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

Where are we in the Bible? We're in the Where are we in the Bible? We're in the New Testament in the Gospel according to New Testament in the Gospel according to New Testament in the Gospel according to John. This is a firsthand biography of John. This is a firsthand biography of John. This is a firsthand biography of Jesus by one of his closest friends. In Jesus by one of his closest friends. In Jesus by one of his closest friends. In it, John records seven iconic I am it, John records seven iconic I am it, John records seven iconic I am [music] statements that Jesus made, [music] statements that Jesus made, [music] statements that Jesus made, seven metaphors, seven self-portraits of seven metaphors, seven self-portraits of seven metaphors, seven self-portraits of the living God. This week, Jesus says, the living God. This week, Jesus says, the living God. This week, Jesus says, [music] "I am the good shepherd." Here's [music] "I am the good shepherd." Here's [music] "I am the good shepherd." Here's how it goes in the book of John chapter how it goes in the book of John chapter how it goes in the book of John chapter 10. I am the good shepherd. The good 10. I am the good shepherd. The good 10. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for [music] shepherd lays down his life for [music] shepherd lays down his life for [music] the sheep. He who is a higher hand and the sheep. He who is a higher hand and the sheep. He who is a higher hand and not a shepherd who does not own the not a shepherd who does not own the not a shepherd who does not own the sheep sees the wolf coming and leaves sheep sees the wolf coming and leaves sheep sees the wolf coming and leaves the [music] sheep and flees. And the the [music] sheep and flees. And the the [music] sheep and flees. And the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He wolf snatches them and scatters them. He wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and flees because he is a hired hand and flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the cares nothing for the sheep. I am the cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own good shepherd. I know my own and my own good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. Just as the Father knows me and know me. Just as the Father knows me and know me. Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down [music] I know the Father and I lay down [music] I know the Father and I lay down [music] my life for the sheep.

Happy Independence Day everyone. So good Happy Independence Day everyone. So good to be with you here at Crossroads on to be with you here at Crossroads on to be with you here at Crossroads on this Fourth of July weekend. Thanks for this Fourth of July weekend. Thanks for this Fourth of July weekend. Thanks for gathering with us. Anyone else a little gathering with us. Anyone else a little gathering with us. Anyone else a little bit more grateful to live in this bit more grateful to live in this bit more grateful to live in this country after watching videos of World country after watching videos of World country after watching videos of World Cup fans? They're discovering BIES and Cup fans? They're discovering BIES and Cup fans? They're discovering BIES and Walmart. They're I mean ranch dressing. Walmart. They're I mean ranch dressing. Walmart. They're I mean ranch dressing. Their eyes have been opened free Their eyes have been opened free Their eyes have been opened free refills. They're just sitting in refills. They're just sitting in refills. They're just sitting in restaurants. Free refills. I I kind of restaurants. Free refills. I I kind of restaurants. Free refills. I I kind of got what that was about because I spent got what that was about because I spent got what that was about because I spent um I just took a trip over to Europe and um I just took a trip over to Europe and um I just took a trip over to Europe and went a couple different places and I've went a couple different places and I've went a couple different places and I've got to tell you worst heatwave in got to tell you worst heatwave in got to tell you worst heatwave in recorded European history. That's when recorded European history. That's when recorded European history. That's when we took our trip. And so I will be we took our trip. And so I will be we took our trip. And so I will be celebrating this weekend by asking for a celebrating this weekend by asking for a celebrating this weekend by asking for a table inside the 62°ree air conditioning table inside the 62°ree air conditioning table inside the 62°ree air conditioning that we enjoy here in the United States that we enjoy here in the United States that we enjoy here in the United States of America. So that is my plan for the of America. So that is my plan for the of America. So that is my plan for the weekend. I hope yours have been that weekend. I hope yours have been that weekend. I hope yours have been that good. We are in our last week of this good. We are in our last week of this good. We are in our last week of this series and I I truly think this has been series and I I truly think this has been series and I I truly think this has been one of my favorite teaching series that one of my favorite teaching series that one of my favorite teaching series that we've done for a while. I I love all of we've done for a while. I I love all of we've done for a while. I I love all of the different statements that we've been the different statements that we've been the different statements that we've been exploring and Jesus says things like, "I exploring and Jesus says things like, "I exploring and Jesus says things like, "I am the bread of life. I am the am the bread of life. I am the am the bread of life. I am the resurrection. I am the light of the resurrection. I am the light of the resurrection. I am the light of the world." And we've gone into all of world." And we've gone into all of world." And we've gone into all of those. Today we're doing I am the good those. Today we're doing I am the good those. Today we're doing I am the good shepherd. And it's our final one. And shepherd. And it's our final one. And shepherd. And it's our final one. And I've been noticing something as we've I've been noticing something as we've I've been noticing something as we've gone through the places in the Gospel of gone through the places in the Gospel of gone through the places in the Gospel of John where these statements are John where these statements are John where these statements are recorded. oftentimes Jesus was doing recorded. oftentimes Jesus was doing recorded. oftentimes Jesus was doing them, saying them in a moment where he them, saying them in a moment where he them, saying them in a moment where he wanted to elicit a response that there's wanted to elicit a response that there's wanted to elicit a response that there's like a a question under the statement

