, we go, oh, it's so say shepherd, we go, oh, it's so shepherd." shepherd." shepherd." And let me just tell you, that's not And let me just tell you, that's not And let me just tell you, that's not even close to what the listeners of this even close to what the listeners of this even close to what the listeners of this statement would have responded like. It statement would have responded like. It statement would have responded like. It was actually a bit of a controversial was actually a bit of a controversial was actually a bit of a controversial moment. Nobody was was going to respond moment. Nobody was was going to respond moment. Nobody was was going to respond with, "Oh, how nice this was of Jesus."

with, "Oh, how nice this was of Jesus." with, "Oh, how nice this was of Jesus." As a matter of fact, there's a word that As a matter of fact, there's a word that As a matter of fact, there's a word that isn't shepherd that I think the emphasis isn't shepherd that I think the emphasis isn't shepherd that I think the emphasis was more than likely on when these words was more than likely on when these words was more than likely on when these words came out of his mouth. So, let me say it came out of his mouth. So, let me say it came out of his mouth. So, let me say it how I think he might have emphasized it. how I think he might have emphasized it. how I think he might have emphasized it. I am the good shepherd, I am the good shepherd, I am the good shepherd, as in not the bad one. Let me read this as in not the bad one. Let me read this as in not the bad one. Let me read this passage again and see if you hear it. passage again and see if you hear it. passage again and see if you hear it. I am the good shepherd. The good I am the good shepherd. The good I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the shepherd lays down his life for the shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the sheep. The hired hand is not the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So shepherd and does not own the sheep. So shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he when he sees the wolf coming, he when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then abandons the sheep and runs away. Then abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters the wolf attacks the flock and scatters the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he has a it. The man runs away because he has a it. The man runs away because he has a hired hand and cares nothing for the hired hand and cares nothing for the hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Just as the sheep and my sheep know me. Just as the sheep and my sheep know me. Just as the father knows me and I know the father father knows me and I know the father father knows me and I know the father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I and I lay down my life for the sheep. I and I lay down my life for the sheep. I believe the word that would have believe the word that would have believe the word that would have elicited the most controversy in this elicited the most controversy in this elicited the most controversy in this statement is good. I am the good statement is good. I am the good statement is good. I am the good shepherd. Because of who he was shepherd. Because of who he was shepherd. Because of who he was primarily talking to. If you go back a primarily talking to. If you go back a primarily talking to. If you go back a few verses, you learn that his few verses, you learn that his few verses, you learn that his listeners, his most direct listeners in listeners, his most direct listeners in listeners, his most direct listeners in this statement are the Pharisees.

this statement are the Pharisees. this statement are the Pharisees. They're the spiritual leaders in the They're the spiritual leaders in the They're the spiritual leaders in the nation of Israel at the time. And Jesus nation of Israel at the time. And Jesus nation of Israel at the time. And Jesus looks right at them and he says, "I am looks right at them and he says, "I am looks right at them and he says, "I am the good shepherd." And he contrasts the good shepherd." And he contrasts the good shepherd." And he contrasts that with this what he calls the hired that with this what he calls the hired that with this what he calls the hired hand. Now, this would have elicited some hand. Now, this would have elicited some hand. Now, this would have elicited some controversy, some offense because of who controversy, some offense because of who controversy, some offense because of who he was talking to. Because when he used he was talking to. Because when he used he was talking to. Because when he used the word shepherd, when he chose that as the word shepherd, when he chose that as the word shepherd, when he chose that as the metaphor, he automatically conjured the metaphor, he automatically conjured the metaphor, he automatically conjured up the context of leadership. This was a up the context of leadership. This was a up the context of leadership. This was a very, very commonly used term and very, very commonly used term and very, very commonly used term and metaphor for all kinds of leaders, not metaphor for all kinds of leaders, not metaphor for all kinds of leaders, not just religious. This wasn't religious just religious. This wasn't religious just religious. This wasn't religious language. This was cultural language. language. This was cultural language. language. This was cultural language. Military leaders, leaders at home, Military leaders, leaders at home, Military leaders, leaders at home, teachers, religious leaders, all of that teachers, religious leaders, all of that teachers, religious leaders, all of that would have been commonly referred to as would have been commonly referred to as would have been commonly referred to as a shepherd. So when Jesus looks at the a shepherd. So when Jesus looks at the a shepherd. So when Jesus looks at the leaders of the nation of Israel and he leaders of the nation of Israel and he leaders of the nation of Israel and he says, "I am the good shepherd." says, "I am the good shepherd." says, "I am the good shepherd." He puts them on the hook as the bad He puts them on the hook as the bad He puts them on the hook as the bad ones. And it gets even worse because ones. And it gets even worse because ones. And it gets even worse because Jesus also knew that the background Jesus also knew that the background Jesus also knew that the background music that would be playing when he used music that would be playing when he used music that would be playing when he used this metaphor to those people would have this metaphor to those people would have this metaphor to those people would have been a passage from the prophet Ezekiel.

been a passage from the prophet Ezekiel. been a passage from the prophet Ezekiel. There was a a great prophet there's a There was a a great prophet there's a There was a a great prophet there's a book um through the Bible and there's a book um through the Bible and there's a book um through the Bible and there's a chapter in that book chapter 34 where chapter in that book chapter 34 where chapter in that book chapter 34 where God had tired of bad leaders and he God had tired of bad leaders and he God had tired of bad leaders and he sends the prophet Ezekiel to deliver sends the prophet Ezekiel to deliver sends the prophet Ezekiel to deliver some words to his leaders in the nation some words to his leaders in the nation some words to his leaders in the nation at that time. And the the Pharisees, the at that time. And the the Pharisees, the at that time. And the the Pharisees, the ones that Jesus was speaking these words ones that Jesus was speaking these words ones that Jesus was speaking these words to, they would have intimately known to, they would have intimately known to, they would have intimately known this passage. Let me read a couple of this passage. Let me read a couple of this passage. Let me read a couple of verses right out of Ezekiel 34. This is verses right out of Ezekiel 34. This is verses right out of Ezekiel 34. This is God speaking through Ezekiel to his God speaking through Ezekiel to his God speaking through Ezekiel to his leaders. Ah, shepherds of Israel who leaders. Ah, shepherds of Israel who leaders. Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves. Should not have been feeding yourselves. Should not have been feeding yourselves. Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the fat, you clothe yourselves with the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you you do not feed the sheep. The weak you you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened. The sick you have have not strengthened. The sick you have have not strengthened. The sick you have not healed. The injured you have not not healed. The injured you have not not healed. The injured you have not bound up. The strayed you have not bound up. The strayed you have not bound up. The strayed you have not brought back. The lost you have not brought back. The lost you have not brought back. The lost you have not sought. With force and harshness you sought. With force and harshness you sought. With force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered have ruled them. So they were scattered have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd. Thus says because there was no shepherd. Thus says because there was no shepherd. Thus says the Lord, behold, I am against the the Lord, behold, I am against the the Lord, behold, I am against the shepherds. I will rescue my sheep from shepherds. I will rescue my sheep from shepherds. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths that they may not be food their mouths that they may not be food their mouths that they may not be food for them. This for them. This for them. This this is the context that Jesus steps in, this is the context that Jesus steps in, this is the context that Jesus steps in, looks these guys in the eyes and says, looks these guys in the eyes and says, looks these guys in the eyes and says, "I am the good shepherd." So he's not "I am the good shepherd." So he's not "I am the good shepherd." So he's not only at the peak of his controversy, his only at the peak of his controversy, his only at the peak of his controversy, his his conflict with religious leadership his conflict with religious leadership his conflict with religious leadership of Israel, he actually calls up this

of Israel, he actually calls up this of Israel, he actually calls up this previous context where it's not only the previous context where it's not only the previous context where it's not only the heavy judgment of God upon the leaders heavy judgment of God upon the leaders heavy judgment of God upon the leaders that have been leading his people badly. that have been leading his people badly. that have been leading his people badly. It's also a proclamation of his own It's also a proclamation of his own It's also a proclamation of his own identity. At the end of that passage in identity. At the end of that passage in identity. At the end of that passage in the words of Ezekiel, God says, "I will the words of Ezekiel, God says, "I will the words of Ezekiel, God says, "I will rescue them. I will come rescue my rescue them. I will come rescue my rescue them. I will come rescue my sheep. I will take them out of your sheep. I will take them out of your sheep. I will take them out of your mouth so they won't be food for them." mouth so they won't be food for them." mouth so they won't be food for them." So Jesus is saying, "Here I am. So Jesus is saying, "Here I am. So Jesus is saying, "Here I am. I am the good shepherd." The contrast to I am the good shepherd." The contrast to I am the good shepherd." The contrast to the shepherds of Israel, including you. the shepherds of Israel, including you. the shepherds of Israel, including you. So this was not a friendly moment. This So this was not a friendly moment. This So this was not a friendly moment. This was not a nice churchy statement. This was not a nice churchy statement. This was not a nice churchy statement. This was a heavy indictment on the leaders was a heavy indictment on the leaders was a heavy indictment on the leaders and a proclamation of who he actually and a proclamation of who he actually and a proclamation of who he actually was. Now, this is about the time in his was. Now, this is about the time in his was. Now, this is about the time in his ministry where that group of people ministry where that group of people ministry where that group of people begins plotting to kill him. They're begins plotting to kill him. They're begins plotting to kill him. They're done. They're like, "That's enough from done. They're like, "That's enough from done. They're like, "That's enough from this guy. we've got to get rid of this this guy. we've got to get rid of this this guy. we've got to get rid of this guy because not only was he claiming guy because not only was he claiming guy because not only was he claiming some crazy things in their mind, some crazy things in their mind, some crazy things in their mind, he was also firmly against them. And so he was also firmly against them. And so he was also firmly against them. And so this is really what's behind I am the this is really what's behind I am the this is really what's behind I am the good shepherd. And the Pharisees decide good shepherd. And the Pharisees decide good shepherd. And the Pharisees decide on the spot, we don't believe him. I on the spot, we don't believe him. I on the spot, we don't believe him. I told you there's a question under under told you there's a question under under told you there's a question under under these I am statements. They clearly these I am statements. They clearly these I am statements. They clearly answered that question. We don't believe answered that question. We don't believe answered that question. We don't believe him to the extent that we hate him. We him to the extent that we hate him. We him to the extent that we hate him. We want to get rid of him. We're going to want to get rid of him. We're going to want to get rid of him. We're going to kill him. The same question is on the

