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

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

faithfulness. faithfulness. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus, be the name ever [singing] on my >> Jesus, be the name ever [singing] on my >> Jesus, be the name ever [singing] on my lips. Sweeter Sweeter every [music and singing] time Sweeter every [music and singing] time that I call on it. that I call on it. that I call on it. There's just something about [music] There's just something about [music] There's just something about [music] your name. There's just something [music] about There's just something [music] about your name your name your name that makes me cry holy. that makes me cry holy. that makes me cry holy. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> There is no other name. >> There is no other name. >> There is no other name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There is no other name. There is no [music] other name. There is no [music] other name. Jesus, you're worthy. >> You are >> You are >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> a God. So, we sing to you. So, we sing to you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> This is who you are. >> This is who you are. >> This is who you are. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> And Jesus, your name >> And Jesus, your name >> And Jesus, your name is [music] like the morning light, the is [music] like the morning light, the is [music] like the morning light, the one [singing] the darkness [music] can't one [singing] the darkness [music] can't one [singing] the darkness [music] can't deny, the resurrection deny, the resurrection deny, the resurrection and [singing and music] the life. Jesus.

>> Jesus, your name >> Jesus, your name can save, can save, can save, your name can heal. your name can heal. your name can heal. Your name can make [music] Your name can make [music] Your name can make [music] the storm be still. You never fail, you the storm be still. You never fail, you the storm be still. You never fail, you never will. never will. never will. Jesus. [music] >> Jesus, the bread of life. >> Jesus, the bread of life. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Broken for us, >> Broken for us, >> Broken for us, the the the wounded and the worthy one, wounded and the worthy one, wounded and the worthy one, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the first, >> the first, >> the first, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the last, >> the last, >> the last, and still to come. and still to come. and still to come. Jesus. Jesus, the king who reigns. Jesus, the king who reigns. >> Over [music] >> Over [music] >> Over [music] all, all, all, over all, over all, over all, the Lord the Lord the Lord will will will forever reign. forever reign. forever reign. The name The name The name >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> above all >> above all >> above all names. names. names. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus be the name. >> Jesus be the name. >> Jesus be the name. Against all the world. [music] Against all the world. [music] Against all the world. [music] >> Say Jesus. >> Say Jesus. >> Say Jesus. >> Jesus be the name.

[music] [music] [singing] [music and applause] [music and applause] >> Let me pray for us. >> Let me pray for us. >> Let me pray for us. God, would your name God, would your name God, would your name >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> be the name in our lives. >> be the name in our lives. >> be the name in our lives. The name [music] that sets us free and The name [music] that sets us free and The name [music] that sets us free and the name the name the name that brings us comfort and peace and that brings us comfort and peace and that brings us comfort and peace and joy. [music] Would we not get that from any other Would we not get that from any other place? Would we not search for that place? Would we not search for that place? Would we not search for that in the world around us, but would we in the world around us, but would we in the world around us, but would we search for that from you? search for that from you? search for that from you? Cuz your name is good. >> And God, I >> And God, I the more I sing these songs, the more I sing these songs, the more I sing these songs, the more I'm reminded of my need for the more I'm reminded of my need for the more I'm reminded of my need for you. And so my prayer for us today is that we And so my prayer for us today is that we never forget.

never forget. never forget. And that for some of us, for the first And that for some of us, for the first And that for some of us, for the first [music] time, if we haven't experienced [music] time, if we haven't experienced [music] time, if we haven't experienced a personal thing with you, would that a personal thing with you, would that a personal thing with you, would that start [music] today? start [music] today? start [music] today? Because you're a good God who wants a Because you're a good God who wants a Because you're a good God who wants a relationship relationship relationship with all of us. with all of us. with all of us. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. >> It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. >> It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yeah, you can clap for that. >> Yeah, you can clap for that. >> Yeah, you can clap for that. Man, happy 4th of July weekend. It's Man, happy 4th of July weekend. It's Man, happy 4th of July weekend. It's good [music] being in this room good [music] being in this room good [music] being in this room together. Won't you turn to a couple of together. Won't you turn to a couple of together. Won't you turn to a couple of people around you? Maybe you don't know people around you? Maybe you don't know people around you? Maybe you don't know them. Introduce yourself. We're one big them. Introduce yourself. We're one big them. Introduce yourself. We're one big family. [music] And then you can have a family. [music] And then you can have a family. [music] And then you can have a seat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Hey, thanks for joining us again online >> Hey, thanks for joining us again online >> Hey, thanks for joining us again online today. Now, Crossroads Anywhere isn't today. Now, Crossroads Anywhere isn't today. Now, Crossroads Anywhere isn't just a thing to watch. It's a community just a thing to watch. It's a community just a thing to watch. It's a community made up of people all over the world. made up of people all over the world. made up of people all over the world. And I don't know where you are in the And I don't know where you are in the And I don't know where you are in the country right now, but here in Ohio, it country right now, but here in Ohio, it country right now, but here in Ohio, it has been approximately a bajillion has been approximately a bajillion has been approximately a bajillion degrees. It's so hot. degrees. It's so hot. degrees. It's so hot. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Which is why Jen wore her sweater for >> Which is why Jen wore her sweater for >> Which is why Jen wore her sweater for some reason. some reason. some reason. >> Yes. Well, if it's cool and 70 and sunny >> Yes. Well, if it's cool and 70 and sunny >> Yes. Well, if it's cool and 70 and sunny where you are, we're really happy for where you are, we're really happy for where you are, we're really happy for you.

you. you. >> So hot. >> So hot. >> So hot. >> been out of my house all weekend, so >> been out of my house all weekend, so >> been out of my house all weekend, so >> it's brutal. >> it's brutal. >> it's brutal. >> But anyway, um Crossroads Anywhere, we >> But anyway, um Crossroads Anywhere, we >> But anyway, um Crossroads Anywhere, we are hitting the road. So, some news for are hitting the road. So, some news for are hitting the road. So, some news for you is if you are a part of our uh the you is if you are a part of our uh the you is if you are a part of our uh the Great Lake area, we would really love to Great Lake area, we would really love to Great Lake area, we would really love to meet you in person. So, August 28th meet you in person. So, August 28th meet you in person. So, August 28th through the 30th, we will be on the road through the 30th, we will be on the road through the 30th, we will be on the road live in Sandusky, Ohio. live in Sandusky, Ohio. live in Sandusky, Ohio. >> Yeah. Why Sandusky? Well, because a ton >> Yeah. Why Sandusky? Well, because a ton >> Yeah. Why Sandusky? Well, because a ton of you are streaming from that Great of you are streaming from that Great of you are streaming from that Great Lakes region. Lakes region. Lakes region. Whether it's Cleveland, Detroit, Fort Whether it's Cleveland, Detroit, Fort Whether it's Cleveland, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Toledo. Hey, it's going to be an Wayne, Toledo. Hey, it's going to be an Wayne, Toledo. Hey, it's going to be an incredible few days to help you incredible few days to help you incredible few days to help you understand more of your God-given understand more of your God-given understand more of your God-given purpose of God who made you to be and to purpose of God who made you to be and to purpose of God who made you to be and to get to know some great, great people in get to know some great, great people in get to know some great, great people in the meantime. the meantime. the meantime. >> Yes, lots more details and festivities >> Yes, lots more details and festivities >> Yes, lots more details and festivities explained later, but for right now, explained later, but for right now, explained later, but for right now, what's most [music] important is that we what's most [music] important is that we what's most [music] important is that we have made this as simple as possible for have made this as simple as possible for have made this as simple as possible for you. Which that looks like [music] you you. Which that looks like [music] you you. Which that looks like [music] you just have to get to Sandusky and we are just have to get to Sandusky and we are just have to get to Sandusky and we are going to have the lodging, the meals, going to have the lodging, the meals, going to have the lodging, the meals, the sessions, the worship, the the sessions, the worship, the the sessions, the worship, the activities all mapped out for you.

activities all mapped out for you. activities all mapped out for you. >> That's right. Registration closes on >> That's right. Registration closes on >> That's right. Registration closes on October 21st. Don't wait too long. And October 21st. Don't wait too long. And October 21st. Don't wait too long. And if getting there feels Sorry, August if getting there feels Sorry, August if getting there feels Sorry, August 21st. And if getting there is hard for 21st. And if getting there is hard for 21st. And if getting there is hard for any reason, hey, just reach out. We'd any reason, hey, just reach out. We'd any reason, hey, just reach out. We'd love to help make it happen for you. love to help make it happen for you. love to help make it happen for you. >> Register online at >> Register online at >> Register online at crossroads.net/anywhere101. crossroads.net/anywhere101. crossroads.net/anywhere101. >> Yeah. Hey, another way many people stay >> Yeah. Hey, another way many people stay >> Yeah. Hey, another way many people stay connected to God around here is through connected to God around here is through connected to God around here is through giving. There's no obligation, there's giving. There's no obligation, there's giving. There's no obligation, there's no guilt around this, but for those of no guilt around this, but for those of no guilt around this, but for those of us who call Crossroads home, this is us who call Crossroads home, this is us who call Crossroads home, this is just a great way that we can participate just a great way that we can participate just a great way that we can participate and practice trust in God and be a part and practice trust in God and be a part and practice trust in God and be a part of what he's doing inside and outside of what he's doing inside and outside of what he's doing inside and outside these walls. these walls. these walls. >> Yeah, to be a part of that, you can just >> Yeah, to be a part of that, you can just >> Yeah, to be a part of that, you can just go to crossroads.net/give. go to crossroads.net/give. go to crossroads.net/give. And thank you for everyone because your And thank you for everyone because your And thank you for everyone because your generosity is who what makes Sandusky generosity is who what makes Sandusky generosity is who what makes Sandusky weekends happen, weekends like today weekends happen, weekends like today weekends happen, weekends like today happen as well. happen as well. happen as well. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. Hey, next weekend we're actually be Hey, next weekend we're actually be Hey, next weekend we're actually be kicking off a brand new [music] series kicking off a brand new [music] series kicking off a brand new [music] series called Origin Stories. And my favorite called Origin Stories. And my favorite called Origin Stories. And my favorite part of any superhero movie is always part of any superhero movie is always part of any superhero movie is always the origin [music] story. It's how the origin [music] story. It's how the origin [music] story. It's how somebody who was normal and how they somebody who was normal and how they somebody who was normal and how they started and became [music] something started and became [music] something started and became [music] something extraordinary. We're going to be looking extraordinary. We're going to be looking extraordinary. We're going to be looking at the heroes of the Christian faith and at the heroes of the Christian faith and at the heroes of the Christian faith and uncovering how they went from normal, uncovering how they went from normal, uncovering how they went from normal, imperfect, flawed people imperfect, flawed people imperfect, flawed people and experienced [music] extraordinary and experienced [music] extraordinary and experienced [music] extraordinary things with God.

things with God. things with God. >> Yeah, honestly, that's encouraging cuz >> Yeah, honestly, that's encouraging cuz >> Yeah, honestly, that's encouraging cuz as an ordinary, flawed human being, um as an ordinary, flawed human being, um as an ordinary, flawed human being, um I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> But first we're going to wrap up the >> But first we're going to wrap up the >> But first we're going to wrap up the Jesus exhibit. We're going to hear from Jesus exhibit. We're going to hear from Jesus exhibit. We're going to hear from one of our teaching pastors and friend one of our teaching pastors and friend one of our teaching pastors and friend of mine, Ally Patterson, as she unpacks of mine, Ally Patterson, as she unpacks of mine, Ally Patterson, as she unpacks Jesus' final identity statement in the Jesus' final identity statement in the Jesus' final identity statement in the series, I am the good shepherd. series, I am the good shepherd. series, I am the good shepherd. >> We're in the New Testament, in the >> We're in the New Testament, in the >> We're in the New Testament, in the Gospel according [music] to John. Gospel according [music] to John. Gospel according [music] to John. This is a first-hand biography of Jesus This is a first-hand biography of Jesus This is a first-hand biography of Jesus by one [music] of his closest friends. by one [music] of his closest friends. by one [music] of his closest friends. In it, John records seven iconic I In it, John records seven iconic I In it, John records seven iconic I [music] am statements that Jesus made. [music] am statements that Jesus made. [music] am statements that Jesus made. Seven metaphors, seven self-portraits Seven metaphors, seven self-portraits Seven metaphors, seven self-portraits [music] [music] [music] of the living God. of the living God. of the living God. This week, Jesus says, "I [music] am the This week, Jesus says, "I [music] am the This week, Jesus says, "I [music] am the good shepherd." Here's how it goes in good shepherd." Here's how it goes in good shepherd." Here's how it goes in the book of John, chapter 10. the book of John, chapter 10. the book of John, chapter 10. "I am the [music] good shepherd. The "I am the [music] good shepherd. The "I am the [music] good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the good shepherd lays down his life for the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, [music] shepherd, [music] shepherd, [music] who does not own the sheep, sees the who does not own the sheep, sees the who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and wolf coming and leaves the sheep and wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees. And the wolf snatches them flees. And the wolf snatches them flees. And the wolf snatches them [music] [music] [music] and scatters them. He flees because he and scatters them. He flees because he and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for is a hired hand and cares nothing for is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as know my own and my own know me, just as know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me [music] and I know the Father knows me [music] and I know the Father knows me [music] and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the Father. And I lay down my life for the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep."