like a a question under the statement like a a question under the statement for whoever is listening and it's the for whoever is listening and it's the for whoever is listening and it's the same question for us today is do we same question for us today is do we same question for us today is do we really believe him? John actually tells really believe him? John actually tells really believe him? John actually tells us in chapter 20 of his gospel, that's us in chapter 20 of his gospel, that's us in chapter 20 of his gospel, that's why he wrote down his entire gospel to why he wrote down his entire gospel to why he wrote down his entire gospel to ask the question, do you believe that ask the question, do you believe that ask the question, do you believe that this is who Jesus is? So today we're this is who Jesus is? So today we're this is who Jesus is? So today we're going to look at what did he mean when going to look at what did he mean when going to look at what did he mean when he said, "I am the good shepherd." And he said, "I am the good shepherd." And he said, "I am the good shepherd." And do our lives look like we believe him? do our lives look like we believe him? do our lives look like we believe him? Let me pray for us. Um Jesus, show us Let me pray for us. Um Jesus, show us Let me pray for us. Um Jesus, show us who you are today. who you are today. who you are today. Just teach us a little bit more about Just teach us a little bit more about Just teach us a little bit more about your heart for us and help us to follow your heart for us and help us to follow your heart for us and help us to follow you as the good shepherd. It's in your you as the good shepherd. It's in your you as the good shepherd. It's in your great name that I pray. Amen. great name that I pray. Amen. great name that I pray. Amen. >> Amen. Well, um I when I say this >> Amen. Well, um I when I say this >> Amen. Well, um I when I say this statement, I am the good shepherd, I statement, I am the good shepherd, I statement, I am the good shepherd, I actually think it sounds like one of the actually think it sounds like one of the actually think it sounds like one of the nicer ones. You know, the softer ones. nicer ones. You know, the softer ones. nicer ones. You know, the softer ones. Like you kind of go like, "Oh, that's Like you kind of go like, "Oh, that's Like you kind of go like, "Oh, that's nice." And I think we have that reaction nice." And I think we have that reaction nice." And I think we have that reaction because, well, at least I do. I'll just because, well, at least I do. I'll just because, well, at least I do. I'll just own this. I've been around church. And own this. I've been around church. And own this. I've been around church. And so when people say the word shepherd in so when people say the word shepherd in so when people say the word shepherd in a church, let me see if I can get this a church, let me see if I can get this a church, let me see if I can get this tone right. Here's how they sound.

tone right. Here's how they sound. tone right. Here's how they sound. He's such a good shepherd. Oh, he's such He's such a good shepherd. Oh, he's such He's such a good shepherd. Oh, he's such a shepherd. You know, it's soft. It's a shepherd. You know, it's soft. It's a shepherd. You know, it's soft. It's sweet. We usually accompany it with what sweet. We usually accompany it with what sweet. We usually accompany it with what my friend calls Christian mooing. We go. Oh. She's like, "Y'all, when you pray Oh. She's like, "Y'all, when you pray and you like listen to people, you moo." and you like listen to people, you moo." and you like listen to people, you moo." She's like, that's what we do when we She's like, that's what we do when we She's like, that's what we do when we say shepherd, we go, "Oh, it's so say shepherd, we go, "Oh, it's so say shepherd, we go, "Oh, it's so shepherd." shepherd." shepherd." And let me just tell you, that's not And let me just tell you, that's not And let me just tell you, that's not even close to what the listeners of this even close to what the listeners of this even close to what the listeners of this statement would have responded like. It statement would have responded like. It statement would have responded like. It was actually a bit of a controversial was actually a bit of a controversial was actually a bit of a controversial moment. Nobody was was going to respond moment. Nobody was was going to respond moment. Nobody was was going to respond with, "Oh, how nice this was of Jesus." with, "Oh, how nice this was of Jesus." with, "Oh, how nice this was of Jesus." As a matter of fact, there's a word that As a matter of fact, there's a word that As a matter of fact, there's a word that isn't shepherd that I think the emphasis isn't shepherd that I think the emphasis isn't shepherd that I think the emphasis was more than likely on when these words was more than likely on when these words was more than likely on when these words came out of his mouth. So, let me say it came out of his mouth. So, let me say it came out of his mouth. So, let me say it how I think he might have emphasized it. how I think he might have emphasized it. how I think he might have emphasized it. I am the good shepherd, I am the good shepherd, I am the good shepherd, as in not the bad one. Let me read this as in not the bad one. Let me read this as in not the bad one. Let me read this passage again and see if you hear it.