kill him. The same question is on the kill him. The same question is on the table for us. Do we believe him? What table for us. Do we believe him? What table for us. Do we believe him? What would our lives say? What do our prayers would our lives say? What do our prayers would our lives say? What do our prayers say? What what are we living like? Are say? What what are we living like? Are say? What what are we living like? Are we living like we actually believe this we living like we actually believe this we living like we actually believe this statement? I think if we look at the two statement? I think if we look at the two statement? I think if we look at the two times that Jesus says it, he repeats it times that Jesus says it, he repeats it times that Jesus says it, he repeats it twice in the passage, we're going to get twice in the passage, we're going to get twice in the passage, we're going to get a sense for let's say that I did. a sense for let's say that I did. a sense for let's say that I did. What would that look like? What would he What would that look like? What would he What would that look like? What would he be doing? What is there to believe? So be doing? What is there to believe? So be doing? What is there to believe? So when he says it the first time, let's when he says it the first time, let's when he says it the first time, let's look at the first time. He says, "I am look at the first time. He says, "I am look at the first time. He says, "I am the good shepherd." The good shepherd the good shepherd." The good shepherd the good shepherd." The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A good lays down his life for the sheep. A good lays down his life for the sheep. A good shepherd lays down his life. shepherd lays down his life. shepherd lays down his life. Real shepherds, especially in this Real shepherds, especially in this Real shepherds, especially in this context, but any kind of real shepherd, context, but any kind of real shepherd, context, but any kind of real shepherd, actually gives us a pretty good sense actually gives us a pretty good sense actually gives us a pretty good sense for what is he calling on here? The for what is he calling on here? The for what is he calling on here? The laying down of the life. Maybe if you've laying down of the life. Maybe if you've laying down of the life. Maybe if you've heard that phrase, you've heard it in heard that phrase, you've heard it in heard that phrase, you've heard it in relationship to the cross, to Jesus relationship to the cross, to Jesus relationship to the cross, to Jesus dying on the cross. That hasn't taken dying on the cross. That hasn't taken dying on the cross. That hasn't taken place. Jesus is referring to something place. Jesus is referring to something place. Jesus is referring to something else. He's calling up something else else. He's calling up something else else. He's calling up something else into their mind. And it's the context of into their mind. And it's the context of into their mind. And it's the context of actually a real shepherd. Real shepherds actually a real shepherd. Real shepherds actually a real shepherd. Real shepherds absolutely laid down their life. They absolutely laid down their life. They absolutely laid down their life. They they lived with the sheep. They slept they lived with the sheep. They slept they lived with the sheep. They slept with the sheep. They fed the sheep 365 with the sheep. They fed the sheep 365 with the sheep. They fed the sheep 365 days a year. This was a lifestyle days a year. This was a lifestyle days a year. This was a lifestyle occupation. This wasn't a an 8-to-ive occupation. This wasn't a an 8-to-ive occupation. This wasn't a an 8-to-ive job. This was an all day, everyday kind job. This was an all day, everyday kind job. This was an all day, everyday kind of occupation. And they laid down also of occupation. And they laid down also of occupation. And they laid down also their physical safety.

their physical safety. their physical safety. Their job was to secure the sheep in a Their job was to secure the sheep in a Their job was to secure the sheep in a pretty inhospitable environment. The pretty inhospitable environment. The pretty inhospitable environment. The Middle East shephering is not like Middle East shephering is not like Middle East shephering is not like rolling lush green hills. It's um scarce rolling lush green hills. It's um scarce rolling lush green hills. It's um scarce food, difficult to find water. It's food, difficult to find water. It's food, difficult to find water. It's confusing um dry, dusty pathways in confusing um dry, dusty pathways in confusing um dry, dusty pathways in confusing hills and valleys. It is caves confusing hills and valleys. It is caves confusing hills and valleys. It is caves where they have to secure the sheep at where they have to secure the sheep at where they have to secure the sheep at night. As a matter of fact, I listened night. As a matter of fact, I listened night. As a matter of fact, I listened to a shepherd that was talking about the to a shepherd that was talking about the to a shepherd that was talking about the predators that are always after the predators that are always after the predators that are always after the sheep. Sheep are prey animals, very sheep. Sheep are prey animals, very sheep. Sheep are prey animals, very defenseless. They're not even created defenseless. They're not even created defenseless. They're not even created with a lot of defenses. And so, the with a lot of defenses. And so, the with a lot of defenses. And so, the shepherd's job is to provide security shepherd's job is to provide security shepherd's job is to provide security and safety for them. And as I was and safety for them. And as I was and safety for them. And as I was listening to this shepherd, um I was listening to this shepherd, um I was listening to this shepherd, um I was listening to him do an interview about listening to him do an interview about listening to him do an interview about what he went through as a shepherd um what he went through as a shepherd um what he went through as a shepherd um today in that space and he described today in that space and he described today in that space and he described having he and another man having to having he and another man having to having he and another man having to check out a cave where they wanted the check out a cave where they wanted the check out a cave where they wanted the sheep to rest for the night. And it's sheep to rest for the night. And it's sheep to rest for the night. And it's their job to go into the cave which had their job to go into the cave which had their job to go into the cave which had recent evidence of hyenas which are like recent evidence of hyenas which are like recent evidence of hyenas which are like a number one predator of flocks of a number one predator of flocks of a number one predator of flocks of sheep. And there was evidence that there sheep. And there was evidence that there sheep. And there was evidence that there had been hyenas in the area that they had been hyenas in the area that they had been hyenas in the area that they had already seen and they thought they had already seen and they thought they had already seen and they thought they might be in the cave. And so he might be in the cave. And so he might be in the cave. And so he describes going in fully understanding describes going in fully understanding describes going in fully understanding that he may not come out again.

that he may not come out again. that he may not come out again. This is the kind of job that shephering This is the kind of job that shephering This is the kind of job that shephering was. So when Jesus uses this metaphor was. So when Jesus uses this metaphor was. So when Jesus uses this metaphor and he says, "I am the good shepherd who and he says, "I am the good shepherd who and he says, "I am the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep." They lays down his life for the sheep." They lays down his life for the sheep." They understood this. understood this. understood this. they actually got that it goes way they actually got that it goes way they actually got that it goes way beyond technical ownership. It goes way beyond technical ownership. It goes way beyond technical ownership. It goes way beyond the hired hand which he contrasts beyond the hired hand which he contrasts beyond the hired hand which he contrasts it with. It goes to the point that you it with. It goes to the point that you it with. It goes to the point that you you would be willing to lay down your you would be willing to lay down your you would be willing to lay down your actual life whether that's every single actual life whether that's every single actual life whether that's every single day what you're doing or in a moment day what you're doing or in a moment day what you're doing or in a moment your own physical well-being. The your own physical well-being. The your own physical well-being. The shepherd's interview that I was shepherd's interview that I was shepherd's interview that I was listening to, he said something listening to, he said something listening to, he said something fascinating. He said that he had sons, fascinating. He said that he had sons, fascinating. He said that he had sons, but that he was not planning to leave but that he was not planning to leave but that he was not planning to leave his sheep to his sons. Even though they his sheep to his sons. Even though they his sheep to his sons. Even though they knew how to do it, they technically knew how to do it, they technically knew how to do it, they technically owned the sheep. As a family, he would owned the sheep. As a family, he would owned the sheep. As a family, he would not leave the sheep to his sons because not leave the sheep to his sons because not leave the sheep to his sons because he said, "They don't have the heart for he said, "They don't have the heart for he said, "They don't have the heart for my sheep. I'm looking for a man who has my sheep. I'm looking for a man who has my sheep. I'm looking for a man who has the heart for my sheep." the heart for my sheep." the heart for my sheep." So, he wasn't planning, even though his So, he wasn't planning, even though his So, he wasn't planning, even though his sons could technically own the sheep, sons could technically own the sheep, sons could technically own the sheep, they couldn't. full body, full heart, they couldn't. full body, full heart, they couldn't. full body, full heart, full commitment, own the sheep. Let me full commitment, own the sheep. Let me full commitment, own the sheep. Let me ask you a question.