>> Happy Independence Day weekend, >> Happy Independence Day weekend, everyone. How are you? My name is Ally everyone. How are you? My name is Ally everyone. How are you? My name is Ally Patterson. It's great to be with you on Patterson. It's great to be with you on Patterson. It's great to be with you on this 4th of July weekend. I don't know this 4th of July weekend. I don't know this 4th of July weekend. I don't know about you, but I was a little more about you, but I was a little more about you, but I was a little more grateful for our country watching all grateful for our country watching all grateful for our country watching all the reels of World Cup fans. Anyone the reels of World Cup fans. Anyone the reels of World Cup fans. Anyone else? They're like at Bucky's and else? They're like at Bucky's and else? They're like at Bucky's and Walmart. They're eating ranch. They're Walmart. They're eating ranch. They're Walmart. They're eating ranch. They're getting our free refills. I mean, it's getting our free refills. I mean, it's getting our free refills. I mean, it's been so fun to watch. And I was watching been so fun to watch. And I was watching been so fun to watch. And I was watching some of them when I was actually on a some of them when I was actually on a some of them when I was actually on a trip in Europe for about 10 days in the trip in Europe for about 10 days in the trip in Europe for about 10 days in the worst heat wave in European history. And worst heat wave in European history. And worst heat wave in European history. And so, I am particularly grateful for 62° so, I am particularly grateful for 62° so, I am particularly grateful for 62° air conditioning. That's how I'll be air conditioning. That's how I'll be air conditioning. That's how I'll be celebrating this weekend. I'll be or celebrating this weekend. I'll be or celebrating this weekend. I'll be or I'll be at a table inside ordering I'll be at a table inside ordering I'll be at a table inside ordering peanut butter and jelly and getting free peanut butter and jelly and getting free peanut butter and jelly and getting free refills of diet coke. That's my plan. I refills of diet coke. That's my plan. I refills of diet coke. That's my plan. I hope you guys have fun plans this hope you guys have fun plans this hope you guys have fun plans this weekend and and thank you for making the weekend and and thank you for making the weekend and and thank you for making the last week of this series one of them cuz last week of this series one of them cuz last week of this series one of them cuz for real, this has been one of my for real, this has been one of my for real, this has been one of my favorite teaching series that we've been favorite teaching series that we've been favorite teaching series that we've been in. We've been looking at the I Am in. We've been looking at the I Am in. We've been looking at the I Am statements, the the disclosure that statements, the the disclosure that statements, the the disclosure that Jesus gave us about who he is. He said Jesus gave us about who he is. He said Jesus gave us about who he is. He said things like, I am the bread of life. I things like, I am the bread of life. I things like, I am the bread of life. I am the light of the world and today am the light of the world and today am the light of the world and today we're doing the last one, I am the good we're doing the last one, I am the good we're doing the last one, I am the good shepherd. And this moment, like a lot of shepherd. And this moment, like a lot of shepherd. And this moment, like a lot of the other ones, it seems like Jesus the other ones, it seems like Jesus the other ones, it seems like Jesus chooses these moments as we read when he chooses these moments as we read when he chooses these moments as we read when he said these and how he said these said these and how he said these said these and how he said these statements, it almost feels like he statements, it almost feels like he statements, it almost feels like he chooses moments to force a response.

chooses moments to force a response. chooses moments to force a response. Underneath so many of these statements Underneath so many of these statements Underneath so many of these statements is the bigger question, do we actually is the bigger question, do we actually is the bigger question, do we actually believe him? And that's the question I believe him? And that's the question I believe him? And that's the question I want to ask us today as we're going want to ask us today as we're going want to ask us today as we're going through I am the good shepherd. I really through I am the good shepherd. I really through I am the good shepherd. I really want you asking yourself, if I looked at want you asking yourself, if I looked at want you asking yourself, if I looked at my life as we understand what Jesus my life as we understand what Jesus my life as we understand what Jesus meant, does it look like I believe him? meant, does it look like I believe him? meant, does it look like I believe him? Let me pray for us as we begin. Let me pray for us as we begin. Let me pray for us as we begin. Lord, help my words to be true to your Lord, help my words to be true to your Lord, help my words to be true to your word and your character and your heart word and your character and your heart word and your character and your heart for us. Thank you that you left us these for us. Thank you that you left us these for us. Thank you that you left us these truths about who you are. Help us to truths about who you are. Help us to truths about who you are. Help us to receive your shepherding in our life receive your shepherding in our life receive your shepherding in our life today. Amen. today. Amen. today. Amen. Well, I don't know what you think of Well, I don't know what you think of Well, I don't know what you think of when you think of the word shepherd, but when you think of the word shepherd, but when you think of the word shepherd, but this doesn't sound like a particularly this doesn't sound like a particularly this doesn't sound like a particularly controversial statement or difficult controversial statement or difficult controversial statement or difficult statement. It actually sounds pretty statement. It actually sounds pretty statement. It actually sounds pretty nice. Like, I am the good shepherd. And nice. Like, I am the good shepherd. And nice. Like, I am the good shepherd. And when I think about my response to that, when I think about my response to that, when I think about my response to that, it's usually because I've been around it's usually because I've been around it's usually because I've been around church. You know, when you hear the word church. You know, when you hear the word church. You know, when you hear the word shepherd used in a church setting, I shepherd used in a church setting, I shepherd used in a church setting, I don't know if you've ever heard someone don't know if you've ever heard someone don't know if you've ever heard someone say that. Let me see if I can get this say that. Let me see if I can get this say that. Let me see if I can get this tone right. They usually go, tone right. They usually go, tone right. They usually go, Oh.

Oh. Oh. He's such a good shepherd. He's such a good shepherd. He's such a good shepherd. Mhm, that's what my friend calls Mhm, that's what my friend calls Mhm, that's what my friend calls Christian mooing. Mhm, yeah. Christian mooing. Mhm, yeah. Christian mooing. Mhm, yeah. She's like, mhm, when you pray or you She's like, mhm, when you pray or you She's like, mhm, when you pray or you talk, you guys go like, mhm, yeah. talk, you guys go like, mhm, yeah. talk, you guys go like, mhm, yeah. That's that's the tone. We always say That's that's the tone. We always say That's that's the tone. We always say this word in like a, this word in like a, this word in like a, >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> oh, such a shepherd. I guarantee you the >> oh, such a shepherd. I guarantee you the >> oh, such a shepherd. I guarantee you the listeners of Jesus' statement, I am the listeners of Jesus' statement, I am the listeners of Jesus' statement, I am the good shepherd, were nowhere in that good shepherd, were nowhere in that good shepherd, were nowhere in that ballpark. Not not even close to that ballpark. Not not even close to that ballpark. Not not even close to that kind of reaction to the statement and I kind of reaction to the statement and I kind of reaction to the statement and I will actually go one further and say will actually go one further and say will actually go one further and say shepherd wasn't even the most shepherd wasn't even the most shepherd wasn't even the most interesting or controversial word in the interesting or controversial word in the interesting or controversial word in the statement. I'm going to read it a statement. I'm going to read it a statement. I'm going to read it a different way and then we're going to different way and then we're going to different way and then we're going to read the passage again. What if he said, read the passage again. What if he said, read the passage again. What if he said, I am the good shepherd. I am the good shepherd. I am the good shepherd. I am the good shepherd. What if that's I am the good shepherd. What if that's I am the good shepherd. What if that's where the emphasis was? Let me read this where the emphasis was? Let me read this where the emphasis was? Let me read this passage for us one more time. passage for us one more time. passage for us one more time. 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 is a it. The man runs away because he is a it. The man runs away because he is 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 a sheep and my sheep know me just as a sheep and my sheep know me just as a 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.

and I lay down my life for the sheep. and I lay down my life for the sheep. Now, this controversial emphasis Now, this controversial emphasis Now, this controversial emphasis I believe is because of who his I believe is because of who his I believe is because of who his listeners were. This entire passage listeners were. This entire passage listeners were. This entire passage actually and and more around it, if you actually and and more around it, if you actually and and more around it, if you go read this passage in John chapter 10, go read this passage in John chapter 10, go read this passage in John chapter 10, you quickly realize his listeners were you quickly realize his listeners were you quickly realize his listeners were the Pharisees. These were the spiritual the Pharisees. These were the spiritual the Pharisees. These were the spiritual leaders of Israel and so when he uses a leaders of Israel and so when he uses a leaders of Israel and so when he uses a metaphor, when he calls out the fact metaphor, when he calls out the fact metaphor, when he calls out the fact that he is the good shepherd, shepherd that he is the good shepherd, shepherd that he is the good shepherd, shepherd was pretty much a synonym for leader. was pretty much a synonym for leader. was pretty much a synonym for leader. Not just in a religious context, in a Not just in a religious context, in a Not just in a religious context, in a military context, in a home context. military context, in a home context. military context, in a home context. This was a very common word both inside This was a very common word both inside This was a very common word both inside and outside religious settings for and outside religious settings for and outside religious settings for leadership. So, when Jesus steps up to leadership. So, when Jesus steps up to leadership. So, when Jesus steps up to the leaders of the nation of Israel at the leaders of the nation of Israel at the leaders of the nation of Israel at this time and he says, "I am the good this time and he says, "I am the good this time and he says, "I am the good shepherd." shepherd." shepherd." He immediately puts them on the other He immediately puts them on the other He immediately puts them on the other side of this equation. He He's going to side of this equation. He He's going to side of this equation. He He's going to put their back up in saying this. And he put their back up in saying this. And he put their back up in saying this. And he They knew that if he's saying, "I am the They knew that if he's saying, "I am the They knew that if he's saying, "I am the good one."