passage again and see if you hear it. passage again and see if you hear it. I am the good shepherd. The good I am the good shepherd. The good I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the shepherd lays down his life for the shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the sheep. The hired hand is not the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So shepherd and does not own the sheep. So shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he when he sees the wolf coming, he when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then abandons the sheep and runs away. Then abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters the wolf attacks the flock and scatters the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he has a it. The man runs away because he has a it. The man runs away because he has a hired hand and cares nothing for the hired hand and cares nothing for the hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Just as the sheep and my sheep know me. Just as the sheep and my sheep know me. Just as the father knows me and I know the father father knows me and I know the father father knows me and I know the father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I and I lay down my life for the sheep. I and I lay down my life for the sheep. I believe the word that would have believe the word that would have believe the word that would have elicited the most controversy in this elicited the most controversy in this elicited the most controversy in this statement is good. I am the good statement is good. I am the good statement is good. I am the good shepherd because of who he was primarily shepherd because of who he was primarily shepherd because of who he was primarily talking to. If you go back a few verses talking to. If you go back a few verses talking to. If you go back a few verses you learn that his listeners, his most you learn that his listeners, his most you learn that his listeners, his most direct listeners in this statement are direct listeners in this statement are direct listeners in this statement are the Pharisees. They're the spiritual the Pharisees. They're the spiritual the Pharisees. They're the spiritual leaders in the nation of Israel at the leaders in the nation of Israel at the leaders in the nation of Israel at the time. And Jesus looks right at them and time. And Jesus looks right at them and time. And Jesus looks right at them and he says, "I am the good shepherd." And he says, "I am the good shepherd." And he says, "I am the good shepherd." And he contrasts that with this what he he contrasts that with this what he he contrasts that with this what he calls the hired hand. Now, this would calls the hired hand. Now, this would calls the hired hand. Now, this would have elicited some controversy, some have elicited some controversy, some have elicited some controversy, some offense because of who he was talking offense because of who he was talking offense because of who he was talking to. Because when he used the word to. Because when he used the word to. Because when he used the word shepherd, when he chose that as the shepherd, when he chose that as the shepherd, when he chose that as the metaphor, he automatically conjured up metaphor, he automatically conjured up metaphor, he automatically conjured up the context of leadership. This was a the context of leadership. This was a the context of leadership. This was a very, very commonly used term and very, very commonly used term and very, very commonly used term and metaphor for all kinds of leaders, not metaphor for all kinds of leaders, not metaphor for all kinds of leaders, not just religious. This wasn't religious just religious. This wasn't religious just religious. This wasn't religious language. This was cultural language.

language. This was cultural language. language. This was cultural language. Military leaders, leaders at home, Military leaders, leaders at home, Military leaders, leaders at home, teachers, religious leaders, all of that teachers, religious leaders, all of that teachers, religious leaders, all of that would have been commonly referred to as would have been commonly referred to as would have been commonly referred to as a shepherd. So when Jesus looks at the a shepherd. So when Jesus looks at the a shepherd. So when Jesus looks at the leaders of the nation of Israel and he leaders of the nation of Israel and he leaders of the nation of Israel and he says, "I am the good shepherd." says, "I am the good shepherd." says, "I am the good shepherd." He puts them on the hook as the bad He puts them on the hook as the bad He puts them on the hook as the bad ones. And it gets even worse because ones. And it gets even worse because ones. And it gets even worse because Jesus also knew that the background Jesus also knew that the background Jesus also knew that the background music that would be playing when he used music that would be playing when he used music that would be playing when he used this metaphor to those people would have this metaphor to those people would have this metaphor to those people would have been a passage from the prophet Ezekiel. been a passage from the prophet Ezekiel. been a passage from the prophet Ezekiel. There was a a great prophet, there's a There was a a great prophet, there's a There was a a great prophet, there's a book um through the Bible and there's a book um through the Bible and there's a book um through the Bible and there's a chapter in that book, chapter 34, where chapter in that book, chapter 34, where chapter in that book, chapter 34, where God had tired of bad leaders and he God had tired of bad leaders and he God had tired of bad leaders and he sends the prophet Ezekiel to deliver sends the prophet Ezekiel to deliver sends the prophet Ezekiel to deliver some words to his leaders in the nation some words to his leaders in the nation some words to his leaders in the nation at that time. And the the Pharisees, the at that time. And the the Pharisees, the at that time. And the the Pharisees, the ones that Jesus was speaking these words ones that Jesus was speaking these words ones that Jesus was speaking these words to, they would have intimately known to, they would have intimately known to, they would have intimately known this passage. Let me read a couple of this passage. Let me read a couple of this passage. Let me read a couple of verses right out of Ezekiel 34. This is verses right out of Ezekiel 34. This is verses right out of Ezekiel 34. This is God speaking through Ezekiel to his God speaking through Ezekiel to his God speaking through Ezekiel to his leaders. Ah, shepherds of Israel who leaders. Ah, shepherds of Israel who leaders. Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves. Should not have been feeding yourselves. Should not have been feeding yourselves. Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the fat, you clothe yourselves with the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak, you you do not feed the sheep. The weak, you you do not feed the sheep. The weak, you have not strengthened. The sick you have have not strengthened. The sick you have have not strengthened. The sick you have not healed. The injured you have not not healed. The injured you have not not healed. The injured you have not bound up. The strayed you have not bound up. The strayed you have not bound up. The strayed you have not brought back. The lost you have not brought back. The lost you have not brought back. The lost you have not sought. With force and harshness you sought. With force and harshness you sought. With force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered have ruled them. So they were scattered have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd. Thus says