ask you a question. ask you a question. Do you think this is how Jesus feels Do you think this is how Jesus feels Do you think this is how Jesus feels about you? When he uses the metaphor, I am the good When he uses the metaphor, I am the good shepherd, he's calling up this fullbody shepherd, he's calling up this fullbody shepherd, he's calling up this fullbody commitment, fullhearted commitment, commitment, fullhearted commitment, commitment, fullhearted commitment, lay everything on the line for you lay everything on the line for you lay everything on the line for you commitment. commitment. commitment. Do you think he owns you like that? Do you think he owns you like that? Do you think he owns you like that? Do you think he feels that way about Do you think he feels that way about Do you think he feels that way about you? you? you? Do you think he would look past someone Do you think he would look past someone Do you think he would look past someone who didn't have enough heart to lead who didn't have enough heart to lead who didn't have enough heart to lead you? That that's why God was so angry you? That that's why God was so angry you? That that's why God was so angry with the Pharisees because this is the with the Pharisees because this is the with the Pharisees because this is the kind of leadership that he wants for his kind of leadership that he wants for his kind of leadership that he wants for his people. people. people. I caught myself this week, you know, I I caught myself this week, you know, I I caught myself this week, you know, I got good shepherd on the brain, so I'm got good shepherd on the brain, so I'm got good shepherd on the brain, so I'm just steeped in this. And I caught just steeped in this. And I caught just steeped in this. And I caught myself praying some words and it was myself praying some words and it was myself praying some words and it was almost like I heard my own prayer in a almost like I heard my own prayer in a almost like I heard my own prayer in a different sort of way. I've been looking different sort of way. I've been looking different sort of way. I've been looking at some life changes and just talking to at some life changes and just talking to at some life changes and just talking to God about those and they're not coming God about those and they're not coming God about those and they're not coming as quick as I want them. They're not as quick as I want them. They're not as quick as I want them. They're not doing, you know, I'm just talking to him doing, you know, I'm just talking to him doing, you know, I'm just talking to him about these these forks in the road that about these these forks in the road that about these these forks in the road that I'm sort of considering and seeing out I'm sort of considering and seeing out I'm sort of considering and seeing out ahead of me. And I found myself saying ahead of me. And I found myself saying ahead of me. And I found myself saying things like this.

things like this. things like this. Do you even see me? Do you even see me? Do you even see me? Are you really leading somewhere? Are you really leading somewhere? Are you really leading somewhere? Do you know what I need right now? Do you know what I need right now? Do you know what I need right now? These are questions you would never ask These are questions you would never ask These are questions you would never ask a good shepherd. a good shepherd. a good shepherd. It would be impossible to imagine It would be impossible to imagine It would be impossible to imagine describing someone as a good shepherd describing someone as a good shepherd describing someone as a good shepherd who did not know where they were leading who did not know where they were leading who did not know where they were leading their sheep, who who did not wake up their sheep, who who did not wake up their sheep, who who did not wake up with a plan every day for how are they with a plan every day for how are they with a plan every day for how are they going to survive the day? Where am I going to survive the day? Where am I going to survive the day? Where am I going to feed them? How am I going to going to feed them? How am I going to going to feed them? How am I going to water them? What path am I going to take water them? What path am I going to take water them? What path am I going to take them on? These questions that I heard them on? These questions that I heard them on? These questions that I heard myself asking Jesus were like from the myself asking Jesus were like from the myself asking Jesus were like from the mouth of somebody who does not get this, mouth of somebody who does not get this, mouth of somebody who does not get this, who does not actually understand the who does not actually understand the who does not actually understand the kind of full commitment that he has to kind of full commitment that he has to kind of full commitment that he has to me and my life. Are you like that? me and my life. Are you like that? me and my life. Are you like that? >> I couldn't believe the words when I put >> I couldn't believe the words when I put >> I couldn't believe the words when I put this lens over them because to me, I this lens over them because to me, I this lens over them because to me, I just feel like I don't think he's mad at just feel like I don't think he's mad at just feel like I don't think he's mad at me. I just think it betrays the fact me. I just think it betrays the fact me. I just think it betrays the fact that I'm operating out of some kind of that I'm operating out of some kind of that I'm operating out of some kind of belief that's not quite all the way in belief that's not quite all the way in belief that's not quite all the way in there.

And suddenly I heard how how deeply And suddenly I heard how how deeply maybe even offensive but definitely maybe even offensive but definitely maybe even offensive but definitely inongruent that is with with a good inongruent that is with with a good inongruent that is with with a good shepherd. It just doesn't fit. And the shepherd. It just doesn't fit. And the shepherd. It just doesn't fit. And the good news, the literal good news is that good news, the literal good news is that good news, the literal good news is that when Jesus calls himself the good when Jesus calls himself the good when Jesus calls himself the good shepherd, and then we learn the rest of shepherd, and then we learn the rest of shepherd, and then we learn the rest of his story, his story, his story, that he goes on to the cross to quite that he goes on to the cross to quite that he goes on to the cross to quite literally lay down his life for us so literally lay down his life for us so literally lay down his life for us so that he can seek us when we're far from that he can seek us when we're far from that he can seek us when we're far from God, when we are lost and scattered and God, when we are lost and scattered and God, when we are lost and scattered and away from God. And he lays down his life away from God. And he lays down his life away from God. And he lays down his life for us. And then he he rises back up out for us. And then he he rises back up out for us. And then he he rises back up out of that grave where he has faced down of that grave where he has faced down of that grave where he has faced down every single predator of our life every single predator of our life every single predator of our life including death itself. And he rises including death itself. And he rises including death itself. And he rises back up with the power to bind up any back up with the power to bind up any back up with the power to bind up any injury, to heal any disease, to to save injury, to heal any disease, to to save injury, to heal any disease, to to save us from anything. And and then we have us from anything. And and then we have us from anything. And and then we have the audacity the audacity the audacity to pray and go like, "Do you even see to pray and go like, "Do you even see to pray and go like, "Do you even see me? Do you even really know me? What are me? Do you even really know me? What are me? Do you even really know me? What are we doing here, God?" And he's like, "Do we doing here, God?" And he's like, "Do we doing here, God?" And he's like, "Do you not understand you not understand you not understand how much I love you? what I did for you.

how much I love you? what I did for you. how much I love you? what I did for you. This is the gospel, friends. The good This is the gospel, friends. The good This is the gospel, friends. The good news is that we get to wake up every day news is that we get to wake up every day news is that we get to wake up every day and we get to live a life like this is and we get to live a life like this is and we get to live a life like this is true. It's like crazy, right? And and true. It's like crazy, right? And and true. It's like crazy, right? And and when we wake up every day and we pretend when we wake up every day and we pretend when we wake up every day and we pretend like that's not the God that we have, like that's not the God that we have, like that's not the God that we have, then we're missing something about his then we're missing something about his then we're missing something about his statement here. We're missing this idea statement here. We're missing this idea statement here. We're missing this idea that he's the good shepherd, that he's the good shepherd, that he's the good shepherd, the full body, full heart, all on, never the full body, full heart, all on, never the full body, full heart, all on, never leave you, never walk away from you kind leave you, never walk away from you kind leave you, never walk away from you kind of commitment to you. of commitment to you. of commitment to you. >> It really is incredible that we get to >> It really is incredible that we get to >> It really is incredible that we get to believe that. So why why do we do this? believe that. So why why do we do this? believe that. So why why do we do this? What what's up with us? Why can't we get What what's up with us? Why can't we get What what's up with us? Why can't we get this through our head? There's a concept this through our head? There's a concept this through our head? There's a concept in the real world of shephering that I in the real world of shephering that I in the real world of shephering that I actually found very helpful. I think actually found very helpful. I think actually found very helpful. I think this really helps explain why this really helps explain why this really helps explain why why can't we understand him like this? why can't we understand him like this? why can't we understand him like this? Why can't we deal with him in in the Why can't we deal with him in in the Why can't we deal with him in in the confidence of knowing him like this? And confidence of knowing him like this? And confidence of knowing him like this? And I think it's because of a shephering I think it's because of a shephering I think it's because of a shephering concept called the bummer lamb. That concept called the bummer lamb. That concept called the bummer lamb. That really is a real term. I know it's kind really is a real term. I know it's kind really is a real term. I know it's kind of funny. It's called the bummer lamb.

of funny. It's called the bummer lamb. of funny. It's called the bummer lamb. And it's this bummer lamb. When a bummer And it's this bummer lamb. When a bummer And it's this bummer lamb. When a bummer lamb is born into a flock, it is lamb is born into a flock, it is lamb is born into a flock, it is rejected by the sheep that birthed it. rejected by the sheep that birthed it. rejected by the sheep that birthed it. And not just a little bit rejected, not And not just a little bit rejected, not And not just a little bit rejected, not just like just like just like you don't get as much, I don't like you you don't get as much, I don't like you you don't get as much, I don't like you as much. Not that. It is fullon total as much. Not that. It is fullon total as much. Not that. It is fullon total rejection. The lamb cannot be with its rejection. The lamb cannot be with its rejection. The lamb cannot be with its mother, cannot eat from its mother. Um, mother, cannot eat from its mother. Um, mother, cannot eat from its mother. Um, and in many cases, the mom will try to and in many cases, the mom will try to and in many cases, the mom will try to hurt or kill this particular lamb. And hurt or kill this particular lamb. And hurt or kill this particular lamb. And so without intervention from the so without intervention from the so without intervention from the outside, the bummer lamb will not outside, the bummer lamb will not outside, the bummer lamb will not survive. And I started to think about survive. And I started to think about survive. And I started to think about this concept and we were talking about this concept and we were talking about this concept and we were talking about it as a team. And in only the way that it as a team. And in only the way that it as a team. And in only the way that God can set something up for us to see God can set something up for us to see God can set something up for us to see this fullon, we learned that there's in this fullon, we learned that there's in this fullon, we learned that there's in fact a woman in our community that has a fact a woman in our community that has a fact a woman in our community that has a farm and raises sheep on that farm and farm and raises sheep on that farm and farm and raises sheep on that farm and was actually currently experiencing a was actually currently experiencing a was actually currently experiencing a bummer lamb scenario. So, we went and bummer lamb scenario. So, we went and bummer lamb scenario. So, we went and filmed it and I want you to see because filmed it and I want you to see because filmed it and I want you to see because I think this concept is brought into I think this concept is brought into I think this concept is brought into full color when you watch what happened full color when you watch what happened full color when you watch what happened with her.