good one." good one." then they are then they are then they are the bad ones. Or as he would call in the bad ones. Or as he would call in the bad ones. Or as he would call in this passage, the hired hand. Now, they this passage, the hired hand. Now, they this passage, the hired hand. Now, they would have even had greater offense would have even had greater offense would have even had greater offense because of a passage in the book of because of a passage in the book of because of a passage in the book of Ezekiel that no doubt most of them would Ezekiel that no doubt most of them would Ezekiel that no doubt most of them would have known if not intimately familiar have known if not intimately familiar have known if not intimately familiar with even by heart. And Jesus knew that with even by heart. And Jesus knew that with even by heart. And Jesus knew that as well. And he steps into the bigger as well. And he steps into the bigger as well. And he steps into the bigger story of God when he uses these words, story of God when he uses these words, story of God when he uses these words, "I am the good shepherd." In the the "I am the good shepherd." In the the "I am the good shepherd." In the the prophet Ezekiel came and spoke to the prophet Ezekiel came and spoke to the prophet Ezekiel came and spoke to the people of God at a time when God had had people of God at a time when God had had people of God at a time when God had had it with the leaders of Israel. And he it with the leaders of Israel. And he it with the leaders of Israel. And he steps in read this whole chapter, very steps in read this whole chapter, very steps in read this whole chapter, very fascinating, extended talk about fascinating, extended talk about fascinating, extended talk about shepherds in Ezekiel 34. And make no shepherds in Ezekiel 34. And make no shepherds in Ezekiel 34. And make no mistake, the Pharisees knew every word mistake, the Pharisees knew every word mistake, the Pharisees knew every word of these scriptures. Here's a few. of these scriptures. Here's a few. of these scriptures. Here's a few. "Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been "Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been "Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves. Should not shepherds feeding yourselves. Should not shepherds feeding yourselves. Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not slaughter the fat ones, but you do not slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not feed the sheep. The weak you have not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not strengthened, the sick you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound healed, the injured you have not bound healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought up, the strayed you have not brought up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and back, the lost you have not sought, and back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled with force and harshness you have ruled with force and harshness you have ruled them so they were scattered because them so they were scattered because them so they were scattered because there was no shepherd. Thus says the there was no shepherd. Thus says the there was no shepherd. Thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am against the Lord God, 'Behold, I am against the Lord God, 'Behold, I am against the shepherds.

shepherds. shepherds. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths I will rescue my sheep from their mouths I will rescue my sheep from their mouths that they may not be food for them. For Jesus to step up For Jesus to step up to the spiritual leaders in the nation to the spiritual leaders in the nation to the spiritual leaders in the nation of Israel and say, "I am the good of Israel and say, "I am the good of Israel and say, "I am the good shepherd." shepherd." shepherd." This is the contrast he was making. He This is the contrast he was making. He This is the contrast he was making. He was convicting them in a final sort of was convicting them in a final sort of was convicting them in a final sort of way. This is and this is at a time where way. This is and this is at a time where way. This is and this is at a time where the controversy around Jesus and his the controversy around Jesus and his the controversy around Jesus and his public ministry was extremely high and public ministry was extremely high and public ministry was extremely high and Jesus chooses this moment to step up and Jesus chooses this moment to step up and Jesus chooses this moment to step up and say, "You haven't been doing these say, "You haven't been doing these say, "You haven't been doing these things and I'm here to do it myself." things and I'm here to do it myself." things and I'm here to do it myself." This was not only not only a a deeply This was not only not only a a deeply This was not only not only a a deeply offensive convicting statement against offensive convicting statement against offensive convicting statement against the leaders in the nation of Israel the leaders in the nation of Israel the leaders in the nation of Israel spiritually at this time, it was also a spiritually at this time, it was also a spiritually at this time, it was also a proclamation of his identity. Because in proclamation of his identity. Because in proclamation of his identity. Because in that passage from the book of Ezekiel, that passage from the book of Ezekiel, that passage from the book of Ezekiel, it says, "I" This is God speaking it says, "I" This is God speaking it says, "I" This is God speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, "I will through the prophet Ezekiel, "I will through the prophet Ezekiel, "I will rescue my sheep."

rescue my sheep." rescue my sheep." "I will." "I will." "I will." And so Jesus steps in and says, "I am. I And so Jesus steps in and says, "I am. I And so Jesus steps in and says, "I am. I am the good shepherd." He's basically am the good shepherd." He's basically am the good shepherd." He's basically proclaiming, proclaiming, proclaiming, "I am the Lord who is here to do what "I am the Lord who is here to do what "I am the Lord who is here to do what you haven't been doing." you haven't been doing." you haven't been doing." So the Pharisees listen to this and they So the Pharisees listen to this and they So the Pharisees listen to this and they obviously reject this claim, right? This obviously reject this claim, right? This obviously reject this claim, right? This is This is about the time they start is This is about the time they start is This is about the time they start actively plotting to take his life. They actively plotting to take his life. They actively plotting to take his life. They have had it and he condemns them in this have had it and he condemns them in this have had it and he condemns them in this final public statement against them and final public statement against them and final public statement against them and proclaims again his identity, his proclaims again his identity, his proclaims again his identity, his heavenly divine identity by stepping heavenly divine identity by stepping heavenly divine identity by stepping into this space and using these words into this space and using these words into this space and using these words and and and the question for us today is do we the question for us today is do we the question for us today is do we believe him? believe him? believe him? They did not. They hear these words and They did not. They hear these words and They did not. They hear these words and it's like the final They already didn't it's like the final They already didn't it's like the final They already didn't and now he's against them and he's and now he's against them and he's and now he's against them and he's stepping into this and he's saying, "I'm stepping into this and he's saying, "I'm stepping into this and he's saying, "I'm the good one the good one the good one and they're done." and they're done." and they're done." And this is what I mean when Jesus And this is what I mean when Jesus And this is what I mean when Jesus chooses these moments, he chooses these chooses these moments, he chooses these chooses these moments, he chooses these moments where we have to wrestle, we moments where we have to wrestle, we moments where we have to wrestle, we have to decide. And John preserves these have to decide. And John preserves these have to decide. And John preserves these moments for us, I think, so that we also moments for us, I think, so that we also moments for us, I think, so that we also can listen to his words and decide, "Do can listen to his words and decide, "Do can listen to his words and decide, "Do I actually believe him? Is this who I actually believe him? Is this who I actually believe him? Is this who Jesus is to me? Am I living like this is Jesus is to me? Am I living like this is Jesus is to me? Am I living like this is true?" I want to reread the two times true?" I want to reread the two times true?" I want to reread the two times that Jesus makes the statement, "I am that Jesus makes the statement, "I am that Jesus makes the statement, "I am the good shepherd." He does it twice in the good shepherd." He does it twice in the good shepherd." He does it twice in that passage. It gives us a little bit that passage. It gives us a little bit that passage. It gives us a little bit of information about if if I believed of information about if if I believed of information about if if I believed him, if he was this,

him, if he was this, him, if he was this, what would it be like? What would it what would it be like? What would it what would it be like? What would it look like? What would it feel like? What look like? What would it feel like? What look like? What would it feel like? What would it be like? The first time he says would it be like? The first time he says would it be like? The first time he says this is right at the beginning of the this is right at the beginning of the this is right at the beginning of the passage we read. He says, "I am the good passage we read. He says, "I am the good passage we read. He says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down shepherd. The good shepherd lays down shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A good shepherd his life for the sheep. A good shepherd his life for the sheep. A good shepherd lays down his life." Now, real lays down his life." Now, real lays down his life." Now, real shepherds, real real shepherds in this shepherds, real real shepherds in this shepherds, real real shepherds in this culture at this time, even today, in the culture at this time, even today, in the culture at this time, even today, in the Middle East, actually give us a pretty Middle East, actually give us a pretty Middle East, actually give us a pretty good picture of what Jesus meant with good picture of what Jesus meant with good picture of what Jesus meant with this statement. Uh shepherds lay down this statement. Uh shepherds lay down this statement. Uh shepherds lay down lay down their lives in all kinds of lay down their lives in all kinds of lay down their lives in all kinds of ways. Practically speaking, shepherds ways. Practically speaking, shepherds ways. Practically speaking, shepherds lay down their claim to any personal lay down their claim to any personal lay down their claim to any personal time, personal space. Their job was this time, personal space. Their job was this time, personal space. Their job was this lifestyle. They went everywhere with the lifestyle. They went everywhere with the lifestyle. They went everywhere with the sheep, 365 days a year. They lived day sheep, 365 days a year. They lived day sheep, 365 days a year. They lived day in and day out with the sheep. They in and day out with the sheep. They in and day out with the sheep. They actually also laid down any claim to actually also laid down any claim to actually also laid down any claim to their own physical safety and security. their own physical safety and security. their own physical safety and security. They were the ones responsible for the They were the ones responsible for the They were the ones responsible for the flocks and they regularly put their flocks and they regularly put their flocks and they regularly put their lives at risk to do that. They they were lives at risk to do that. They they were lives at risk to do that. They they were shepherding, I guess, in a in an shepherding, I guess, in a in an shepherding, I guess, in a in an inhospitable environment. Food was inhospitable environment. Food was inhospitable environment. Food was scarce. The paths through the landscape scarce. The paths through the landscape scarce. The paths through the landscape are very confusing. This is not like are very confusing. This is not like are very confusing. This is not like rolling green lush hills, you know? And rolling green lush hills, you know? And rolling green lush hills, you know? And and shepherds are are needing to find and shepherds are are needing to find and shepherds are are needing to find secure places for the sheep at night. I secure places for the sheep at night. I secure places for the sheep at night. I listened to an interview with a um listened to an interview with a um listened to an interview with a um an expert who's actually a shepherd in an expert who's actually a shepherd in an expert who's actually a shepherd in the Middle East today, and he described the Middle East today, and he described the Middle East today, and he described a moment where he had to go into a cave

a moment where he had to go into a cave a moment where he had to go into a cave where there had been evidence, recent where there had been evidence, recent where there had been evidence, recent evidence, of hyenas in the area, and evidence, of hyenas in the area, and evidence, of hyenas in the area, and they really wanted to put multiple parts they really wanted to put multiple parts they really wanted to put multiple parts of their flock in this cave for the of their flock in this cave for the of their flock in this cave for the night, and he described he and another night, and he described he and another night, and he described he and another man deciding how were they going to go man deciding how were they going to go man deciding how were they going to go into this cave knowing that one of them into this cave knowing that one of them into this cave knowing that one of them may not come out again. may not come out again. may not come out again. That's the kind of laying down of their That's the kind of laying down of their That's the kind of laying down of their personal safety, their personal personal safety, their personal personal safety, their personal security. This is the kind of life that security. This is the kind of life that security. This is the kind of life that that shepherds lead. that shepherds lead. that shepherds lead. And interestingly, also, And interestingly, also, And interestingly, also, this man, as I was listening to this this man, as I was listening to this this man, as I was listening to this interview, he says, "I'm not planning to interview, he says, "I'm not planning to interview, he says, "I'm not planning to leave my sheep, many many flocks, not leave my sheep, many many flocks, not leave my sheep, many many flocks, not planning to leave my sheep to my sons." planning to leave my sheep to my sons." planning to leave my sheep to my sons." And I was surprised by that, and he went And I was surprised by that, and he went And I was surprised by that, and he went on to explain that while he had taught on to explain that while he had taught on to explain that while he had taught his sons, and they had the technical his sons, and they had the technical his sons, and they had the technical skill to take over the shepherding, they skill to take over the shepherding, they skill to take over the shepherding, they didn't have the heart for it. didn't have the heart for it. didn't have the heart for it. And he said he was actively looking for And he said he was actively looking for And he said he was actively looking for a man who had the heart a man who had the heart a man who had the heart for his sheep. for his sheep. for his sheep. And that it wasn't his sons. And that it wasn't his sons. And that it wasn't his sons. And I thought that was fascinating And I thought that was fascinating And I thought that was fascinating because a good shepherd, he lays down because a good shepherd, he lays down because a good shepherd, he lays down his life to the extent that technical his life to the extent that technical his life to the extent that technical ownership ownership ownership is not going to do it. This man wanted is not going to do it. This man wanted is not going to do it. This man wanted not just the skill, the strength, the not just the skill, the strength, the not just the skill, the strength, the knowledge that a, you know, technical knowledge that a, you know, technical knowledge that a, you know, technical owner of the sheep would certainly owner of the sheep would certainly owner of the sheep would certainly develop, but he wanted the heart for the develop, but he wanted the heart for the develop, but he wanted the heart for the sheep. The moment when the danger comes sheep. The moment when the danger comes sheep. The moment when the danger comes that his sons were going to give up that his sons were going to give up that his sons were going to give up themselves for the flock, and he didn't themselves for the flock, and he didn't themselves for the flock, and he didn't see it. And he said he wouldn't leave see it. And he said he wouldn't leave see it. And he said he wouldn't leave his sheep to his sons as a result of