because there was no shepherd. Thus says because there was no shepherd. Thus says the Lord, behold, I am against the the Lord, behold, I am against the the Lord, behold, I am against the shepherds. I will rescue my sheep from shepherds. I will rescue my sheep from shepherds. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths that they may not be food their mouths that they may not be food their mouths that they may not be food for them. This for them. This for them. This this is the context that Jesus steps in, this is the context that Jesus steps in, this is the context that Jesus steps in, looks these guys in the eyes and says, looks these guys in the eyes and says, looks these guys in the eyes and says, "I am the good shepherd." "I am the good shepherd." "I am the good shepherd." So he's not only at the peak of his So he's not only at the peak of his So he's not only at the peak of his controversy, his his conflict with controversy, his his conflict with controversy, his his conflict with religious leadership of Israel, he religious leadership of Israel, he religious leadership of Israel, he actually calls up this previous context actually calls up this previous context actually calls up this previous context where it's not only the heavy judgment where it's not only the heavy judgment where it's not only the heavy judgment of God upon the leaders that have been of God upon the leaders that have been of God upon the leaders that have been leading his people badly. It's also a leading his people badly. It's also a leading his people badly. It's also a proclamation proclamation proclamation of his own identity. At the end of that of his own identity. At the end of that of his own identity. At the end of that passage in the words of Ezekiel, God passage in the words of Ezekiel, God passage in the words of Ezekiel, God says, "I will rescue them. I will come says, "I will rescue them. I will come says, "I will rescue them. I will come rescue my sheep. I will take them out of rescue my sheep. I will take them out of rescue my sheep. I will take them out of your mouth so they won't be food for your mouth so they won't be food for your mouth so they won't be food for them." So Jesus is saying, "Here I am. them." So Jesus is saying, "Here I am. them." So Jesus is saying, "Here I am. I am the good shepherd." The contrast to I am the good shepherd." The contrast to I am the good shepherd." The contrast to the shepherds of Israel, including you.

the shepherds of Israel, including you. the shepherds of Israel, including you. So this was not a friendly moment. This So this was not a friendly moment. This So this was not a friendly moment. This was not a nice churchy statement. This was not a nice churchy statement. This was not a nice churchy statement. This was a heavy indictment on the leaders was a heavy indictment on the leaders was a heavy indictment on the leaders and a proclamation of who he actually and a proclamation of who he actually and a proclamation of who he actually was. Now, this is about the time in his was. Now, this is about the time in his was. Now, this is about the time in his ministry where that group of people ministry where that group of people ministry where that group of people begins plotting to kill him. They're begins plotting to kill him. They're begins plotting to kill him. They're done. They're like, "That's enough from done. They're like, "That's enough from done. They're like, "That's enough from this guy. we've got to get rid of this this guy. we've got to get rid of this this guy. we've got to get rid of this guy because not only was he claiming guy because not only was he claiming guy because not only was he claiming some crazy things in their mind, he was some crazy things in their mind, he was some crazy things in their mind, he was also firmly against them. And so this is also firmly against them. And so this is also firmly against them. And so this is really what's behind I am the good really what's behind I am the good really what's behind I am the good shepherd. And the Pharisees decide on shepherd. And the Pharisees decide on shepherd. And the Pharisees decide on the spot, we don't believe him. I told the spot, we don't believe him. I told the spot, we don't believe him. I told you there's a question under under these you there's a question under under these you there's a question under under these I am statements. They clearly answered I am statements. They clearly answered I am statements. They clearly answered that question. We don't believe him to that question. We don't believe him to that question. We don't believe him to the extent that we hate him. We want to the extent that we hate him. We want to the extent that we hate him. We want to get rid of him. We're going to kill him. get rid of him. We're going to kill him. get rid of him. We're going to kill him. The same question is on the table for The same question is on the table for The same question is on the table for us. Do we believe him? What would our us. Do we believe him? What would our us. Do we believe him? What would our lives say? What do our prayers say? What lives say? What do our prayers say? What lives say? What do our prayers say? What what are we living like? Are we living what are we living like? Are we living what are we living like? Are we living like we actually believe this statement?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the moment I saw the lamb, I From the moment I saw the lamb, I decided [music] to keep the lamb alive, decided [music] to keep the lamb alive, decided [music] to keep the lamb alive, to shepherd this bummer lamb who was to shepherd this bummer lamb who was to shepherd this bummer lamb who was rejected by her mother. rejected by her mother. rejected by her mother. I fed the little lamb from a bottle day I fed the little lamb from a bottle day I fed the little lamb from a bottle day [music] and night. Kept her dry and [music] and night. Kept her dry and [music] and night. Kept her dry and warm, warm, warm, protected [music] her from the other protected [music] her from the other protected [music] 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 the lamb So in a moment like this where the lamb [music] is rejected and we call him a [music] is rejected and we call him a [music] is rejected and we call him a mama lamb, she will always be very mama lamb, she will always be very mama lamb, she will always be very connected [music] to me as a person who connected [music] to me as a person who connected [music] to me as a person who took care of her. From a shepherd's took care of her. From a shepherd's took care of her. From a shepherd's point of view, this entire story is point of view, this entire story is point of view, this entire story is breathtaking because one [music] day the breathtaking because one [music] day the breathtaking because one [music] day the bummer lab will join her, but I can go bummer lab will join her, but I can go bummer lab will join her, but I can go out there [music] and when I call her, out there [music] and when I call her, out there [music] and when I call her, she will always respond to my voice.