One day in April, I was working out in One day in April, I was working out in the land and I heard a distant cry and I the land and I heard a distant cry and I the land and I heard a distant cry and I instantly knew it was the sound of a instantly knew it was the sound of a instantly knew it was the sound of a baby lamb. baby lamb. baby lamb. So I hurried away trying to find where So I hurried away trying to find where So I hurried away trying to find where this voice was coming from. I found the cows, found the hay they I found the cows, found the hay they were standing by, and then way way in were standing by, and then way way in were standing by, and then way way in that corner, I just see this teeny lamp that corner, I just see this teeny lamp that corner, I just see this teeny lamp just so fragile, just so fragile, just so fragile, so little, the littlest thing I've ever so little, the littlest thing I've ever so little, the littlest thing I've ever seen that's alive. When I found the mom, I found another When I found the mom, I found another baby with her. baby with her. baby with her. And so I thought, "Okay, And so I thought, "Okay, And so I thought, "Okay, I'll put this little one down and then I'll put this little one down and then I'll put this little one down and then it'll all be sweet." it'll all be sweet." it'll all be sweet." But when I tried to put her down, she But when I tried to put her down, she But when I tried to put her down, she just sniffed at her and then would butt just sniffed at her and then would butt just sniffed at her and then would butt her away from her baby.

From the moment I saw the lamb, I From the moment I saw the lamb, I decided to keep the lamb alive. To decided to keep the lamb alive. To decided to keep the lamb alive. To shepherd this bummer lamb who was shepherd this bummer lamb who was shepherd this bummer lamb who was rejected by her mother. I fed the little rejected by her mother. I fed the little rejected by her mother. I fed the little lamb from a bottle day and night. Kept lamb from a bottle day and night. Kept lamb from a bottle day and night. Kept her dry and warm, her dry and warm, her dry and warm, protected her from the other animals. Over and over again, I try to introduce Over and over again, I try to introduce her back to her mom only to find her her back to her mom only to find her her back to her mom only to find her rejected again. So in a moment like this where the lamb So in a moment like this where the lamb is rejected and we call him a bummer is rejected and we call him a bummer is rejected and we call him a bummer lamb, she will always be very connected lamb, she will always be very connected lamb, she will always be very connected to me as a person who took care of her. to me as a person who took care of her. to me as a person who took care of her. From a shepherd's point of view, this From a shepherd's point of view, this From a shepherd's point of view, this entire story is breathtaking because one entire story is breathtaking because one entire story is breathtaking because one day the bummer lamb will join her herd. day the bummer lamb will join her herd. day the bummer lamb will join her herd. But I can go out there and when I call But I can go out there and when I call But I can go out there and when I call her, she will always respond to my her, she will always respond to my her, she will always respond to my voice.

It's incredible, right? I think that It's incredible, right? I think that this this concept of the bummer lamb, it this this concept of the bummer lamb, it this this concept of the bummer lamb, it started to help me understand why is it started to help me understand why is it started to help me understand why is it that we can hear these words, I'm the that we can hear these words, I'm the that we can hear these words, I'm the good shepherd, but we struggle to good shepherd, but we struggle to good shepherd, but we struggle to receive them. A lot of us carry around receive them. A lot of us carry around receive them. A lot of us carry around just the hurt of rejection of all just the hurt of rejection of all just the hurt of rejection of all different kinds that we didn't we didn't different kinds that we didn't we didn't different kinds that we didn't we didn't ask for ourselves. Some of us were ask for ourselves. Some of us were ask for ourselves. Some of us were raised by people who quite literally raised by people who quite literally raised by people who quite literally rejected us or abandoned us. Some of us rejected us or abandoned us. Some of us rejected us or abandoned us. Some of us just we we had a death that left us just we we had a death that left us just we we had a death that left us completely alone. We've had a core completely alone. We've had a core completely alone. We've had a core betrayal of a of a best friend or a betrayal of a of a best friend or a betrayal of a of a best friend or a colleague or something that has like colleague or something that has like colleague or something that has like left this hole where we're supposed to left this hole where we're supposed to left this hole where we're supposed to be getting cared for and we walk around like this and we walk around like this like this this little bummer lamb. Let like this this little bummer lamb. Let like this this little bummer lamb. Let me be very very clear that lamb has no me be very very clear that lamb has no me be very very clear that lamb has no chance of survival. absolutely no chance chance of survival. absolutely no chance chance of survival. absolutely no chance of survival out of receiving the care of of survival out of receiving the care of of survival out of receiving the care of a good shepherd. of a good shepherd. a good shepherd. of a good shepherd. a good shepherd. of a good shepherd. Because if that lamb walks around with Because if that lamb walks around with Because if that lamb walks around with her rejection or his rejection and the her rejection or his rejection and the her rejection or his rejection and the the wounds of being rejected by by the the wounds of being rejected by by the the wounds of being rejected by by the sheep that was supposed to be taking sheep that was supposed to be taking sheep that was supposed to be taking care of him.

care of him. care of him. He will die. But she stepped in. She He will die. But she stepped in. She He will die. But she stepped in. She stepped in and paid the extra cost. Like stepped in and paid the extra cost. Like stepped in and paid the extra cost. Like I'm sure that that was far outside of I'm sure that that was far outside of I'm sure that that was far outside of her daily routine. She looks like she her daily routine. She looks like she her daily routine. She looks like she has plenty to do, right? But every has plenty to do, right? But every has plenty to do, right? But every single day she's taking a bottle. She's single day she's taking a bottle. She's single day she's taking a bottle. She's carrying that lamb around. She's feeding carrying that lamb around. She's feeding carrying that lamb around. She's feeding it with her own hand. She's carrying it it with her own hand. She's carrying it it with her own hand. She's carrying it with her own body. This cost her with her own body. This cost her with her own body. This cost her something. But her only motive was what? something. But her only motive was what? something. But her only motive was what? To see that little lamb go on to live To see that little lamb go on to live To see that little lamb go on to live life the way that it was supposed to. To life the way that it was supposed to. To life the way that it was supposed to. To rejoin the herd, to be healed, to be rejoin the herd, to be healed, to be rejoin the herd, to be healed, to be whole. Thi this is what this is what whole. Thi this is what this is what whole. Thi this is what this is what happens when we begin to receive the happens when we begin to receive the happens when we begin to receive the care of a good shepherd because we walk care of a good shepherd because we walk care of a good shepherd because we walk around with these these hurts and these around with these these hurts and these around with these these hurts and these failures by people and things that we're failures by people and things that we're failures by people and things that we're supposed to be nurturing us that were supposed to be nurturing us that were supposed to be nurturing us that were supposed to be taking care of us. And supposed to be taking care of us. And supposed to be taking care of us. And when we welcome Jesus into that space we when we welcome Jesus into that space we when we welcome Jesus into that space we begin to understand, oh, this is what it begin to understand, oh, this is what it begin to understand, oh, this is what it was supposed to be like.

was supposed to be like. was supposed to be like. This is what it was supposed to feel This is what it was supposed to feel This is what it was supposed to feel like. But we I don't know about you. I like. But we I don't know about you. I like. But we I don't know about you. I don't like to feel like a project. You don't like to feel like a project. You don't like to feel like a project. You know what I'm saying? Like I don't want know what I'm saying? Like I don't want know what I'm saying? Like I don't want to expose that level of need. I don't to expose that level of need. I don't to expose that level of need. I don't want to have to be cared for like that. want to have to be cared for like that. want to have to be cared for like that. A lot of us feel that way, right? A lot of us feel that way, right? A lot of us feel that way, right? But the best possible thing is the But the best possible thing is the But the best possible thing is the outcome. I don't know if you caught this outcome. I don't know if you caught this outcome. I don't know if you caught this at the end of the video. She says, at the end of the video. She says, at the end of the video. She says, "Because I did this, because I cared for "Because I did this, because I cared for "Because I did this, because I cared for this sheep in the way that I did, in this sheep in the way that I did, in this sheep in the way that I did, in this intimate, personal, extra project this intimate, personal, extra project this intimate, personal, extra project level kind of way, the outcome is the level kind of way, the outcome is the level kind of way, the outcome is the sheep knows her. The sheep knows her sheep knows her. The sheep knows her sheep knows her. The sheep knows her voice. The sheep is connected to her in voice. The sheep is connected to her in voice. The sheep is connected to her in a way that the other sheep might not be, a way that the other sheep might not be, a way that the other sheep might not be, at least not at that depth." And it's at least not at that depth." And it's at least not at that depth." And it's interesting, this fits perfectly with interesting, this fits perfectly with interesting, this fits perfectly with the second time that Jesus uses the name the second time that Jesus uses the name the second time that Jesus uses the name good shepherd. He says, "I am the good good shepherd. He says, "I am the good good shepherd. He says, "I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me." Just as the father knows me know me." Just as the father knows me know me." Just as the father knows me and I know the father and I lay down my and I know the father and I lay down my and I know the father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I know them. I know life for the sheep. I know them. I know life for the sheep. I know them. I know them. A good shepherd knows his own. And them. A good shepherd knows his own. And them. A good shepherd knows his own. And Jesus knows us when we allow that kind Jesus knows us when we allow that kind Jesus knows us when we allow that kind of care to take place. When we welcome of care to take place. When we welcome of care to take place. When we welcome him into that space where where we have him into that space where where we have him into that space where where we have those kinds of hurts that prevent us those kinds of hurts that prevent us those kinds of hurts that prevent us from being able to receive that kind of from being able to receive that kind of from being able to receive that kind of care, if we can get over that, we can care, if we can get over that, we can care, if we can get over that, we can welcome him in to that space. We get to welcome him in to that space. We get to welcome him in to that space. We get to know him and he knows us. We know as if