his sheep to his sons as a result of his sheep to his sons as a result of that. Let me ask you a question. that. Let me ask you a question. that. Let me ask you a question. Is Is that how you think Jesus feels Is Is that how you think Jesus feels Is Is that how you think Jesus feels about you? >> When you think of how he feels about >> When you think of how he feels about you, you, you, do you think of that kind of passion, do you think of that kind of passion, do you think of that kind of passion, that kind of that kind of that kind of desire? Not only to technically give you desire? Not only to technically give you desire? Not only to technically give you what you need, but to passionately, what you need, but to passionately, what you need, but to passionately, personally personally personally leads you out of a like a full-bodied leads you out of a like a full-bodied leads you out of a like a full-bodied heart and commitment for you. When Jesus heart and commitment for you. When Jesus heart and commitment for you. When Jesus says that he is, "I am the one spoken of says that he is, "I am the one spoken of says that he is, "I am the one spoken of in this passage in Ezekiel 34, and I am in this passage in Ezekiel 34, and I am in this passage in Ezekiel 34, and I am here as the good shepherd." here as the good shepherd." here as the good shepherd." Listen to what he says a good shepherd Listen to what he says a good shepherd Listen to what he says a good shepherd does, does, does, that he will do. He says, "I will feed that he will do. He says, "I will feed that he will do. He says, "I will feed them with good pasture. I myself will them with good pasture. I myself will them with good pasture. I myself will make them [snorts] lie down. I will seek make them [snorts] lie down. I will seek make them [snorts] lie down. I will seek the lost. I will bring back the strayed. the lost. I will bring back the strayed. the lost. I will bring back the strayed. I will bind up the injured. I will I will bind up the injured. I will I will bind up the injured. I will strengthen the weak." strengthen the weak." strengthen the weak." Do you believe that Jesus wants you like Do you believe that Jesus wants you like Do you believe that Jesus wants you like that?

that? that? I'm not sure I always do. I'm not sure I always do. I'm not sure I always do. At least I I think so in my head. I At least I I think so in my head. I At least I I think so in my head. I think he wants to protect me and love think he wants to protect me and love think he wants to protect me and love me, but when I look at my life, me, but when I look at my life, me, but when I look at my life, sometimes it doesn't look like I do. I sometimes it doesn't look like I do. I sometimes it doesn't look like I do. I actually caught myself praying this actually caught myself praying this actually caught myself praying this week, you know, good shepherd on the week, you know, good shepherd on the week, you know, good shepherd on the brain, brain, brain, and I was it was almost like I heard my and I was it was almost like I heard my and I was it was almost like I heard my own prayers a little bit differently. own prayers a little bit differently. own prayers a little bit differently. I caught myself praying like I caught myself praying like I caught myself praying like asking God, almost um talking to him asking God, almost um talking to him asking God, almost um talking to him with language that if I believed to to with language that if I believed to to with language that if I believed to to the core of my being that he was my good the core of my being that he was my good the core of my being that he was my good shepherd, I might not have said. I I've shepherd, I might not have said. I I've shepherd, I might not have said. I I've been um looking at a couple of um life been um looking at a couple of um life been um looking at a couple of um life changes, like some significant shifts changes, like some significant shifts changes, like some significant shifts that I see coming in my life, and I was that I see coming in my life, and I was that I see coming in my life, and I was talking to God like like I've been doing talking to God like like I've been doing talking to God like like I've been doing about those, and I was at a kind of a about those, and I was at a kind of a about those, and I was at a kind of a point of frustration or like, you know, point of frustration or like, you know, point of frustration or like, you know, just, "Come on now." You know, I was just, "Come on now." You know, I was just, "Come on now." You know, I was talking to him, and I said, "Um do you talking to him, and I said, "Um do you talking to him, and I said, "Um do you even see where I am?

That kind of question That kind of question it outs it outs it outs my own unbelief in him as a good my own unbelief in him as a good my own unbelief in him as a good shepherd. shepherd. shepherd. I wouldn't tell you I don't believe I wouldn't tell you I don't believe I wouldn't tell you I don't believe that, but when I listen to my prayer, it that, but when I listen to my prayer, it that, but when I listen to my prayer, it was like I had no choice but to was like I had no choice but to was like I had no choice but to understand the belief is not all the way understand the belief is not all the way understand the belief is not all the way in there because a good shepherd in there because a good shepherd in there because a good shepherd you you would never say that to to him. you you would never say that to to him. you you would never say that to to him. A good shepherd never doesn't know where A good shepherd never doesn't know where A good shepherd never doesn't know where his sheep are. Every single one of them. his sheep are. Every single one of them. his sheep are. Every single one of them. And if one gets lost, he's going to find And if one gets lost, he's going to find And if one gets lost, he's going to find it. it. it. And so when I say to God, do you even And so when I say to God, do you even And so when I say to God, do you even know where you're leading me? He's like, know where you're leading me? He's like, know where you're leading me? He's like, what do you mean? My entire life is what do you mean? My entire life is what do you mean? My entire life is about leading you somewhere. about leading you somewhere. about leading you somewhere. That that's what I'm here to do. That that's what I'm here to do. That that's what I'm here to do. And so as I listen to my own prayers And so as I listen to my own prayers And so as I listen to my own prayers this week, this week, this week, I had to admit I had to admit I had to admit they sound like someone they sound like someone they sound like someone who doesn't quite believe this. who doesn't quite believe this. who doesn't quite believe this. And I wonder how much our lives would And I wonder how much our lives would And I wonder how much our lives would change. I wondered on the spot. I wonder change. I wondered on the spot. I wonder change. I wondered on the spot. I wonder how much my life would change if every how much my life would change if every how much my life would change if every day I bounce out of bed and I'm like, day I bounce out of bed and I'm like, day I bounce out of bed and I'm like, I'm going somewhere.

I'm going somewhere. I'm going somewhere. I got somebody's got me. Even if it I got somebody's got me. Even if it I got somebody's got me. Even if it doesn't look like it on a random doesn't look like it on a random doesn't look like it on a random Tuesday, my shepherd always knows where Tuesday, my shepherd always knows where Tuesday, my shepherd always knows where I am. He always knows what I need. He I am. He always knows what I need. He I am. He always knows what I need. He always knows where I'm going. Wow. always knows where I'm going. Wow. always knows where I'm going. Wow. I wonder what would start to change. I I wonder what would start to change. I I wonder what would start to change. I wonder how many of us say that we wonder how many of us say that we wonder how many of us say that we believe in this nice statement Jesus as believe in this nice statement Jesus as believe in this nice statement Jesus as a good shepherd and then we get up every a good shepherd and then we get up every a good shepherd and then we get up every day and we live like an atheist. We live day and we live like an atheist. We live day and we live like an atheist. We live like like somebody who does not believe like like somebody who does not believe like like somebody who does not believe that. that. that. And we pray like it. And we move like And we pray like it. And we move like And we pray like it. And we move like it. And I I was like blown away when I it. And I I was like blown away when I it. And I I was like blown away when I ran my own words through this filter. It ran my own words through this filter. It ran my own words through this filter. It was very sobering. was very sobering. was very sobering. And the good news, literally the good And the good news, literally the good And the good news, literally the good news that Jesus came news that Jesus came news that Jesus came to offer to us is that we get to live to offer to us is that we get to live to offer to us is that we get to live like this is true every day. like this is true every day. like this is true every day. We're the lucky ones. The people that We're the lucky ones. The people that We're the lucky ones. The people that have heard the gospel and believe the have heard the gospel and believe the have heard the gospel and believe the gospel get to come out of bed every day gospel get to come out of bed every day gospel get to come out of bed every day and go, "I have a shepherd who not only and go, "I have a shepherd who not only and go, "I have a shepherd who not only knows me, he laid down his life for me." knows me, he laid down his life for me." knows me, he laid down his life for me." That's That's what the gospel is. That That's That's what the gospel is. That That's That's what the gospel is. That that your good shepherd, that Jesus, God that your good shepherd, that Jesus, God that your good shepherd, that Jesus, God himself, the one from Ezekiel 34 that himself, the one from Ezekiel 34 that himself, the one from Ezekiel 34 that said, "I'm going to come myself and make said, "I'm going to come myself and make said, "I'm going to come myself and make this happen." That he died on a cross, this happen." That he died on a cross, this happen." That he died on a cross, that he faced down every predator in that he faced down every predator in that he faced down every predator in every cave that's after your life, and every cave that's after your life, and every cave that's after your life, and he rose up again with the power to bind, he rose up again with the power to bind, he rose up again with the power to bind, to find you, to strengthen you, to heal to find you, to strengthen you, to heal to find you, to strengthen you, to heal you, to save you. This This is the you, to save you. This This is the you, to save you. This This is the gospel.

gospel. gospel. So, when I say, "I'm not sure I'm living So, when I say, "I'm not sure I'm living So, when I say, "I'm not sure I'm living like Jesus is a good shepherd," I might like Jesus is a good shepherd," I might like Jesus is a good shepherd," I might as well be saying, "The gospel isn't as well be saying, "The gospel isn't as well be saying, "The gospel isn't really fully yet all the way in me." really fully yet all the way in me." really fully yet all the way in me." And how many of us is that true for, you And how many of us is that true for, you And how many of us is that true for, you know? know? know? There's a um There's a um There's a um There's a concept in the actual world of There's a concept in the actual world of There's a concept in the actual world of shepherding that I think helps explain shepherding that I think helps explain shepherding that I think helps explain this. Our tendency, even though we this. Our tendency, even though we this. Our tendency, even though we believe to live in unbelief, even though believe to live in unbelief, even though believe to live in unbelief, even though we pray to pray prayers where it sounds we pray to pray prayers where it sounds we pray to pray prayers where it sounds like we don't. There's a There's a like we don't. There's a There's a like we don't. There's a There's a concept, and it's called the bummer concept, and it's called the bummer concept, and it's called the bummer lamb. lamb. lamb. It's a real concept in the world of It's a real concept in the world of It's a real concept in the world of shepherding, even though it's a funny shepherding, even though it's a funny shepherding, even though it's a funny kind of sweet little name. The bummer kind of sweet little name. The bummer kind of sweet little name. The bummer lamb is a lamb where when it is birthed lamb is a lamb where when it is birthed lamb is a lamb where when it is birthed is actually rejected by the sheep that is actually rejected by the sheep that is actually rejected by the sheep that birthed it. Not just rejected, truly birthed it. Not just rejected, truly birthed it. Not just rejected, truly abandoned. And if not for an abandoned. And if not for an abandoned. And if not for an intervention in how this little lamb is intervention in how this little lamb is intervention in how this little lamb is being cared for and fed and looked being cared for and fed and looked being cared for and fed and looked after, this bummer lamb, if you will, after, this bummer lamb, if you will, after, this bummer lamb, if you will, would certainly die. No doubt about it, would certainly die. No doubt about it, would certainly die. No doubt about it, because the the mother has rejected it.

because the the mother has rejected it. because the the mother has rejected it. Now, there's a concept um that I Now, there's a concept um that I Now, there's a concept um that I believe, if you see it in full color, believe, if you see it in full color, believe, if you see it in full color, will help explain this tendency of ours. will help explain this tendency of ours. will help explain this tendency of ours. And as God, only God, could arrange And as God, only God, could arrange And as God, only God, could arrange these circumstances, it's crazy what he these circumstances, it's crazy what he these circumstances, it's crazy what he does. When you decide to start, you does. When you decide to start, you does. When you decide to start, you know, exploring his name and you know, know, exploring his name and you know, know, exploring his name and you know, all these statements, he threw us a bone all these statements, he threw us a bone all these statements, he threw us a bone here because there's a farmer, a a woman here because there's a farmer, a a woman here because there's a farmer, a a woman in our community that raises sheep, who in our community that raises sheep, who in our community that raises sheep, who somebody on our team knew through the somebody on our team knew through the somebody on our team knew through the grapevine was actually experiencing a grapevine was actually experiencing a grapevine was actually experiencing a bummer lamb situation on her own farm, bummer lamb situation on her own farm, bummer lamb situation on her own farm, and we got to film it. and we got to film it. and we got to film it. And what can I say? A picture is worth a And what can I say? A picture is worth a And what can I say? A picture is worth a thousand words, so take a look.