It's incredible, right? I think that It's incredible, right? I think that this this concept of the bummer lamb, it this this concept of the bummer lamb, it this this concept of the bummer lamb, it started to help me understand why is it started to help me understand why is it started to help me understand why is it that we can hear these words, I'm the that we can hear these words, I'm the that we can hear these words, I'm the good shepherd, but we struggle to good shepherd, but we struggle to good shepherd, but we struggle to receive them. A lot of us carry around receive them. A lot of us carry around receive them. A lot of us carry around just the hurt of rejection of all just the hurt of rejection of all just the hurt of rejection of all different kinds that we didn't we didn't different kinds that we didn't we didn't different kinds that we didn't we didn't ask for ourselves. ask for ourselves. ask for ourselves. Some of us were raised by people who Some of us were raised by people who Some of us were raised by people who quite literally rejected us or abandoned quite literally rejected us or abandoned quite literally rejected us or abandoned us. Some of us just we we had a death us. Some of us just we we had a death us. Some of us just we we had a death that left us completely alone. We've had that left us completely alone. We've had that left us completely alone. We've had a core betrayal of a of a best friend or a core betrayal of a of a best friend or a core betrayal of a of a best friend or a colleague or something that has like a colleague or something that has like a colleague or something that has like left this hole where we're supposed to left this hole where we're supposed to left this hole where we're supposed to be getting cared for. And we walk around like this, And we walk around like this, like this this little bummer lamb. Let like this this little bummer lamb. Let like this this little bummer lamb. Let me be very very clear. That lamb has no me be very very clear. That lamb has no me be very very clear. That lamb has no chance of survival. absolutely no chance chance of survival. absolutely no chance chance of survival. absolutely no chance of survival out of receiving the care of of survival out of receiving the care of of survival out of receiving the care of a good shepherd. of a good shepherd. a good shepherd. of a good shepherd. a good shepherd. of a good shepherd. Because if that lamb walks around with Because if that lamb walks around with Because if that lamb walks around with her rejection or his rejection and the her rejection or his rejection and the her rejection or his rejection and the the wounds of being rejected by by the the wounds of being rejected by by the the wounds of being rejected by by the sheep that was supposed to be taking sheep that was supposed to be taking sheep that was supposed to be taking care of him, care of him, care of him, he will die. But she stepped in. She he will die. But she stepped in. She he will die. But she stepped in. She stepped in and paid the extra cost. Like stepped in and paid the extra cost. Like stepped in and paid the extra cost. Like I'm sure that that was far outside of I'm sure that that was far outside of I'm sure that that was far outside of her daily routine. She looks like she her daily routine. She looks like she her daily routine. She looks like she has plenty to do, right? But every has plenty to do, right? But every has plenty to do, right? But every single day she's taking a bottle. She's single day she's taking a bottle. She's single day she's taking a bottle. She's carrying that lamb around. She's feeding carrying that lamb around. She's feeding carrying that lamb around. She's feeding it with her own hand. She's carrying it

it with her own hand. She's carrying it it with her own hand. She's carrying it with her own body. This cost her with her own body. This cost her with her own body. This cost her something. But her only motive was what? something. But her only motive was what? something. But her only motive was what? To see that little lamb go on to live To see that little lamb go on to live To see that little lamb go on to live life the way that it was supposed to. To life the way that it was supposed to. To life the way that it was supposed to. To rejoin the herd, to be healed. To be rejoin the herd, to be healed. To be rejoin the herd, to be healed. To be whole. Thi this is what this is what whole. Thi this is what this is what whole. Thi this is what this is what happens when we begin to receive the happens when we begin to receive the happens when we begin to receive the care of a good shepherd because we walk care of a good shepherd because we walk care of a good shepherd because we walk around with these [clears throat] around with these [clears throat] around with these [clears throat] these hurts and these failures by people these hurts and these failures by people these hurts and these failures by people and things that we're supposed to be and things that we're supposed to be and things that we're supposed to be nurturing us that were supposed to be nurturing us that were supposed to be nurturing us that were supposed to be taking care of us. And when we welcome taking care of us. And when we welcome taking care of us. And when we welcome Jesus into that space we begin to Jesus into that space we begin to Jesus into that space we begin to understand, oh this is what it was understand, oh this is what it was understand, oh this is what it was supposed to be like. supposed to be like. supposed to be like. This is what it was supposed to feel This is what it was supposed to feel This is what it was supposed to feel like. But we I don't know about you, I like. But we I don't know about you, I like. But we I don't know about you, I don't like to feel like a project. You don't like to feel like a project. You don't like to feel like a project. You know what I'm saying? Like I don't want know what I'm saying? Like I don't want know what I'm saying? Like I don't want to expose that level of need. I don't to expose that level of need. I don't to expose that level of need. I don't want to have to be cared for like that. want to have to be cared for like that. want to have to be cared for like that. A lot of us feel that way, right? A lot of us feel that way, right? A lot of us feel that way, right? But the best possible thing is the But the best possible thing is the But the best possible thing is the outcome. I don't know if you caught this outcome. I don't know if you caught this outcome. I don't know if you caught this at the end of the video. She says, at the end of the video. She says, at the end of the video. She says, "Because I did this, because I cared for "Because I did this, because I cared for "Because I did this, because I cared for this sheep in the way that I did, in this sheep in the way that I did, in this sheep in the way that I did, in this intimate, personal, extra project this intimate, personal, extra project this intimate, personal, extra project level kind of way, the outcome is the level kind of way, the outcome is the level kind of way, the outcome is the sheep knows her. The sheep knows her sheep knows her. The sheep knows her sheep knows her. The sheep knows her voice. The sheep is connected to her in voice. The sheep is connected to her in voice. The sheep is connected to her in a way that the other sheep might not be, a way that the other sheep might not be, a way that the other sheep might not be, at least not at that depth." And it's at least not at that depth." And it's at least not at that depth." And it's interesting, this fits perfectly with