know him and he knows us. We know as if know him and he knows us. We know as if you're a parent, you know how that you're a parent, you know how that you're a parent, you know how that works, right? If you're a mom on the works, right? If you're a mom on the works, right? If you're a mom on the playground and 50 kids call out mom, you playground and 50 kids call out mom, you playground and 50 kids call out mom, you know exactly which one is your child. know exactly which one is your child. know exactly which one is your child. Your babysitter can't do that. There's Your babysitter can't do that. There's Your babysitter can't do that. There's something about the connection of something about the connection of something about the connection of something that you've been able to care something that you've been able to care something that you've been able to care for like that. Do you know that um sheep for like that. Do you know that um sheep for like that. Do you know that um sheep quite literally know their shepherd in a quite literally know their shepherd in a quite literally know their shepherd in a way that is highly unusual for other way that is highly unusual for other way that is highly unusual for other kinds of animals. It's a beautiful kinds of animals. It's a beautiful kinds of animals. It's a beautiful example that all sheep get this example that all sheep get this example that all sheep get this opportunity. The bummers, they're just opportunity. The bummers, they're just opportunity. The bummers, they're just the first ones. They're the ones that the first ones. They're the ones that the first ones. They're the ones that get it most, fastest, deepest. But all get it most, fastest, deepest. But all get it most, fastest, deepest. But all sheep know their shepherd. Sheep are one sheep know their shepherd. Sheep are one sheep know their shepherd. Sheep are one of the few hurting animals that get led of the few hurting animals that get led of the few hurting animals that get led from the front instead of driven from from the front instead of driven from from the front instead of driven from behind. The shepherd does not come behind. The shepherd does not come behind. The shepherd does not come behind the sheep and drive from the behind the sheep and drive from the behind the sheep and drive from the back. The shepherd leads from the front. back. The shepherd leads from the front. back. The shepherd leads from the front. And there's a reason for that. It's And there's a reason for that. It's And there's a reason for that. It's because sheep know their shepherd. They because sheep know their shepherd. They because sheep know their shepherd. They literally learn his gate, the way he literally learn his gate, the way he literally learn his gate, the way he looks, his profile, his voice, his looks, his profile, his voice, his looks, his profile, his voice, his whistle, his tone, and they watch for whistle, his tone, and they watch for whistle, his tone, and they watch for it. Multiple shepherds can put all their it. Multiple shepherds can put all their it. Multiple shepherds can put all their sheep together maybe overnight to keep sheep together maybe overnight to keep sheep together maybe overnight to keep them safe. And in the morning, they can them safe. And in the morning, they can them safe. And in the morning, they can stand up, separate, and call their stand up, separate, and call their stand up, separate, and call their sheep. And the herds, the flocks will sheep. And the herds, the flocks will sheep. And the herds, the flocks will just separate to their shepherds just separate to their shepherds just separate to their shepherds because they know them. That's how sheep because they know them. That's how sheep because they know them. That's how sheep are led. They're led through intimate, are led. They're led through intimate, are led. They're led through intimate, personal knowledge. And guess who's at personal knowledge. And guess who's at personal knowledge. And guess who's at the front? Guess who's the first one?

the front? Guess who's the first one? the front? Guess who's the first one? It's the bummers. It's the bummers. It's the bummers. It's the ones where the shepherd has had It's the ones where the shepherd has had It's the ones where the shepherd has had hands-on care. It's incredible what hands-on care. It's incredible what hands-on care. It's incredible what happens. It doesn't seem like that happens. It doesn't seem like that happens. It doesn't seem like that should be the case, but just a few should be the case, but just a few should be the case, but just a few verses before our passage, Jesus is verses before our passage, Jesus is verses before our passage, Jesus is describing this very thing. The sheep describing this very thing. The sheep describing this very thing. The sheep hear his voice and he calls his own hear his voice and he calls his own hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And sheep by name and leads them out. And sheep by name and leads them out. And when he has brought out all his own, he when he has brought out all his own, he when he has brought out all his own, he goes before them and the sheep follow goes before them and the sheep follow goes before them and the sheep follow him for they know his voice. him for they know his voice. him for they know his voice. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Wow. This is how it works. This is what >> Wow. This is how it works. This is what >> Wow. This is how it works. This is what Jesus says when he says, "I am the good Jesus says when he says, "I am the good Jesus says when he says, "I am the good shepherd." He means I want to know you shepherd." He means I want to know you shepherd." He means I want to know you to the extent that I can lead and you to the extent that I can lead and you to the extent that I can lead and you will follow because we are that will follow because we are that will follow because we are that connected. You know this whole bummer connected. You know this whole bummer connected. You know this whole bummer lamb thing is kind of why I can't hate lamb thing is kind of why I can't hate lamb thing is kind of why I can't hate my own story. my own story. my own story. I know a lot of people have messy I know a lot of people have messy I know a lot of people have messy stories. I am no different. In my 20s I stories. I am no different. In my 20s I stories. I am no different. In my 20s I tried to basically burn my whole life to tried to basically burn my whole life to tried to basically burn my whole life to the ground. You know my job, my the ground. You know my job, my the ground. You know my job, my marriage, my character, my friendships.

marriage, my character, my friendships. marriage, my character, my friendships. like it it was all bad. I And the one like it it was all bad. I And the one like it it was all bad. I And the one thing that I did right, the one thing thing that I did right, the one thing thing that I did right, the one thing during that whole time that I did right during that whole time that I did right during that whole time that I did right was literally to call out to Jesus was literally to call out to Jesus was literally to call out to Jesus was just to say, "Will you come into my was just to say, "Will you come into my was just to say, "Will you come into my mess? Will you come and take care of me? mess? Will you come and take care of me? mess? Will you come and take care of me? Will you be the one that receives me Will you be the one that receives me Will you be the one that receives me when everybody else thinks I'm the worst when everybody else thinks I'm the worst when everybody else thinks I'm the worst person they've ever met? Will you be the person they've ever met? Will you be the person they've ever met? Will you be the one to receive me?" And I had no idea one to receive me?" And I had no idea one to receive me?" And I had no idea that by doing that, what I was setting that by doing that, what I was setting that by doing that, what I was setting on course was the trajectory of a bummer on course was the trajectory of a bummer on course was the trajectory of a bummer lamb. lamb. lamb. 20some years later, I rely on some of 20some years later, I rely on some of 20some years later, I rely on some of the intimacy, some of the knowledge, the intimacy, some of the knowledge, the intimacy, some of the knowledge, some of the ways that we connected some of the ways that we connected some of the ways that we connected during that time. You can't unknow that. during that time. You can't unknow that. during that time. You can't unknow that. You can't unsee it. You can't you can't You can't unsee it. You can't you can't You can't unsee it. You can't you can't unravel that sort of connection. And so, unravel that sort of connection. And so, unravel that sort of connection. And so, as I've moved forward, but what is up? I as I've moved forward, but what is up? I as I've moved forward, but what is up? I still catch myself this week praying still catch myself this week praying still catch myself this week praying like he doesn't know where he's taking like he doesn't know where he's taking like he doesn't know where he's taking me. What in the world?

me. What in the world? me. What in the world? >> Th this this is this is our struggle, >> Th this this is this is our struggle, >> Th this this is this is our struggle, right? Our deep struggle to receive him right? Our deep struggle to receive him right? Our deep struggle to receive him as a good shepherd. It's really easy to as a good shepherd. It's really easy to as a good shepherd. It's really easy to say, "Yeah, yeah, I Jesus shepherd done. say, "Yeah, yeah, I Jesus shepherd done. say, "Yeah, yeah, I Jesus shepherd done. Thumbs up." And it's really hard to live Thumbs up." And it's really hard to live Thumbs up." And it's really hard to live like that's true. For those of you that like that's true. For those of you that like that's true. For those of you that are feeling a little extra right now, are feeling a little extra right now, are feeling a little extra right now, you're a little bit of a project for you're a little bit of a project for you're a little bit of a project for Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. If you feel like that, let me be the If you feel like that, let me be the If you feel like that, let me be the first one to give you the good news. You first one to give you the good news. You first one to give you the good news. You are in the best possible position to are in the best possible position to are in the best possible position to become the one who knows him the best. become the one who knows him the best. become the one who knows him the best. It doesn't seem like it should work like It doesn't seem like it should work like It doesn't seem like it should work like that, but let me just tell you, it does. that, but let me just tell you, it does. that, but let me just tell you, it does. So, if you're in that space right now So, if you're in that space right now So, if you're in that space right now and you're like, I am just extra. I am and you're like, I am just extra. I am and you're like, I am just extra. I am just a lot. I don't even know where to just a lot. I don't even know where to just a lot. I don't even know where to go. I don't know if God can can unwind go. I don't know if God can can unwind go. I don't know if God can can unwind all this stuff in my life. Let me just all this stuff in my life. Let me just all this stuff in my life. Let me just assure you, oh my gosh, you're so close. assure you, oh my gosh, you're so close. assure you, oh my gosh, you're so close. You are so close to experiencing the You are so close to experiencing the You are so close to experiencing the kind of intimacy that only a bummer lamb kind of intimacy that only a bummer lamb kind of intimacy that only a bummer lamb gets to experience.