>> One day in April, >> One day in April, I was walking out in the land, I was walking out in the land, I was walking out in the land, and I heard a distant cry. and I heard a distant cry. and I heard a distant cry. And I instantly [music] And I instantly [music] And I instantly [music] knew it was the sound of a baby lamb. knew it was the sound of a baby lamb. knew it was the sound of a baby lamb. So, I hurried away So, I hurried away So, I hurried away >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> trying to find where this voice was >> trying to find where this voice was >> trying to find where this voice was coming from. I found [music] the cows, found the hay I found [music] the cows, found the hay they were standing by, and then way, way they were standing by, and then way, way they were standing by, and then way, way in the corner, in the corner, in the corner, I just see this teeny [music] I just see this teeny [music] I just see this teeny [music] lamb, just so fragile, lamb, just so fragile, lamb, just so fragile, so little. so little. so little. The littlest thing I've ever seen that's The littlest thing I've ever seen that's The littlest thing I've ever seen that's alive. When I found the mom, When I found the mom, I found another baby with her. [music] I found another baby with her. [music] I found another baby with her. [music] 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 [music] it'll all be sweet."

[music] it'll all be sweet." [music] it'll all be sweet." But when I tried to put her down, But when I tried to put her down, But when I tried to put her down, she just sniffed [music] at her she just sniffed [music] at her she just sniffed [music] at her and then would and then would and then would butt her away from her baby. From the moment I saw the lamb, [music] From the moment I saw the lamb, [music] I decided to keep the lamb alive I decided to keep the lamb alive I decided to keep the lamb alive to shepherd this bummer lamb [music] to shepherd this bummer lamb [music] to shepherd this bummer lamb [music] who was rejected by her mother. who was rejected by her mother. who was rejected by her mother. I fed the little lamb [music] from a I fed the little lamb [music] from a I fed the little lamb [music] from a bottle day and night, bottle day and night, bottle day and night, kept her dry and warm, [music] kept her dry and warm, [music] kept her dry and warm, [music] protected her from the other animals. Over and over again, I tried [music] to Over and over again, I tried [music] to introduce her back to her mom only to introduce her back to her mom only to introduce her back to her mom only to find her rejected again. So, in a moment like this where [music] So, in a moment like this where [music] the lamb is rejected and we call them a the lamb is rejected and we call them a the lamb is rejected and we call them a bummer lamb, bummer lamb, bummer lamb, she will always be very connected she will always be very connected she will always be very connected [music] to me as a person who took care [music] to me as a person who took care [music] to me as a person who took care of her.

of her. of her. From a shepherd's point of view, From a shepherd's point of view, From a shepherd's point of view, this entire story is breathtaking this entire story is breathtaking this entire story is breathtaking because one [music] day the bummer lamb because one [music] day the bummer lamb because one [music] day the bummer lamb will join her herd, will join her herd, will join her herd, but I can go out there but I can go out there but I can go out there and when I [music] call her, and when I [music] call her, and when I [music] call her, she will always respond to my voice. >> It's amazing, right? >> It's amazing, right? She took the extra cost on herself. She took the extra cost on herself. She took the extra cost on herself. And this little lamb, make no mistake, And this little lamb, make no mistake, And this little lamb, make no mistake, would definitely not have survived would definitely not have survived would definitely not have survived without her. She steps in as the without her. She steps in as the without her. She steps in as the shepherd and she ensures this bummer shepherd and she ensures this bummer shepherd and she ensures this bummer lamb's survival. It's incredible. She lamb's survival. It's incredible. She lamb's survival. It's incredible. She hand-fed the lamb, she carried, hand-fed the lamb, she carried, hand-fed the lamb, she carried, protected, kept warm, you know, all the protected, kept warm, you know, all the protected, kept warm, you know, all the things that certainly cost her extra things that certainly cost her extra things that certainly cost her extra time, extra money, extra care, and extra time, extra money, extra care, and extra time, extra money, extra care, and extra amount of nurture to ensure this lamb's amount of nurture to ensure this lamb's amount of nurture to ensure this lamb's survival. Now, I think that most of us survival. Now, I think that most of us survival. Now, I think that most of us carry through our lives some kind of carry through our lives some kind of carry through our lives some kind of bummer lamb hurt.

bummer lamb hurt. bummer lamb hurt. Some kind of hurt that's like a core Some kind of hurt that's like a core Some kind of hurt that's like a core rejection sort of hurt. rejection sort of hurt. rejection sort of hurt. Maybe it happened when we were kids. Maybe it happened when we were kids. Maybe it happened when we were kids. Maybe it happened later in life, but we Maybe it happened later in life, but we Maybe it happened later in life, but we take on the mindset this skittish, I take on the mindset this skittish, I take on the mindset this skittish, I don't belong anywhere. I'm not sure don't belong anywhere. I'm not sure don't belong anywhere. I'm not sure who's going to take care of me bummer who's going to take care of me bummer who's going to take care of me bummer lamb sort of mindset because we carry lamb sort of mindset because we carry lamb sort of mindset because we carry these around with us. Maybe your mom these around with us. Maybe your mom these around with us. Maybe your mom left you when you were little. Maybe left you when you were little. Maybe left you when you were little. Maybe your dad's standards were super high and your dad's standards were super high and your dad's standards were super high and you feel totally unloved every time you you feel totally unloved every time you you feel totally unloved every time you don't you don't miss the mark. Maybe you don't you don't miss the mark. Maybe you don't you don't miss the mark. Maybe you were actively put in danger by somebody were actively put in danger by somebody were actively put in danger by somebody that you love. Maybe a maybe a death that you love. Maybe a maybe a death that you love. Maybe a maybe a death left you feeling completely abandoned or left you feeling completely abandoned or left you feeling completely abandoned or alone. Maybe you've lost a best friend alone. Maybe you've lost a best friend alone. Maybe you've lost a best friend in like a core betrayal of some sort. We in like a core betrayal of some sort. We in like a core betrayal of some sort. We we rack up these wounds that are the we rack up these wounds that are the we rack up these wounds that are the closest closest closest possible hurts in our life and it possible hurts in our life and it possible hurts in our life and it changes the way that we interact with changes the way that we interact with changes the way that we interact with Jesus. It changes the way that we hear Jesus. It changes the way that we hear Jesus. It changes the way that we hear the gospel. It makes us self-protecting the gospel. It makes us self-protecting the gospel. It makes us self-protecting and skeptical and skittish about anyone and skeptical and skittish about anyone and skeptical and skittish about anyone who would come close and who would who would come close and who would who would come close and who would promise promise promise to sacrifice for us, to sacrifice for us, to sacrifice for us, to love us, to do the extra, to take on to love us, to do the extra, to take on to love us, to do the extra, to take on the cost, to let us and our care and our the cost, to let us and our care and our the cost, to let us and our care and our nurture and our issues and our needs nurture and our issues and our needs nurture and our issues and our needs become their main concern?

become their main concern? become their main concern? That's that sounds crazy. That's that sounds crazy. That's that sounds crazy. Especially when you're a bummer lamb. Especially when you're a bummer lamb. Especially when you're a bummer lamb. Because the bummer lamb is on its way, Because the bummer lamb is on its way, Because the bummer lamb is on its way, make no mistake, to death make no mistake, to death make no mistake, to death without the shepherd intervening. without the shepherd intervening. without the shepherd intervening. And and I believe that this mindset, And and I believe that this mindset, And and I believe that this mindset, this bummer lamb mindset is why we can this bummer lamb mindset is why we can this bummer lamb mindset is why we can hear the gospel, but we have a hear the gospel, but we have a hear the gospel, but we have a disconnect with how we live because we disconnect with how we live because we disconnect with how we live because we just carry these hurts that are super just carry these hurts that are super just carry these hurts that are super close to our hearts close to our hearts close to our hearts through our entire lives. And through our entire lives. And through our entire lives. And but the most incredible thing happens but the most incredible thing happens but the most incredible thing happens when we bring this kind of thing to when we bring this kind of thing to when we bring this kind of thing to Jesus. When we call for him anyway, when Jesus. When we call for him anyway, when Jesus. When we call for him anyway, when we're willing to be vulnerable in that we're willing to be vulnerable in that we're willing to be vulnerable in that space and we bring those kinds of hurts space and we bring those kinds of hurts space and we bring those kinds of hurts and let ourselves be cared for by him and let ourselves be cared for by him and let ourselves be cared for by him because at the end of the video because at the end of the video because at the end of the video the shepherd said something that I find the shepherd said something that I find the shepherd said something that I find fascinating because it's exactly the fascinating because it's exactly the fascinating because it's exactly the second time that Jesus uses the phrase, second time that Jesus uses the phrase, second time that Jesus uses the phrase, "I am the good shepherd." She says that "I am the good shepherd." She says that "I am the good shepherd." She says that because of her care for this lamb, the because of her care for this lamb, the because of her care for this lamb, the lamb will always know her voice. There's lamb will always know her voice. There's lamb will always know her voice. There's some kind of special connection that some kind of special connection that some kind of special connection that happens between shepherd and sheep. Now, happens between shepherd and sheep. Now, happens between shepherd and sheep. Now, I want you to listen to the second time I want you to listen to the second time I want you to listen to the second time that Jesus uses the name, "I am the good that Jesus uses the name, "I am the good that Jesus uses the name, "I am the good shepherd." He says, "I am the good shepherd." He says, "I am the 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 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. A good shepherd knows his for the sheep. A good shepherd knows his for the sheep. A good shepherd knows his own."

own." own." A good shepherd knows his sheep and his A good shepherd knows his sheep and his A good shepherd knows his sheep and his sheep know their shepherd. It's sheep know their shepherd. It's sheep know their shepherd. It's fascinating in actual um sheep fascinating in actual um sheep fascinating in actual um sheep shepherding relationships, you know that shepherding relationships, you know that shepherding relationships, you know that shepherds lead sheep from the front. shepherds lead sheep from the front. shepherds lead sheep from the front. They're not animals that get driven from They're not animals that get driven from They're not animals that get driven from behind. They're actually led from the behind. They're actually led from the behind. They're actually led from the front and there's a reason for that. And front and there's a reason for that. And front and there's a reason for that. And the reason is because the flock, all the the reason is because the flock, all the the reason is because the flock, all the sheep, they actually learn the tone, the sheep, they actually learn the tone, the sheep, they actually learn the tone, the voice, the whistle, the gait, the walk voice, the whistle, the gait, the walk voice, the whistle, the gait, the walk of their shepherd and that's who they of their shepherd and that's who they of their shepherd and that's who they follow. follow. follow. And so, as Jesus says, "I know my sheep And so, as Jesus says, "I know my sheep And so, as Jesus says, "I know my sheep and my sheep know me." It fits perfectly and my sheep know me." It fits perfectly and my sheep know me." It fits perfectly with this idea that the sheep actually with this idea that the sheep actually with this idea that the sheep actually get to know his voice. Stunningly, he get to know his voice. Stunningly, he get to know his voice. Stunningly, he actually says this a couple verses actually says this a couple verses actually says this a couple verses before our main passage today. He says, before our main passage today. He says, before our main passage today. He says, "The sheep hear his voice, and he calls "The sheep hear his voice, and he calls "The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them his own sheep by name, and he leads them his own sheep by name, and he leads them out. When he has brought out all his out. When he has brought out all his out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, own, he goes before them, own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow them, for they know and the sheep follow them, for they know and the sheep follow them, for they know his voice." If there's a few shepherds, his voice." If there's a few shepherds, his voice." If there's a few shepherds, and they're shepherding sheep, and they and they're shepherding sheep, and they and they're shepherding sheep, and they get them together at night for safety, get them together at night for safety, get them together at night for safety, maybe there's two or three flocks maybe there's two or three flocks maybe there's two or three flocks together. All the shepherds have to do together. All the shepherds have to do together. All the shepherds have to do in the morning is stand up, move in the morning is stand up, move in the morning is stand up, move different directions, and call their own different directions, and call their own different directions, and call their own sheep, and the herds separate.