interesting, this fits perfectly with interesting, this fits perfectly with the second time that Jesus uses the name the second time that Jesus uses the name the second time that Jesus uses the name good shepherd. He says, "I am the good good shepherd. He says, "I am the good good shepherd. He says, "I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me." Just as the father knows me know me." Just as the father knows me know me." Just as the father knows me and I know the father and I lay down my and I know the father and I lay down my and I know the father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I know them. I know life for the sheep. I know them. I know life for the sheep. I know them. I know them. A good shepherd knows his own. And them. A good shepherd knows his own. And them. A good shepherd knows his own. And Jesus knows us when we allow that kind Jesus knows us when we allow that kind Jesus knows us when we allow that kind of care to take place. When we welcome of care to take place. When we welcome of care to take place. When we welcome him into that space where where we have him into that space where where we have him into that space where where we have those kinds of hurts that prevent us those kinds of hurts that prevent us those kinds of hurts that prevent us from being able to receive that kind of from being able to receive that kind of from being able to receive that kind of care, if we can get over that, we can care, if we can get over that, we can care, if we can get over that, we can welcome him in to that space, we get to welcome him in to that space, we get to welcome him in to that space, we get to know him and he knows us. We know as if know him and he knows us. We know as if know him and he knows us. We know as if you're a parent, you know how that you're a parent, you know how that you're a parent, you know how that works, right? If you're a mom on the works, right? If you're a mom on the works, right? If you're a mom on the playground and 50 kids call out mom, you playground and 50 kids call out mom, you playground and 50 kids call out mom, you know exactly which one is your child. know exactly which one is your child. know exactly which one is your child. Your babysitter can't do that. There's Your babysitter can't do that. There's Your babysitter can't do that. There's something about the connection of something about the connection of something about the connection of something that you've been able to care something that you've been able to care something that you've been able to care for like that. Do you know that um sheep for like that. Do you know that um sheep for like that. Do you know that um sheep quite literally know their shepherd in a quite literally know their shepherd in a quite literally know their shepherd in a way that is highly unusual for other way that is highly unusual for other way that is highly unusual for other kinds of animals. It's a beautiful kinds of animals. It's a beautiful kinds of animals. It's a beautiful example that all sheep get this example that all sheep get this example that all sheep get this opportunity. The bummers, they're just opportunity. The bummers, they're just opportunity. The bummers, they're just the first ones. They're the ones that the first ones. They're the ones that the first ones. They're the ones that get it most, fastest, deepest. But all get it most, fastest, deepest. But all get it most, fastest, deepest. But all sheep know their shepherd. Sheep are one sheep know their shepherd. Sheep are one sheep know their shepherd. Sheep are one of the few hering animals that get led of the few hering animals that get led of the few hering animals that get led from the front instead of driven from from the front instead of driven from from the front instead of driven from behind. The shepherd does not come behind. The shepherd does not come behind. The shepherd does not come behind the sheep and drive from the behind the sheep and drive from the behind the sheep and drive from the back. The shepherd leads from the front.

back. The shepherd leads from the front. back. The shepherd leads from the front. And there's a reason for that. It's And there's a reason for that. It's And there's a reason for that. It's because sheep know their shepherd. They because sheep know their shepherd. They because sheep know their shepherd. They literally learn his gate, the way he literally learn his gate, the way he literally learn his gate, the way he looks, his profile, his voice, his looks, his profile, his voice, his looks, his profile, his voice, his whistle, his tone, and they watch for whistle, his tone, and they watch for whistle, his tone, and they watch for it. Multiple shepherds can put all their it. Multiple shepherds can put all their it. Multiple shepherds can put all their sheep together maybe overnight to keep sheep together maybe overnight to keep sheep together maybe overnight to keep them safe. And in the morning they can them safe. And in the morning they can them safe. And in the morning they can stand up, separate, and call their stand up, separate, and call their stand up, separate, and call their sheep. And the herds, the flocks will sheep. And the herds, the flocks will sheep. And the herds, the flocks will just separate to their shepherds just separate to their shepherds just separate to their shepherds because they know them. That's how sheep because they know them. That's how sheep because they know them. That's how sheep are led. They're led through intimate are led. They're led through intimate are led. They're led through intimate personal knowledge. And guess who's at personal knowledge. And guess who's at personal knowledge. And guess who's at the front? Guess who's the first one? the front? Guess who's the first one? the front? Guess who's the first one? It's the bummers. It's the bummers. It's the bummers. It's the ones where the shepherd has had It's the ones where the shepherd has had It's the ones where the shepherd has had hands-on care. It's incredible what hands-on care. It's incredible what hands-on care. It's incredible what happens. It doesn't seem like that happens. It doesn't seem like that happens. It doesn't seem like that should be the case, but just a few should be the case, but just a few should be the case, but just a few verses before our passage, Jesus is verses before our passage, Jesus is verses before our passage, Jesus is describing this very thing. The sheep describing this very thing. The sheep describing this very thing. The sheep hear his voice and he calls his own hear his voice and he calls his own hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And sheep by name and leads them out. And sheep by name and leads them out. And when he has brought out all his own, he when he has brought out all his own, he when he has brought out all his own, he goes before them and the sheep follow goes before them and the sheep follow goes before them and the sheep follow him for they know his voice.