gets to experience. gets to experience. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. And And And if that's not you, if that's not you, if that's not you, if that's not you, if that's not you, if that's not you, please do not wait until you burn your please do not wait until you burn your please do not wait until you burn your life to the ground life to the ground life to the ground to receive the good shepherd. You You to receive the good shepherd. You You to receive the good shepherd. You You can live in the truth every day. That can live in the truth every day. That can live in the truth every day. That you get to get up and like jump out of you get to get up and like jump out of you get to get up and like jump out of bed and go, "He knows me. He's got me. bed and go, "He knows me. He's got me. bed and go, "He knows me. He's got me. We We're doing this together. And I We We're doing this together. And I We We're doing this together. And I trust him. I'm growing in confidence in trust him. I'm growing in confidence in trust him. I'm growing in confidence in him." This is what happens when when you him." This is what happens when when you him." This is what happens when when you get the care of a really good shepherd. get the care of a really good shepherd. get the care of a really good shepherd. You start to live differently. You start You start to live differently. You start You start to live differently. You start to live assured and confident. I saw to live assured and confident. I saw to live assured and confident. I saw this take place in my own house. Um when this take place in my own house. Um when this take place in my own house. Um when my kids were little, my husband got in my kids were little, my husband got in my kids were little, my husband got in the habit of keeping like snacks in the the habit of keeping like snacks in the the habit of keeping like snacks in the trunk of his car. I used to give him a trunk of his car. I used to give him a trunk of his car. I used to give him a hard time about this because I'm more I hard time about this because I'm more I hard time about this because I'm more I you know, kids need two parents, right? you know, kids need two parents, right? you know, kids need two parents, right? I'm more the one that's like, "You're I'm more the one that's like, "You're I'm more the one that's like, "You're fine. Every time your tummy growls, you fine. Every time your tummy growls, you fine. Every time your tummy growls, you don't need a granola bar. You know what don't need a granola bar. You know what don't need a granola bar. You know what I'm saying? Like, you're going to be I'm saying? Like, you're going to be I'm saying? Like, you're going to be fine. That's that's sort of my energy.

fine. That's that's sort of my energy. fine. That's that's sort of my energy. My husband is like the one that always My husband is like the one that always My husband is like the one that always has Gatorades and granola bars in the has Gatorades and granola bars in the has Gatorades and granola bars in the trunk of his car. And I mean always. And trunk of his car. And I mean always. And trunk of his car. And I mean always. And so what happened over time, we had kind so what happened over time, we had kind so what happened over time, we had kind of a family joke about it. You know, the of a family joke about it. You know, the of a family joke about it. You know, the kids were little and I'd be like, "Man, kids were little and I'd be like, "Man, kids were little and I'd be like, "Man, you know, I forgot the water bottle. It you know, I forgot the water bottle. It you know, I forgot the water bottle. It was really hot out here." And he's like, was really hot out here." And he's like, was really hot out here." And he's like, "I got this Gatorade." you know, and "I got this Gatorade." you know, and "I got this Gatorade." you know, and he'd go to the trunk. So, we had kind of he'd go to the trunk. So, we had kind of he'd go to the trunk. So, we had kind of a joke about it. But over time, I've a joke about it. But over time, I've a joke about it. But over time, I've watched something happen with my kids. watched something happen with my kids. watched something happen with my kids. They count on it. They know it. When a They count on it. They know it. When a They count on it. They know it. When a long time ago, it was like, "Oh, long time ago, it was like, "Oh, long time ago, it was like, "Oh, surprise. Dad, dad's got something for surprise. Dad, dad's got something for surprise. Dad, dad's got something for me." Then it became like, "Oh, he me." Then it became like, "Oh, he me." Then it became like, "Oh, he probably does. He probably does." Like, probably does. He probably does." Like, probably does. He probably does." Like, "Oh, I'm really hungry after the game. I "Oh, I'm really hungry after the game. I "Oh, I'm really hungry after the game. I don't have any food, but I want to go don't have any food, but I want to go don't have any food, but I want to go out. I wonder if dad I could just, you out. I wonder if dad I could just, you out. I wonder if dad I could just, you know, maybe dad's got something." or I, know, maybe dad's got something." or I, know, maybe dad's got something." or I, you know, I I forgot my lunch. Whatever. you know, I I forgot my lunch. Whatever. you know, I I forgot my lunch. Whatever. Dad's across the street. Literally was Dad's across the street. Literally was Dad's across the street. Literally was across the street from my kids high across the street from my kids high across the street from my kids high school. Maybe he's got something. Let's school. Maybe he's got something. Let's school. Maybe he's got something. Let's Let's go see. You know, yes, he does.

Let's go see. You know, yes, he does. Let's go see. You know, yes, he does. So, it was like the question. And now, So, it was like the question. And now, So, it was like the question. And now, if you ask them rockolid confidence, if you ask them rockolid confidence, if you ask them rockolid confidence, I know it. I know if I unlock dad's car I know it. I know if I unlock dad's car I know it. I know if I unlock dad's car and lift up the trunk, there's going to and lift up the trunk, there's going to and lift up the trunk, there's going to be water and Gatorades and granola bars be water and Gatorades and granola bars be water and Gatorades and granola bars waiting for me because my dad thought waiting for me because my dad thought waiting for me because my dad thought about me. My dad knows me. My dad about me. My dad knows me. My dad about me. My dad knows me. My dad anticipates that I am not going to have anticipates that I am not going to have anticipates that I am not going to have what I need and he's the answer. And what I need and he's the answer. And what I need and he's the answer. And I've watched this trajectory shift and I've watched this trajectory shift and I've watched this trajectory shift and it's gone from a joke to like kind of a it's gone from a joke to like kind of a it's gone from a joke to like kind of a meaningful illustration to me of what it meaningful illustration to me of what it meaningful illustration to me of what it looks like to just walk in confidence looks like to just walk in confidence looks like to just walk in confidence that somebody has thought about you, that somebody has thought about you, that somebody has thought about you, that somebody is providing for you, that that somebody is providing for you, that that somebody is providing for you, that somebody already knows the color somebody already knows the color somebody already knows the color Gatorade you like and it's waiting for Gatorade you like and it's waiting for Gatorade you like and it's waiting for you. That's the kind of shepherd that we you. That's the kind of shepherd that we you. That's the kind of shepherd that we have. have. have. It's just not the one that we think we It's just not the one that we think we It's just not the one that we think we have. It's not the one that we get up have. It's not the one that we get up have. It's not the one that we get up every day and live like. But that kind every day and live like. But that kind every day and live like. But that kind of care begins to change you like deeply of care begins to change you like deeply of care begins to change you like deeply deeply change you over time. But if you deeply change you over time. But if you deeply change you over time. But if you never experience it, if you never ask never experience it, if you never ask never experience it, if you never ask Jesus, will you be this? Can I follow Jesus, will you be this? Can I follow Jesus, will you be this? Can I follow you like that? Do I get to believe that?

you like that? Do I get to believe that? you like that? Do I get to believe that? Can I experience that? You will receive Can I experience that? You will receive Can I experience that? You will receive the care of a bad one. We are wired as the care of a bad one. We are wired as the care of a bad one. We are wired as sheep to be led to want to know someone sheep to be led to want to know someone sheep to be led to want to know someone that's going to lead us. And so that's that's going to lead us. And so that's that's going to lead us. And so that's the contrast Jesus makes in this the contrast Jesus makes in this the contrast Jesus makes in this passage. Let's read it. He calls this passage. Let's read it. He calls this passage. Let's read it. He calls this contrast the hired hand. And I think contrast the hired hand. And I think contrast the hired hand. And I think when us our bummer lamb mindset is what when us our bummer lamb mindset is what when us our bummer lamb mindset is what allows us to receive bad shepherds into allows us to receive bad shepherds into allows us to receive bad shepherds into our life. Here's what it says. The hired our life. Here's what it says. The hired our life. Here's what it says. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not hand is not the shepherd and does not hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs coming, he abandons the sheep and runs coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock away. Then the wolf attacks the flock away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away and scatters it. The man runs away and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and he cares because he is a hired hand and he cares because he is a hired hand and he cares nothing for the sheep. The core quality nothing for the sheep. The core quality nothing for the sheep. The core quality of a hired hand according to Jesus is of a hired hand according to Jesus is of a hired hand according to Jesus is that it will not come through for you. that it will not come through for you. that it will not come through for you. the hired hand, the other thing, the the the hired hand, the other thing, the the the hired hand, the other thing, the the shepherd that's leading your life that shepherd that's leading your life that shepherd that's leading your life that is not the good one. That is the other is not the good one. That is the other is not the good one. That is the other one one one will not come through for you. It's will not come through for you. It's will not come through for you. It's because because because you don't belong to that that person, you don't belong to that that person, you don't belong to that that person, that thing, whatever it is that's that thing, whatever it is that's that thing, whatever it is that's leading your life, you are not theirs.