sheep, and the herds separate. sheep, and the herds separate. Because they know their shepherd, and Because they know their shepherd, and Because they know their shepherd, and guess who's at the front when that guess who's at the front when that guess who's at the front when that happens? happens? happens? >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> The bummer lambs. >> The bummer lambs. >> The bummer lambs. The bummer lambs, where there was an The bummer lambs, where there was an The bummer lambs, where there was an intervention of some sort, where there intervention of some sort, where there intervention of some sort, where there was like a a healing, a wholeness of was like a a healing, a wholeness of was like a a healing, a wholeness of relationship that came as a result of relationship that came as a result of relationship that came as a result of allowing that care to take place. And allowing that care to take place. And allowing that care to take place. And so, it shouldn't work like this, right? so, it shouldn't work like this, right? so, it shouldn't work like this, right? If you're an extra project for Jesus, If you're an extra project for Jesus, If you're an extra project for Jesus, at the end of the day, you actually know at the end of the day, you actually know at the end of the day, you actually know him better. It's incredible. When when him better. It's incredible. When when him better. It's incredible. When when he calls his sheep, the bummer lambs are he calls his sheep, the bummer lambs are he calls his sheep, the bummer lambs are at the front of the pack. I was thinking at the front of the pack. I was thinking at the front of the pack. I was thinking about this. about this. about this. Um this is actually explains why all Um this is actually explains why all Um this is actually explains why all these years after probably the worst these years after probably the worst these years after probably the worst time in my entire life, I can't hate my time in my entire life, I can't hate my time in my entire life, I can't hate my own story. own story. own story. And and this is the language for it. And and this is the language for it. And and this is the language for it. Like, in my 20s, some of you've heard me Like, in my 20s, some of you've heard me Like, in my 20s, some of you've heard me talk about my story before, but in my talk about my story before, but in my talk about my story before, but in my 20s, it was the worst time of my life. I 20s, it was the worst time of my life. I 20s, it was the worst time of my life. I pretty much tried to burn my whole life pretty much tried to burn my whole life pretty much tried to burn my whole life to the ground. You know, like, my to the ground. You know, like, my to the ground. You know, like, my marriage was a mess, my job was in marriage was a mess, my job was in marriage was a mess, my job was in jeopardy, my character was seriously jeopardy, my character was seriously jeopardy, my character was seriously wanting. Like, worst time of my life, wanting. Like, worst time of my life, wanting. Like, worst time of my life, sinful patterns, sinful choices. And the sinful patterns, sinful choices. And the sinful patterns, sinful choices. And the one thing I did right during that time one thing I did right during that time one thing I did right during that time was I called out to Jesus.

was I called out to Jesus. was I called out to Jesus. I asked him to come and fix it, and to I asked him to come and fix it, and to I asked him to come and fix it, and to lead me, and to and to put himself back lead me, and to and to put himself back lead me, and to and to put himself back at the center of my life. And what I did at the center of my life. And what I did at the center of my life. And what I did not understand at the time was when we not understand at the time was when we not understand at the time was when we do that, we're creating a situation do that, we're creating a situation do that, we're creating a situation where we can be cared for as the bummer where we can be cared for as the bummer where we can be cared for as the bummer lamb. And when I look back on that time, lamb. And when I look back on that time, lamb. And when I look back on that time, I rely today, 20-something years later, I rely today, 20-something years later, I rely today, 20-something years later, on some of the intimacy and relationship on some of the intimacy and relationship on some of the intimacy and relationship and knowledge that was built between us and knowledge that was built between us and knowledge that was built between us at that time. at that time. at that time. And it's an incredible experience to And it's an incredible experience to And it's an incredible experience to know that someone knows you. And yet, know that someone knows you. And yet, know that someone knows you. And yet, what did I say this week? I was talking what did I say this week? I was talking what did I say this week? I was talking to him as though I had forgotten that. to him as though I had forgotten that. to him as though I had forgotten that. We have such a core unbelief in him as a We have such a core unbelief in him as a We have such a core unbelief in him as a good shepherd because of these wounds good shepherd because of these wounds good shepherd because of these wounds and these hurts that we carry around and these hurts that we carry around and these hurts that we carry around with us. And I'm telling you, when you with us. And I'm telling you, when you with us. And I'm telling you, when you put him at the center and call out to put him at the center and call out to put him at the center and call out to him even in that space, the craziest him even in that space, the craziest him even in that space, the craziest thing is you get to know him better.

thing is you get to know him better. thing is you get to know him better. And we're reluctant to become anyone's And we're reluctant to become anyone's And we're reluctant to become anyone's project, right? Like nobody wants to project, right? Like nobody wants to project, right? Like nobody wants to feel so extra. But let me just tell you, feel so extra. But let me just tell you, feel so extra. But let me just tell you, if you came in here feeling like the one if you came in here feeling like the one if you came in here feeling like the one that needs a little extra right now, that needs a little extra right now, that needs a little extra right now, like like like wow, I'm a lot, you know, wow, I'm a lot, you know, wow, I'm a lot, you know, you're in the best possible position to you're in the best possible position to you're in the best possible position to build intimacy with Jesus. The best build intimacy with Jesus. The best build intimacy with Jesus. The best possible place to actually get to know possible place to actually get to know possible place to actually get to know the good shepherd because the good the good shepherd because the good the good shepherd because the good shepherd cares for his sheep. The good shepherd cares for his sheep. The good shepherd cares for his sheep. The good shepherd feeds, shepherd feeds, shepherd feeds, protects, provides, even at great cost protects, provides, even at great cost protects, provides, even at great cost to himself. And for the rest of us, if to himself. And for the rest of us, if to himself. And for the rest of us, if that's not you, you're doing you're that's not you, you're doing you're that's not you, you're doing you're doing fine, doing fine, doing fine, you doing all right, all I would say to you doing all right, all I would say to you doing all right, all I would say to you is you is you is you don't have to wait. You don't have you don't have to wait. You don't have you don't have to wait. You don't have to wait until there's a situation where to wait until there's a situation where to wait until there's a situation where you're you're in that bummer lamb you're you're in that bummer lamb you're you're in that bummer lamb territory, you can receive the care and territory, you can receive the care and territory, you can receive the care and the leadership of the good shepherd in the leadership of the good shepherd in the leadership of the good shepherd in in life today, and it will begin to in life today, and it will begin to in life today, and it will begin to change how you live. I've been watching change how you live. I've been watching change how you live. I've been watching a live example of this in my house over a live example of this in my house over a live example of this in my house over many, many years. It was It made me many, many years. It was It made me many, many years. It was It made me laugh out loud when I realized like, laugh out loud when I realized like, laugh out loud when I realized like, "Oh, this this is so interesting. This "Oh, this this is so interesting. This "Oh, this this is so interesting. This is exactly what's taken place." My is exactly what's taken place." My is exactly what's taken place." My husband, I used to give him a hard time husband, I used to give him a hard time husband, I used to give him a hard time about this.

about this. about this. Um but he um 100% of the time, since the Um but he um 100% of the time, since the Um but he um 100% of the time, since the kids were little, if you pop the trunk kids were little, if you pop the trunk kids were little, if you pop the trunk open to his car, there's snacks in open to his car, there's snacks in open to his car, there's snacks in there. There's Gatorades and granola there. There's Gatorades and granola there. There's Gatorades and granola bars in the trunk of his car. And I used bars in the trunk of his car. And I used bars in the trunk of his car. And I used to give him a hard time about this when to give him a hard time about this when to give him a hard time about this when the kids were little because I was like, the kids were little because I was like, the kids were little because I was like, "They're fine. They don't need a granola "They're fine. They don't need a granola "They're fine. They don't need a granola bar every time their stomach growls." bar every time their stomach growls." bar every time their stomach growls." Who's that parent? I'm like, we're one Who's that parent? I'm like, we're one Who's that parent? I'm like, we're one of each, you know. I'm the one that's of each, you know. I'm the one that's of each, you know. I'm the one that's like, "They're going to be fine." like, "They're going to be fine." like, "They're going to be fine." They they can make it home with a tummy They they can make it home with a tummy They they can make it home with a tummy growl, you know, and but every single growl, you know, and but every single growl, you know, and but every single time they were hungry or thirsty or time they were hungry or thirsty or time they were hungry or thirsty or whatever, they knew Dad's got snacks in whatever, they knew Dad's got snacks in whatever, they knew Dad's got snacks in the trunk of his car. the trunk of his car. the trunk of his car. And so, a long time ago, it was sort of And so, a long time ago, it was sort of And so, a long time ago, it was sort of like, like, like, "Are they there?" "Are they there?" "Are they there?" It Like, "I'm really thirsty after a It Like, "I'm really thirsty after a It Like, "I'm really thirsty after a game and I didn't refill my water game and I didn't refill my water game and I didn't refill my water bottle. I wonder if Dad has something bottle. I wonder if Dad has something bottle. I wonder if Dad has something popped up in the trunk." Sure enough, popped up in the trunk." Sure enough, popped up in the trunk." Sure enough, Sam's pack of Gatorades, you know. Sam's pack of Gatorades, you know. Sam's pack of Gatorades, you know. Fast forward a couple of years and the Fast forward a couple of years and the Fast forward a couple of years and the conversation was more like, they're conversation was more like, they're conversation was more like, they're starting to joke like, "Dad always has starting to joke like, "Dad always has starting to joke like, "Dad always has granola bars. Don't even worry. You granola bars. Don't even worry. You granola bars. Don't even worry. You forgot your lunch? You just call Dad, forgot your lunch? You just call Dad, forgot your lunch? You just call Dad, he's got a granola bar." You know, it he's got a granola bar." You know, it he's got a granola bar." You know, it was like one of those. And now, was like one of those. And now, was like one of those. And now, now, now, now, it's not even a question.