him for they know his voice. him for they know his voice. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Wow. This is how it works. This is what >> Wow. This is how it works. This is what >> Wow. This is how it works. This is what Jesus says when he says, "I am the good Jesus says when he says, "I am the good Jesus says when he says, "I am the good shepherd." He means I want to know you shepherd." He means I want to know you shepherd." He means I want to know you to the extent that I can lead and you to the extent that I can lead and you to the extent that I can lead and you will follow because we are that will follow because we are that will follow because we are that connected. You know this whole bummer connected. You know this whole bummer connected. You know this whole bummer lamp thing is kind of why I can't hate lamp thing is kind of why I can't hate lamp thing is kind of why I can't hate my own story. my own story. my own story. I know a lot of people have messy I know a lot of people have messy I know a lot of people have messy stories. I am no different. In my 20s I stories. I am no different. In my 20s I stories. I am no different. In my 20s I tried to basically burn my whole life to tried to basically burn my whole life to tried to basically burn my whole life to the ground. You know my job, my the ground. You know my job, my the ground. You know my job, my marriage, my character, my friendships. marriage, my character, my friendships. marriage, my character, my friendships. like it it was all bad. I And the one like it it was all bad. I And the one like it it was all bad. I And the one thing that I did right, the one thing thing that I did right, the one thing thing that I did right, the one thing during that whole time that I did right during that whole time that I did right during that whole time that I did right was literally to call out to Jesus was was literally to call out to Jesus was was literally to call out to Jesus was just to say, "Will you come into my just to say, "Will you come into my just to say, "Will you come into my mess? Will you come and take care of me? mess? Will you come and take care of me? mess? Will you come and take care of me? Will you be the one that receives me Will you be the one that receives me Will you be the one that receives me when everybody else thinks I'm the worst when everybody else thinks I'm the worst when everybody else thinks I'm the worst person they've ever met? Will you be the person they've ever met? Will you be the person they've ever met? Will you be the one to receive me?" And I had no idea one to receive me?" And I had no idea one to receive me?" And I had no idea that by doing that, what I was setting that by doing that, what I was setting that by doing that, what I was setting on course was the trajectory of a bummer on course was the trajectory of a bummer on course was the trajectory of a bummer lamb.

lamb. lamb. 20some years later, I rely on some of 20some years later, I rely on some of 20some years later, I rely on some of the intimacy, some of the knowledge, the intimacy, some of the knowledge, the intimacy, some of the knowledge, some of the ways that we connected some of the ways that we connected some of the ways that we connected during that time. You can't unknow that. during that time. You can't unknow that. during that time. You can't unknow that. You can't unsee it. You can't you can't You can't unsee it. You can't you can't You can't unsee it. You can't you can't unravel that sort of connection. And so, unravel that sort of connection. And so, unravel that sort of connection. And so, as I've moved forward, but what is up? I as I've moved forward, but what is up? I as I've moved forward, but what is up? I still catch myself this week praying still catch myself this week praying still catch myself this week praying like he doesn't know where he's taking like he doesn't know where he's taking like he doesn't know where he's taking me. What in the world? me. What in the world? me. What in the world? >> Thi this this is this is our struggle, >> Thi this this is this is our struggle, >> Thi this this is this is our struggle, right? Our deep struggle to receive him right? Our deep struggle to receive him right? Our deep struggle to receive him as a good shepherd. It's really easy to as a good shepherd. It's really easy to as a good shepherd. It's really easy to say, "Yeah, yeah, I Jesus shepherd done. say, "Yeah, yeah, I Jesus shepherd done. say, "Yeah, yeah, I Jesus shepherd done. Thumbs up." And it's really hard to live Thumbs up." And it's really hard to live Thumbs up." And it's really hard to live like that's true. For those of you that like that's true. For those of you that like that's true. For those of you that are feeling a little extra right now, are feeling a little extra right now, are feeling a little extra right now, you're a little bit of a project for you're a little bit of a project for you're a little bit of a project for Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. If you feel like that, let me be the If you feel like that, let me be the If you feel like that, let me be the first one to give you the good news. You first one to give you the good news. You first one to give you the good news. You are in the best possible position to are in the best possible position to are in the best possible position to become the one who knows him the best.