leading your life, you are not theirs. leading your life, you are not theirs. They don't own you like that. And they They don't own you like that. And they They don't own you like that. And they will at some point walk away from you. will at some point walk away from you. will at some point walk away from you. Most of the time, the hired hand, Most of the time, the hired hand, Most of the time, the hired hand, whatever that is for you, for me in our whatever that is for you, for me in our whatever that is for you, for me in our lives, the thing we want to dictate the lives, the thing we want to dictate the lives, the thing we want to dictate the course of our life, the thing we're course of our life, the thing we're course of our life, the thing we're trying to follow, the thing that we have trying to follow, the thing that we have trying to follow, the thing that we have our eyes locked on, that we think our our eyes locked on, that we think our our eyes locked on, that we think our life is about, that is 80% of the time. life is about, that is 80% of the time. life is about, that is 80% of the time. Okay, that's the that's the trouble. Okay, that's the that's the trouble. Okay, that's the that's the trouble. That's the thing. We we just we just That's the thing. We we just we just That's the thing. We we just we just keep moving with that as our leader keep moving with that as our leader keep moving with that as our leader because it it it works most of the time. because it it it works most of the time. because it it it works most of the time. But interestingly, But interestingly, But interestingly, Jesus says what? Jesus says what? Jesus says what? When the wolf comes, When the wolf comes, When the wolf comes, it's when the trouble hits. It's when it's when the trouble hits. It's when it's when the trouble hits. It's when something happens where you need extra something happens where you need extra something happens where you need extra care, when you need extra protection, care, when you need extra protection, care, when you need extra protection, when you need extra nurture, when you when you need extra nurture, when you when you need extra nurture, when you need extra nourishment, that's when the need extra nourishment, that's when the need extra nourishment, that's when the hired hand shows itself for what it is. hired hand shows itself for what it is. hired hand shows itself for what it is. Out of college, mine was undoubtedly my Out of college, mine was undoubtedly my Out of college, mine was undoubtedly my career career success. I think this is career career success. I think this is career career success. I think this is pretty common. I would venture I guess pretty common. I would venture I guess pretty common. I would venture I guess that a number of people can relate to that a number of people can relate to that a number of people can relate to this. I what my eyes were locked on is this. I what my eyes were locked on is this. I what my eyes were locked on is what can I do to get that career that I what can I do to get that career that I what can I do to get that career that I want and I that was my hired hand. It want and I that was my hired hand. It want and I that was my hired hand. It dictated my time, my priorities, um the dictated my time, my priorities, um the dictated my time, my priorities, um the state of my marriage, the state of my state of my marriage, the state of my state of my marriage, the state of my friendships, the what I did on my friendships, the what I did on my friendships, the what I did on my weekends, what I was willing to do after weekends, what I was willing to do after weekends, what I was willing to do after six o'clock at night. You know, all the six o'clock at night. You know, all the six o'clock at night. You know, all the things about my life were trained on

things about my life were trained on things about my life were trained on that. A hired hand demands that of us. that. A hired hand demands that of us. that. A hired hand demands that of us. And then when we become a little And then when we become a little And then when we become a little inconvenient, inconvenient, inconvenient, a little bit extra, a little bit extra, a little bit extra, when we are at our worst, the hired hand when we are at our worst, the hired hand when we are at our worst, the hired hand is out. is out. is out. And I just wonder what other ones are in And I just wonder what other ones are in And I just wonder what other ones are in the room. What's what what could this be the room. What's what what could this be the room. What's what what could this be in your life? in your life? in your life? I've had conversations with my teenagers I've had conversations with my teenagers I've had conversations with my teenagers about certain groups of friends. Easy to about certain groups of friends. Easy to about certain groups of friends. Easy to imagine that as a hired hand in your imagine that as a hired hand in your imagine that as a hired hand in your life. I want in. I want in that group of life. I want in. I want in that group of life. I want in. I want in that group of people and I will do whatever I need to people and I will do whatever I need to people and I will do whatever I need to do to stay connected to keep charting do to stay connected to keep charting do to stay connected to keep charting the course toward that because there's the course toward that because there's the course toward that because there's something I want there. Maybe for you something I want there. Maybe for you something I want there. Maybe for you it's not that. Maybe you were handed it's not that. Maybe you were handed it's not that. Maybe you were handed like a narrative from your family. I like a narrative from your family. I like a narrative from your family. I have one or two of these um people in my have one or two of these um people in my have one or two of these um people in my life whose family is like that's the way life whose family is like that's the way life whose family is like that's the way the family does it. You know what I'm the family does it. You know what I'm the family does it. You know what I'm saying? like we either go to that school saying? like we either go to that school saying? like we either go to that school or we all work for grandpa or we never or we all work for grandpa or we never or we all work for grandpa or we never do this, we always do that, we only live do this, we always do that, we only live do this, we always do that, we only live in this particular place. Like whatever in this particular place. Like whatever in this particular place. Like whatever that narrative is, that's what's that narrative is, that's what's that narrative is, that's what's dictating your life. That's what you dictating your life. That's what you dictating your life. That's what you trust. That's what will protect you.

trust. That's what will protect you. trust. That's what will protect you. That's what will provide for you. That's That's what will provide for you. That's That's what will provide for you. That's what you do. We have these hired hands what you do. We have these hired hands what you do. We have these hired hands and we don't we don't even really see and we don't we don't even really see and we don't we don't even really see them as anything wrong. And some of them them as anything wrong. And some of them them as anything wrong. And some of them are not wrong. They're fine until are not wrong. They're fine until are not wrong. They're fine until until the wolf comes. until there's until the wolf comes. until there's until the wolf comes. until there's something more that you need. There's a part of that that you need. There's a part of that Ezekiel passage, I read it before, I'm Ezekiel passage, I read it before, I'm Ezekiel passage, I read it before, I'm just going to read it one more time, just going to read it one more time, just going to read it one more time, where God calls out the behavior of the where God calls out the behavior of the where God calls out the behavior of the bad shepherd and makes it clear that bad shepherd and makes it clear that bad shepherd and makes it clear that it's when you're weak and injured and it's when you're weak and injured and it's when you're weak and injured and sick that the bad shepherd shows itself. sick that the bad shepherd shows itself. sick that the bad shepherd shows itself. The weak you have not strengthened. The The weak you have not strengthened. The The weak you have not strengthened. The sick you have not healed. The injured sick you have not healed. The injured sick you have not healed. The injured you have not bound up. The stray you you have not bound up. The stray you you have not bound up. The stray you have not brought back. The lost you have have not brought back. The lost you have have not brought back. The lost you have not sought. His issue was that the hired not sought. His issue was that the hired not sought. His issue was that the hired hand, the bad shepherd, leaves his sheep hand, the bad shepherd, leaves his sheep hand, the bad shepherd, leaves his sheep when they most need them. when they most need them. when they most need them. When you are down, the hired hand is When you are down, the hired hand is When you are down, the hired hand is out. out. out. You know, when we started this series, I You know, when we started this series, I You know, when we started this series, I kept thinking, "Oh, yeah, that's going kept thinking, "Oh, yeah, that's going kept thinking, "Oh, yeah, that's going to be so cool." You know, we get to talk to be so cool." You know, we get to talk to be so cool." You know, we get to talk about all these um statements that Jesus about all these um statements that Jesus about all these um statements that Jesus made, and I know there's like richness made, and I know there's like richness made, and I know there's like richness behind them, and they link to the Old behind them, and they link to the Old behind them, and they link to the Old Testament, and he said them in Testament, and he said them in Testament, and he said them in interesting times and ways and places, interesting times and ways and places, interesting times and ways and places, and I love all that. But every single and I love all that. But every single and I love all that. But every single week, what seems to have happened week, what seems to have happened week, what seems to have happened instead, I should have seen this coming, instead, I should have seen this coming, instead, I should have seen this coming, is that we land in this deep, rich, is that we land in this deep, rich, is that we land in this deep, rich, personal place.

personal place. personal place. We land in this territory because that's We land in this territory because that's We land in this territory because that's who Jesus is. He's this combination of who Jesus is. He's this combination of who Jesus is. He's this combination of like passionate about you and brave like passionate about you and brave like passionate about you and brave enough to come after you and also this enough to come after you and also this enough to come after you and also this gentle, lowly, kindhearted shepherd. gentle, lowly, kindhearted shepherd. gentle, lowly, kindhearted shepherd. and we seem to land in this really kind, and we seem to land in this really kind, and we seem to land in this really kind, good, deep, pastoral place every week. good, deep, pastoral place every week. good, deep, pastoral place every week. So, the series that I thought was going So, the series that I thought was going So, the series that I thought was going to almost start in the head has ended up to almost start in the head has ended up to almost start in the head has ended up in the heart every single week because in the heart every single week because in the heart every single week because that's what Jesus wants. He wants to that's what Jesus wants. He wants to that's what Jesus wants. He wants to lead your life as the good shepherd. I want to give you the chance right now I want to give you the chance right now if you're willing to just have a moment if you're willing to just have a moment if you're willing to just have a moment with him. with him. with him. I think there's something else likely in I think there's something else likely in I think there's something else likely in his space at the front of your life in his space at the front of your life in his space at the front of your life in his place out front that's leading in his place out front that's leading in his place out front that's leading in your life. And I just want to give you a your life. And I just want to give you a your life. And I just want to give you a moment to ask him to come into that moment to ask him to come into that moment to ask him to come into that space instead. So would you close your space instead. So would you close your space instead. So would you close your eyes with me?