it's not even a question. it's not even a question. They're in there. They're in there. They're in there. They know they're in there. They walk They know they're in there. They walk They know they're in there. They walk confidently knowing they're in there. confidently knowing they're in there. confidently knowing they're in there. And much to my dismay, they actually And much to my dismay, they actually And much to my dismay, they actually count on the fact that their dad has count on the fact that their dad has count on the fact that their dad has gone to Sam's Club, had knows what they gone to Sam's Club, had knows what they gone to Sam's Club, had knows what they like, actually buys the flavor of like, actually buys the flavor of like, actually buys the flavor of Gatorade they prefer, and he puts it in Gatorade they prefer, and he puts it in Gatorade they prefer, and he puts it in the trunk of his car. the trunk of his car. the trunk of his car. And they operate knowing that. And they operate knowing that. And they operate knowing that. They don't even question it anymore. And They don't even question it anymore. And They don't even question it anymore. And this is the exact scenario, the exact this is the exact scenario, the exact this is the exact scenario, the exact pathway that we take when we allow the pathway that we take when we allow the pathway that we take when we allow the good shepherd to start to take care of good shepherd to start to take care of good shepherd to start to take care of us in our life. At first, it's like us in our life. At first, it's like us in our life. At first, it's like is he going to? is he going to? is he going to? Is he going to be there? Is he going to be there? Is he going to be there? And over and over and over and over And over and over and over and over And over and over and over and over again as he shows up, eventually we land again as he shows up, eventually we land again as he shows up, eventually we land in a place where we do wake up every day in a place where we do wake up every day in a place where we do wake up every day and go, and go, and go, I have need, I have need, I have need, but he's got it taken care of. but he's got it taken care of. but he's got it taken care of. This confident assurance. You know, but This confident assurance. You know, but This confident assurance. You know, but we have these ways of slipping back and we have these ways of slipping back and we have these ways of slipping back and and you know, the care from a good and you know, the care from a good and you know, the care from a good shepherd takes a while to sort of deeply shepherd takes a while to sort of deeply shepherd takes a while to sort of deeply seep into our life on a day-to-day seep into our life on a day-to-day seep into our life on a day-to-day basis. And when we don't have that, basis. And when we don't have that, basis. And when we don't have that, that's when we accept the contrast.

that's when we accept the contrast. that's when we accept the contrast. Jesus, the middle part between these two Jesus, the middle part between these two Jesus, the middle part between these two times where he declares, "I am the good times where he declares, "I am the good times where he declares, "I am the good shepherd who lays down my life. I am the shepherd who lays down my life. I am the shepherd who lays down my life. I am the good shepherd who knows my sheep." good shepherd who knows my sheep." good shepherd who knows my sheep." He says something else. He says something else. He says something else. And I think when we don't receive him, And I think when we don't receive him, And I think when we don't receive him, when we when we aren't following him as when we when we aren't following him as when we when we aren't following him as the good shepherd, growing in that the good shepherd, growing in that the good shepherd, growing in that confidence that he's got us, confidence that he's got us, confidence that he's got us, we begin to accept the leadership of a we begin to accept the leadership of a we begin to accept the leadership of a different kind of shepherd. Here's what different kind of shepherd. Here's what different kind of shepherd. Here's what he says. he says. he says. The hired hand is not the shepherd and The hired hand is not the shepherd and The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees does not own the sheep. So, when he sees does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and he runs away. Then the wolf attacks and he runs away. Then the wolf attacks and he runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs the flock and scatters it. The man runs the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and he away because he is a hired hand and he away because he is a hired hand and he cares nothing for the sheep. Jesus says cares nothing for the sheep. Jesus says cares nothing for the sheep. Jesus says at the end of the day, this other kind at the end of the day, this other kind at the end of the day, this other kind of leader of leader of leader he calls a hired hand and he says a he calls a hired hand and he says a he calls a hired hand and he says a hired hand is not coming through for hired hand is not coming through for hired hand is not coming through for you. you. you. A hired hand will not come through A hired hand will not come through A hired hand will not come through because you aren't theirs.

because you aren't theirs. because you aren't theirs. You're not their sheep. You weren't You're not their sheep. You weren't You're not their sheep. You weren't meant to know their voice. And so, at meant to know their voice. And so, at meant to know their voice. And so, at the moment where you most need the the moment where you most need the the moment where you most need the leadership and care of whoever you're leadership and care of whoever you're leadership and care of whoever you're following, whatever you're depending on, following, whatever you're depending on, following, whatever you're depending on, that's the moment Jesus says, you're that's the moment Jesus says, you're that's the moment Jesus says, you're going to see this for what it is. going to see this for what it is. going to see this for what it is. A hired hand. And I think most of us go A hired hand. And I think most of us go A hired hand. And I think most of us go through our life 80% of the time through our life 80% of the time through our life 80% of the time following whatever it is that's giving following whatever it is that's giving following whatever it is that's giving our life direction, and we follow it, our life direction, and we follow it, our life direction, and we follow it, and it's working okay. and it's working okay. and it's working okay. It It's It's pretty okay. So, we we It It's It's pretty okay. So, we we It It's It's pretty okay. So, we we don't really think too much about it. don't really think too much about it. don't really think too much about it. Maybe you have a hired hand in your Maybe you have a hired hand in your Maybe you have a hired hand in your life. I certainly had one in mine that I life. I certainly had one in mine that I life. I certainly had one in mine that I occasionally, you know, want to slip occasionally, you know, want to slip occasionally, you know, want to slip back into following something else. And back into following something else. And back into following something else. And um mine in my 20s very obviously was um mine in my 20s very obviously was um mine in my 20s very obviously was my career success. I think that this is my career success. I think that this is my career success. I think that this is actually a fairly common one. actually a fairly common one. actually a fairly common one. And what what was charting the course And what what was charting the course And what what was charting the course for my life, what got all my gifts and for my life, what got all my gifts and for my life, what got all my gifts and best efforts, what determined my best efforts, what determined my best efforts, what determined my schedule, my friendships, how my schedule, my friendships, how my schedule, my friendships, how my marriage was doing, and basically happy marriage was doing, and basically happy marriage was doing, and basically happy to take every gift that I had, every to take every gift that I had, every to take every gift that I had, every hour of my day, while slowly sucking dry hour of my day, while slowly sucking dry hour of my day, while slowly sucking dry my sense of purpose, my sense of purpose, my sense of purpose, the foundation of my marriage, made all the foundation of my marriage, made all the foundation of my marriage, made all my friendships competitive, you know, my friendships competitive, you know, my friendships competitive, you know, just did these things that kind of ate just did these things that kind of ate just did these things that kind of ate away ate away, but every single day away ate away, but every single day away ate away, but every single day didn't feel like that. It felt okay. And didn't feel like that. It felt okay. And didn't feel like that. It felt okay. And I think that's why most of us maybe I think that's why most of us maybe I think that's why most of us maybe don't take seriously following Jesus don't take seriously following Jesus don't take seriously following Jesus until the hired hand shows itself for

until the hired hand shows itself for until the hired hand shows itself for what it is. what it is. what it is. I think there's a lot of those in our I think there's a lot of those in our I think there's a lot of those in our lives, in this room, in our community. lives, in this room, in our community. lives, in this room, in our community. Maybe yours is a relationship or a group Maybe yours is a relationship or a group Maybe yours is a relationship or a group of friends you really want to belong to of friends you really want to belong to of friends you really want to belong to and be a part of, and whatever they need and be a part of, and whatever they need and be a part of, and whatever they need or want from you, that's what you do to or want from you, that's what you do to or want from you, that's what you do to ensure your acceptance with that person ensure your acceptance with that person ensure your acceptance with that person or that group. Maybe yours is the or that group. Maybe yours is the or that group. Maybe yours is the narrative your family handed you. I've narrative your family handed you. I've narrative your family handed you. I've seen this a couple of times close up in seen this a couple of times close up in seen this a couple of times close up in my life. That's how this family does it. my life. That's how this family does it. my life. That's how this family does it. We go to this school, or we all work for We go to this school, or we all work for We go to this school, or we all work for grandpa or we all do this particular grandpa or we all do this particular grandpa or we all do this particular thing and we have to do that. That's thing and we have to do that. That's thing and we have to do that. That's what we do. what we do. what we do. And that charts the course. It And that charts the course. It And that charts the course. It determines every relationship, every determines every relationship, every determines every relationship, every skill, every, you know, path ahead is skill, every, you know, path ahead is skill, every, you know, path ahead is determined by that leadership. Maybe determined by that leadership. Maybe determined by that leadership. Maybe yours is your reputation, your ability yours is your reputation, your ability yours is your reputation, your ability to influence others. Maybe it's people to influence others. Maybe it's people to influence others. Maybe it's people pleasing. Maybe it's your bank account. pleasing. Maybe it's your bank account. pleasing. Maybe it's your bank account. Maybe it's just your ability to control. Maybe it's just your ability to control. Maybe it's just your ability to control. Some of us just want control. Whatever Some of us just want control. Whatever Some of us just want control. Whatever it is that we can plan, that we can see, it is that we can plan, that we can see, it is that we can plan, that we can see, that we can orchestrate in our life and that we can orchestrate in our life and that we can orchestrate in our life and in the life of people around us, that's in the life of people around us, that's in the life of people around us, that's what we want.

what we want. what we want. These are hired hands. These are other These are hired hands. These are other These are hired hands. These are other things that have the spot out front, things that have the spot out front, things that have the spot out front, that have the leader of our life, that that have the leader of our life, that that have the leader of our life, that we're keeping our eyes on, that we know we're keeping our eyes on, that we know we're keeping our eyes on, that we know every move. We learn the the tone of the every move. We learn the the tone of the every move. We learn the the tone of the voice and the whistle and the gait and voice and the whistle and the gait and voice and the whistle and the gait and the direction of that hired hand until the direction of that hired hand until the direction of that hired hand until until the moment where you are a little until the moment where you are a little until the moment where you are a little extra. extra. extra. Where they have to pay a cost for you. Where they have to pay a cost for you. Where they have to pay a cost for you. Where they need to heal you or find you Where they need to heal you or find you Where they need to heal you or find you or give to you or nurture you or care or give to you or nurture you or care or give to you or nurture you or care for you in a way where you're not so for you in a way where you're not so for you in a way where you're not so good anymore. good anymore. good anymore. You're not very pretty. You're not very You're not very pretty. You're not very You're not very pretty. You're not very important. You're not very advantageous important. You're not very advantageous important. You're not very advantageous and that is the moment and that is the moment and that is the moment that the Ezekiel passage I read from that the Ezekiel passage I read from that the Ezekiel passage I read from earlier underlines that God says these earlier underlines that God says these earlier underlines that God says these are the moments where the bad shepherds are the moments where the bad shepherds are the moments where the bad shepherds do not come through. He says the weak do not come through. He says the weak do not come through. He says the weak you have not strengthened, the sick you you have not strengthened, the sick you you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have have not healed, the injured you have have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the stray you have not not bound up, the stray you have not not bound up, the stray 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.

sought. sought. He says when you are canceled or dumped He says when you are canceled or dumped He says when you are canceled or dumped or depressed, when you are down, your or depressed, when you are down, your or depressed, when you are down, your hired hand is out. And we give ourselves to these. And we give ourselves to these. And we follow these And we follow these And we follow these instead of Jesus, instead of learning instead of Jesus, instead of learning instead of Jesus, instead of learning the gate and the whistle and the care the gate and the whistle and the care the gate and the whistle and the care and the provision of of the good and the provision of of the good and the provision of of the good shepherd. shepherd. shepherd. The good one. The good one. The good one. You know, we started this series You know, we started this series You know, we started this series seven weeks ago and um I'm a geeky type, seven weeks ago and um I'm a geeky type, seven weeks ago and um I'm a geeky type, love to research, love to dig into, you love to research, love to dig into, you love to research, love to dig into, you know, all the things and I thought, "Oh, know, all the things and I thought, "Oh, know, all the things and I thought, "Oh, this is great." this is great." this is great." All the I Am statements, I knew some of All the I Am statements, I knew some of All the I Am statements, I knew some of them really well, I knew others of them them really well, I knew others of them them really well, I knew others of them less well. I was like, "This is going to less well. I was like, "This is going to less well. I was like, "This is going to be awesome. We're going to dive way in be awesome. We're going to dive way in be awesome. We're going to dive way in cuz I knew all there's all kinds of cuz I knew all there's all kinds of cuz I knew all there's all kinds of stuff connected to the time and the stuff connected to the time and the stuff connected to the time and the place and the ways that Jesus says this place and the ways that Jesus says this place and the ways that Jesus says this and don't get me wrong, I love all that and don't get me wrong, I love all that and don't get me wrong, I love all that and also every single week, if you've and also every single week, if you've and also every single week, if you've been here for even a few of them, have been here for even a few of them, have been here for even a few of them, have you not noticed we always seem to land you not noticed we always seem to land you not noticed we always seem to land on something on something on something way more personal?