And the first thing I want you to do And the first thing I want you to do just between the two of you is just name just between the two of you is just name just between the two of you is just name that for him. that for him. that for him. Jesus, this is this is the hired hand Jesus, this is this is the hired hand Jesus, this is this is the hired hand that's been in your space. Just tell him that's been in your space. Just tell him that's been in your space. Just tell him what it is. And I don't pretend everyone is ready or And I don't pretend everyone is ready or willing to say this, but if you are, I willing to say this, but if you are, I willing to say this, but if you are, I believe there's a lot of people that believe there's a lot of people that believe there's a lot of people that are, maybe even brought you here today are, maybe even brought you here today are, maybe even brought you here today just to do this. just to do this. just to do this. You're ready. you're ready to stop You're ready. you're ready to stop You're ready. you're ready to stop following that shepherd. So just tell following that shepherd. So just tell following that shepherd. So just tell him, "I'm done. That's not who's running my life That's not who's running my life anymore." And would you put your palms up on your And would you put your palms up on your lap? Just open up your hands and set lap? Just open up your hands and set lap? Just open up your hands and set them on the top of your lap because the them on the top of your lap because the them on the top of your lap because the posture of sheep is to receive to posture of sheep is to receive to posture of sheep is to receive to receive. receive. receive. And so just ask him And so just ask him And so just ask him as a good shepherd, Jesus, would you?

as a good shepherd, Jesus, would you? as a good shepherd, Jesus, would you? And maybe it's lead, maybe it's feed, And maybe it's lead, maybe it's feed, And maybe it's lead, maybe it's feed, maybe it's take care, maybe it's come maybe it's take care, maybe it's come maybe it's take care, maybe it's come find you, find you, find you, maybe it's heal you. maybe it's heal you. maybe it's heal you. What is that care? Even if it's extra, What is that care? Even if it's extra, What is that care? Even if it's extra, he's the good one. And as you sit in that place with him, I And as you sit in that place with him, I just want you to hear these words sung just want you to hear these words sung just want you to hear these words sung over you. This is how he thinks about over you. This is how he thinks about over you. This is how he thinks about you, how he feels about you. I have I have a maker. He formed He formed my heart. Before Before even time began, even time began, even time began, my life my life my life was in his hand.

He knows He knows my every my every my every thought. He sees He sees each tear each tear each tear that falls that falls that falls and hears me when and hears me when and hears me when I call. I have I have a father. He'll never He'll never leave leave leave me. me. me. No matter where No matter where No matter where I go, he knows he knows my name.

He knows He knows my every my every my every thought. He sees He sees each tear that falls each tear that falls each tear that falls and hears me when and hears me when and hears me when I call. He hears me when He hears me when I call. You are not too much of a project for You are not too much of a project for him. You are not too extra for him. He him. You are not too extra for him. He him. You are not too extra for him. He delights in the care of you. He delights delights in the care of you. He delights delights in the care of you. He delights in the outcome. Remember, he says, "I in the outcome. Remember, he says, "I in the outcome. Remember, he says, "I know my sheep and my sheep know me." know my sheep and my sheep know me." know my sheep and my sheep know me." Let me pray that as you go forward this Let me pray that as you go forward this Let me pray that as you go forward this week that you be confident in his care week that you be confident in his care week that you be confident in his care for you, Lord. Gosh, thank you. Thank for you, Lord. Gosh, thank you. Thank for you, Lord. Gosh, thank you. Thank you that you are a good shepherd. Would you that you are a good shepherd. Would you that you are a good shepherd. Would you teach us to believe you? Would you you teach us to believe you? Would you you teach us to believe you? Would you teach us to live like that, to leave teach us to live like that, to leave teach us to live like that, to leave behind the things that are not good and behind the things that are not good and behind the things that are not good and to come to you, the good shepherd? It's to come to you, the good shepherd? It's to come to you, the good shepherd? It's in your beautiful name that I pray.

in your beautiful name that I pray. in your beautiful name that I pray. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Amen. I loved the analogy she >> Amen. Amen. I loved the analogy she >> Amen. Amen. I loved the analogy she shared about her husband Bill having the shared about her husband Bill having the shared about her husband Bill having the Gatorade and the granola bars because Gatorade and the granola bars because Gatorade and the granola bars because it's not it's just such a great example it's not it's just such a great example it's not it's just such a great example of God not only has what we need, but we of God not only has what we need, but we of God not only has what we need, but we need to come to him and ask for it. And need to come to him and ask for it. And need to come to him and ask for it. And that's something I certainly need to that's something I certainly need to that's something I certainly need to work on more is like he's got it. We work on more is like he's got it. We work on more is like he's got it. We just got to ask sometimes. just got to ask sometimes. just got to ask sometimes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I just encourage you >> Yeah. Yeah. And I just encourage you >> Yeah. Yeah. And I just encourage you maybe spend a few minutes right now or maybe spend a few minutes right now or maybe spend a few minutes right now or over the coming week like just over the coming week like just over the coming week like just reflecting what would it look like for reflecting what would it look like for reflecting what would it look like for you to experience Jesus more as a good you to experience Jesus more as a good you to experience Jesus more as a good shepherd in your life. Okay. I've got shepherd in your life. Okay. I've got shepherd in your life. Okay. I've got one thing, one thing that I want to do one thing, one thing that I want to do one thing, one thing that I want to do before we go is I want to tell you what before we go is I want to tell you what before we go is I want to tell you what I think is maybe the best kept secret at I think is maybe the best kept secret at I think is maybe the best kept secret at Crossroads. Seriously, it is a good one. Crossroads. Seriously, it is a good one. Crossroads. Seriously, it is a good one. The best kept secret. The best kept secret. The best kept secret. >> I want to set it up for you. I've been >> I want to set it up for you. I've been >> I want to set it up for you. I've been trying to follow Jesus for a few decades trying to follow Jesus for a few decades trying to follow Jesus for a few decades now. And one of the things that I feel now. And one of the things that I feel now. And one of the things that I feel like I've just learned the hard way is like I've just learned the hard way is like I've just learned the hard way is that we're not supposed to figure it all that we're not supposed to figure it all that we're not supposed to figure it all out on our own. Like your faith, your out on our own. Like your faith, your out on our own. Like your faith, your walk with God is not just supposed to be walk with God is not just supposed to be walk with God is not just supposed to be this DIY thing that's going to lead this DIY thing that's going to lead this DIY thing that's going to lead towards faith, humility, and peace on towards faith, humility, and peace on towards faith, humility, and peace on your own.

your own. your own. >> God did design us to receive the gift of >> God did design us to receive the gift of >> God did design us to receive the gift of other people's wisdom, experience, a other people's wisdom, experience, a other people's wisdom, experience, a listening ear. That's why we have real listening ear. That's why we have real listening ear. That's why we have real people ready to help you take your next people ready to help you take your next people ready to help you take your next step. One example from last week is I step. One example from last week is I step. One example from last week is I had a 30 minute no pressure conversation had a 30 minute no pressure conversation had a 30 minute no pressure conversation with Brandy who's a part of our with Brandy who's a part of our with Brandy who's a part of our CrossFits Anywhere team. She was at or CrossFits Anywhere team. She was at or CrossFits Anywhere team. She was at or not team, she was a part of Crossroads not team, she was a part of Crossroads not team, she was a part of Crossroads Anywhere. She attends and watches online Anywhere. She attends and watches online Anywhere. She attends and watches online and she was at our women's ignite and she was at our women's ignite and she was at our women's ignite conference and she just wanted to conference and she just wanted to conference and she just wanted to process some of the things that she process some of the things that she process some of the things that she feels like God is calling her to next feels like God is calling her to next feels like God is calling her to next and also the things where she's like I and also the things where she's like I and also the things where she's like I need more of him in this space. So that need more of him in this space. So that need more of him in this space. So that was really fun and those conversations was really fun and those conversations was really fun and those conversations are great connecting points and that's are great connecting points and that's are great connecting points and that's why we're here. This is fun for us, why we're here. This is fun for us, why we're here. This is fun for us, >> but this is not. Yeah, that is what's >> but this is not. Yeah, that is what's >> but this is not. Yeah, that is what's really fun for us is helping God, really fun for us is helping God, really fun for us is helping God, helping you helping you helping you >> and with your journey with God. >> and with your journey with God. >> and with your journey with God. >> Yeah. Hey, for some people it's a >> Yeah. Hey, for some people it's a >> Yeah. Hey, for some people it's a 30-minute phone call, but for most of 30-minute phone call, but for most of 30-minute phone call, but for most of the time it's might be a few emails. It the time it's might be a few emails. It the time it's might be a few emails. It might be a few text messages back and might be a few text messages back and might be a few text messages back and forth. It might be a quick Zoom call, forth. It might be a quick Zoom call, forth. It might be a quick Zoom call, whatever to help you find the right whatever to help you find the right whatever to help you find the right group or resources or just get unstuck.

group or resources or just get unstuck. group or resources or just get unstuck. But this is like Jen, myself, the But this is like Jen, myself, the But this is like Jen, myself, the Anywhere team, a small group of people Anywhere team, a small group of people Anywhere team, a small group of people who are trusted, who want to help you who are trusted, who want to help you who are trusted, who want to help you come up with a custom plan, a custom come up with a custom plan, a custom come up with a custom plan, a custom next step for you to move forward in next step for you to move forward in next step for you to move forward in your relationship with God. And we'd your relationship with God. And we'd your relationship with God. And we'd love to do that for you, too. love to do that for you, too. love to do that for you, too. >> Yeah. And you can head to >> Yeah. And you can head to >> Yeah. And you can head to crossroads.net/anywhere101. crossroads.net/anywhere101. crossroads.net/anywhere101. There's a button that says connect with There's a button that says connect with There's a button that says connect with our team. Click that, answer a few our team. Click that, answer a few our team. Click that, answer a few questions, and we will be in touch with questions, and we will be in touch with questions, and we will be in touch with you with a customized response, you with a customized response, you with a customized response, recommendations of how you can get recommendations of how you can get recommendations of how you can get connected with our church, how you can connected with our church, how you can connected with our church, how you can grow in your faith. grow in your faith. grow in your faith. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> So, we would love to see you back here >> So, we would love to see you back here >> So, we would love to see you back here next week for the start of our new next week for the start of our new next week for the start of our new series. We love having fresh new series series. We love having fresh new series series. We love having fresh new series every couple weeks. So, love to have you every couple weeks. So, love to have you every couple weeks. So, love to have you back. back. back. >> We'll see you next week.