Way more invitational, kind, pastoral, Way more invitational, kind, pastoral, way beyond that. Way deeper than that. It seems like this Way deeper than that. It seems like this whole series just keeps leading us to whole series just keeps leading us to whole series just keeps leading us to the truth that Jesus has a a passion for the truth that Jesus has a a passion for the truth that Jesus has a a passion for you you you and a gentle heart toward you and a love and a gentle heart toward you and a love and a gentle heart toward you and a love for you for you for you that leads him to say things like, "I am that leads him to say things like, "I am that leads him to say things like, "I am the good shepherd." And the truth is um before we can follow And the truth is um before we can follow him, we have to take the hired hand out him, we have to take the hired hand out him, we have to take the hired hand out of its place. I want to give you a of its place. I want to give you a of its place. I want to give you a moment to consider that right now. moment to consider that right now. moment to consider that right now. There's no way that Jesus can step into There's no way that Jesus can step into There's no way that Jesus can step into that place when we're locked eyes on that place when we're locked eyes on that place when we're locked eyes on something else. So, I want you to just something else. So, I want you to just something else. So, I want you to just close your eyes for a minute. I'm just close your eyes for a minute. I'm just close your eyes for a minute. I'm just giving you a moment giving you a moment giving you a moment to be with Jesus to be with Jesus to be with Jesus and to talk to him about some of this and to talk to him about some of this and to talk to him about some of this stuff. Close your eyes with me for just stuff. Close your eyes with me for just stuff. Close your eyes with me for just a moment and I want you to um a moment and I want you to um a moment and I want you to um as best you can, as best you can, as best you can, name your hired hand. name your hired hand. name your hired hand. Just tell him silently between the two Just tell him silently between the two Just tell him silently between the two of you, of you, of you, what is it? What do you have your eyes what is it? What do you have your eyes what is it? What do you have your eyes on? What have you been following?

And I want you to imagine just for a And I want you to imagine just for a moment that you stop moment that you stop moment that you stop and you turn from that thing and you and you turn from that thing and you and you turn from that thing and you leave a space at the front of your life. leave a space at the front of your life. leave a space at the front of your life. Just imagine. And then if you will, if you're ready, And then if you will, if you're ready, if you want to, if you want to, if you want to, I want you to tell Jesus I want you to tell Jesus I want you to tell Jesus I'm done. And then when you are done with that, I And then when you are done with that, I want you to put your hands palms up on want you to put your hands palms up on want you to put your hands palms up on your lap your lap your lap because sheep receive. because sheep receive. because sheep receive. It's a universal sign of receiving. And just ask him. And just ask him. Just ask him to come. Just ask him to come. Just ask him to come. Whatever those open hands are, I need Whatever those open hands are, I need Whatever those open hands are, I need you to lead me. I need you to feed me. I you to lead me. I need you to feed me. I you to lead me. I need you to feed me. I need you to take care of me. need you to take care of me. need you to take care of me. I know I'm extra. But I need this. Ask the good shepherd But I need this. Ask the good shepherd to do what good shepherds do.

to do what good shepherds do. to do what good shepherds do. And as you're just sitting there with And as you're just sitting there with And as you're just sitting there with Jesus just for a moment, I want you to Jesus just for a moment, I want you to Jesus just for a moment, I want you to listen listen listen to some words about how he feels about to some words about how he feels about to some words about how he feels about you. >> I am >> I am >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> a maker. >> a maker. >> a maker. >> [singing] >> He formed [singing] >> He formed [singing] my heart before before even time began. even time began. even time began. My life [singing] My life [singing] My life [singing] was in was in was in his hands. He knows He knows my every my every my every thought. [singing] He sees [music] He sees [music] each tear each tear each tear that falls that falls that falls and hears [music] and hears [music] and hears [music] me when [singing] me when [singing] me when [singing] I call.

I have I have a father. [singing] leave leave me, me, me, no matter no matter no matter where where where I go. [singing and music] He knows [singing and music] He knows [singing and music] my name. He knows [singing] He knows [singing] my my my every thought. He sees He sees each tear each tear each tear that falls that falls that falls and hears [singing] me when and hears [singing] me when and hears [singing] me when I call.

He He >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> hears me [singing] when >> hears me [singing] when >> hears me [singing] when I call. >> He knows you. >> He knows you. He knows what he's doing with you. He He knows what he's doing with you. He He knows what he's doing with you. He knows where he wants to take you. knows where he wants to take you. knows where he wants to take you. Remember Jesus says, "I know my sheep Remember Jesus says, "I know my sheep Remember Jesus says, "I know my sheep and my sheep know me." Let me pray that and my sheep know me." Let me pray that and my sheep know me." Let me pray that as we leave here, we would catch as we leave here, we would catch as we leave here, we would catch ourselves, recognize the moments ourselves, recognize the moments ourselves, recognize the moments where we're treating him as something where we're treating him as something where we're treating him as something other than the good shepherd. And I just other than the good shepherd. And I just other than the good shepherd. And I just pray that you would leave here this week pray that you would leave here this week pray that you would leave here this week putting him back in that [music] space putting him back in that [music] space putting him back in that [music] space in your life. Lord, in your life. Lord, in your life. Lord, oh my gosh, thank you oh my gosh, thank you oh my gosh, thank you for taking us on for taking us on for taking us on as bummer lambs, as as bummer lambs, as as bummer lambs, as >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> so extra. We are grateful. We are grateful. And I just pray that we would return you And I just pray that we would return you And I just pray that we would return you to the position [music] of leadership in to the position [music] of leadership in to the position [music] of leadership in our life. our life. our life. It's in your great name that we pray, It's in your great name that we pray, It's in your great name that we pray, Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Well, I love the analogy that Ali gave >> Well, I love the analogy that Ali gave >> Well, I love the analogy that Ali gave with her husband and always having to with her husband and always having to with her husband and always having to granola bars and the Gatorade because it granola bars and the Gatorade because it granola bars and the Gatorade because it wasn't just the consistency that they wasn't just the consistency that they wasn't just the consistency that they could count on from their dad. It was could count on from their dad. It was could count on from their dad. It was that they [music] also would ask. Like, that they [music] also would ask. Like, that they [music] also would ask. Like, and that is such a great comparison. So, and that is such a great comparison. So, and that is such a great comparison. So, >> So good. So, I I wonder like what would >> So good. So, I I wonder like what would >> So good. So, I I wonder like what would it be for you to experience Jesus as the it be for you to experience Jesus as the it be for you to experience Jesus as the good shepherd in your life? Whatever's good shepherd in your life? Whatever's good shepherd in your life? Whatever's going on, the good, the bad, the other. going on, the good, the bad, the other. going on, the good, the bad, the other. Hey, actually on that note, I want to I Hey, actually on that note, I want to I Hey, actually on that note, I want to I want to give you a little something want to give you a little something want to give you a little something here. I want to here. I want to here. I want to give you uh a little heads-up of what I give you uh a little heads-up of what I give you uh a little heads-up of what I think is the best-kept secret at all of think is the best-kept secret at all of think is the best-kept secret at all of Crossroads. Seriously, this is a good Crossroads. Seriously, this is a good Crossroads. Seriously, this is a good one. I want to set it up for you here. one. I want to set it up for you here. one. I want to set it up for you here. I've been trying to follow Jesus for I've been trying to follow Jesus for I've been trying to follow Jesus for decades [music] now. One of the things decades [music] now. One of the things decades [music] now. One of the things that I feel like I've learned is that that I feel like I've learned is that that I feel like I've learned is that we're not supposed to figure it out all we're not supposed to figure it out all we're not supposed to figure it out all on our own. on our own. on our own. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We're not supposed to DIY our way >> We're not supposed to DIY our way >> We're not supposed to DIY our way through faith, to faith, or to humility, through faith, to faith, or to humility, through faith, to faith, or to humility, or peace, or any of those things. God or peace, or any of those things. God or peace, or any of those things. God wants us to [music] rely and need other wants us to [music] rely and need other wants us to [music] rely and need other people. people. people. >> Yeah, he designed us to receive the gift >> Yeah, he designed us to receive the gift >> Yeah, he designed us to receive the gift of other people's wisdom, experience, or of other people's wisdom, experience, or of other people's wisdom, experience, or just a listening ear. And that's why we just a listening ear. And that's why we just a listening ear. And that's why we have real people ready to help you take have real people ready to help you take have real people ready to help you take your next step. An example from just your next step. An example from just your next step. An example from just this week is I had a 30-minute this week is I had a 30-minute this week is I had a 30-minute no-pressure [music] no-pressure [music] no-pressure [music] conversation with Brandy. She's a part conversation with Brandy. She's a part conversation with Brandy. She's a part of Crossroads Anywhere.

of Crossroads Anywhere. of Crossroads Anywhere. She attended our Women's Ignite She attended our Women's Ignite She attended our Women's Ignite Conference last month. And she was just Conference last month. And she was just Conference last month. And she was just processing what she feels like God is processing what she feels like God is processing what she feels like God is calling her to do next and where she's calling her to do next and where she's calling her to do next and where she's still feeling like she needs more of God still feeling like she needs more of God still feeling like she needs more of God in her life. in her life. in her life. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Um conversations like that are super fun >> Um conversations like that are super fun >> Um conversations like that are super fun and connection point. Like this is fun and connection point. Like this is fun and connection point. Like this is fun >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> for us, you know, but cuz our >> for us, you know, but cuz our >> for us, you know, but cuz our personality is like this. personality is like this. personality is like this. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> But generally, that is what's fun. That >> But generally, that is what's fun. That >> But generally, that is what's fun. That is why we do what we do here. is why we do what we do here. is why we do what we do here. >> of our work. So, whether it's like the >> of our work. So, whether it's like the >> of our work. So, whether it's like the conversation or whether it's a 30-minute conversation or whether it's a 30-minute conversation or whether it's a 30-minute phone call, but a lot of times this is a phone call, but a lot of times this is a phone call, but a lot of times this is a few emails back and forth with people or few emails back and forth with people or few emails back and forth with people or chats or text messages or whatever. Hey, chats or text messages or whatever. Hey, chats or text messages or whatever. Hey, it it it we're up for all of it. We want to help we're up for all of it. We want to help we're up for all of it. We want to help you find the right group or the right you find the right group or the right you find the right group or the right resource or and help you maybe uncover resource or and help you maybe uncover resource or and help you maybe uncover the next path or trail or adventure that the next path or trail or adventure that the next path or trail or adventure that you need to go on with God seriously. you need to go on with God seriously. you need to go on with God seriously. This is This is like not a chatbot. This This is This is like not a chatbot. This This is This is like not a chatbot. This is not some random group of people. This is not some random group of people. This is not some random group of people. This is like Jen, myself, and a handful of is like Jen, myself, and a handful of is like Jen, myself, and a handful of other people that we trust and we know other people that we trust and we know other people that we trust and we know and who are here to help you connect. and who are here to help you connect. and who are here to help you connect. Hey, we'd love to help you do that, Hey, we'd love to help you do that, Hey, we'd love to help you do that, figure out the next step for growth, and figure out the next step for growth, and figure out the next step for growth, and we want to do that for you. we want to do that for you. we want to do that for you. >> Yep, you can head to >> Yep, you can head to >> Yep, you can head to crossroad.net/anywhere101.

crossroad.net/anywhere101. crossroad.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 couple our team. Click that, answer a couple our team. Click that, answer a couple questions, submit, and we will get a questions, submit, and we will get a questions, submit, and we will get a response back to you. response back to you. response back to you. >> That's right. Hey, thank you so much for >> That's right. Hey, thank you so much for >> That's right. Hey, thank you so much for watching. We'll see you next week on watching. We'll see you next week on watching. We'll see you next week on Crossroads.