become the one who knows him the best. become the one who knows him the best. It doesn't seem like it should work like It doesn't seem like it should work like It doesn't seem like it should work like that, but let me just tell you, it does. that, but let me just tell you, it does. that, but let me just tell you, it does. So, if you're in that space right now So, if you're in that space right now So, if you're in that space right now and you're like, I am just extra. I am and you're like, I am just extra. I am and you're like, I am just extra. I am just a lot. I don't even know where to just a lot. I don't even know where to just a lot. I don't even know where to go. I don't know if God can can unwind go. I don't know if God can can unwind go. I don't know if God can can unwind all this stuff in my life. Let me just all this stuff in my life. Let me just all this stuff in my life. Let me just assure you, oh my gosh, you're so close. assure you, oh my gosh, you're so close. assure you, oh my gosh, you're so close. You are so close to experiencing the You are so close to experiencing the You are so close to experiencing the kind of intimacy that only a bummer lamb kind of intimacy that only a bummer lamb kind of intimacy that only a bummer lamb gets to experience. gets to experience. gets to experience. >> That's right. And >> That's right. And >> That's right. And if that's not you, if that's not you, if that's not you, if that's not you, if that's not you, if that's not you, please do not wait until you burn your please do not wait until you burn your please do not wait until you burn your life to the ground life to the ground life to the ground to receive the good shepherd. You You to receive the good shepherd. You You to receive the good shepherd. You You can live in the truth every day. That can live in the truth every day. That can live in the truth every day. That you get to get up and like jump out of you get to get up and like jump out of you get to get up and like jump out of bed and go, "He knows me. He's got me. bed and go, "He knows me. He's got me. bed and go, "He knows me. He's got me. We We're doing this together. And I We We're doing this together. And I We We're doing this together. And I trust him. I'm growing in confidence in trust him. I'm growing in confidence in trust him. I'm growing in confidence in him." This is what happens when when you him." This is what happens when when you him." This is what happens when when you get the care of a really good shepherd. get the care of a really good shepherd. get the care of a really good shepherd. You start to live differently. You start You start to live differently. You start You start to live differently. You start to live assured and confident. I saw to live assured and confident. I saw to live assured and confident. I saw this take place in my own house. Um when this take place in my own house. Um when this take place in my own house. Um when my kids were little, my husband got in my kids were little, my husband got in my kids were little, my husband got in the habit of keeping like snacks in the the habit of keeping like snacks in the the habit of keeping like snacks in the trunk of his car. I used to give him a trunk of his car. I used to give him a trunk of his car. I used to give him a hard time about this because I'm more I hard time about this because I'm more I hard time about this because I'm more I you know, kids need two parents, right?

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

you know, I I forgot my lunch. Whatever. you know, I I forgot my lunch. Whatever. Dad's across the street. Literally was Dad's across the street. Literally was Dad's across the street. Literally was across the street from my kids high across the street from my kids high across the street from my kids high school. Maybe he's got something. Let's school. Maybe he's got something. Let's school. Maybe he's got something. Let's Let's go see, you know. Yes, he does. Let's go see, you know. Yes, he does. Let's go see, you know. Yes, he does. So, it was like the question. And now, So, it was like the question. And now, So, it was like the question. And now, if you ask them rocksolid confidence, if you ask them rocksolid confidence, if you ask them rocksolid confidence, I know it. I know if I unlock dad's car I know it. I know if I unlock dad's car I know it. I know if I unlock dad's car and lift up the trunk, there's going to and lift up the trunk, there's going to and lift up the trunk, there's going to be water and Gatorades and granola bars be water and Gatorades and granola bars be water and Gatorades and granola bars waiting for me because my dad thought waiting for me because my dad thought waiting for me because my dad thought about me. My dad knows me. My dad about me. My dad knows me. My dad about me. My dad knows me. My dad anticipates that I am not going to have anticipates that I am not going to have anticipates that I am not going to have what I need and he's the answer. And what I need and he's the answer. And what I need and he's the answer. And I've watched this trajectory shift and I've watched this trajectory shift and I've watched this trajectory shift and it's gone from a joke to like kind of a it's gone from a joke to like kind of a it's gone from a joke to like kind of a meaningful illustration to me of what it meaningful illustration to me of what it meaningful illustration to me of what it looks like to just walk in confidence looks like to just walk in confidence looks like to just walk in confidence that somebody has thought about you, that somebody has thought about you, that somebody has thought about you, that somebody is providing for you, that that somebody is providing for you, that that somebody is providing for you, that somebody already knows the color somebody already knows the color somebody already knows the color Gatorade you like and it's waiting for Gatorade you like and it's waiting for Gatorade you like and it's waiting for you. That's the kind of shepherd that we you. That's the kind of shepherd that we you. That's the kind of shepherd that we have. have. have. It's just not the one that we think we It's just not the one that we think we It's just not the one that we think we have. It's not the one that we get up have. It's not the one that we get up have. It's not the one that we get up every day and live like. But that kind every day and live like. But that kind every day and live like. But that kind of care begins to change you like of care begins to change you like of care begins to change you like deeply, deeply change you over time. But deeply, deeply change you over time. But deeply, deeply change you over time. But if you never experience it, if you never if you never experience it, if you never if you never experience it, if you never ask Jesus, will you be this? Can I ask Jesus, will you be this? Can I ask Jesus, will you be this? Can I follow you like that? Do I get to follow you like that? Do I get to follow you like that? Do I get to believe that? Can I experience that? You believe that? Can I experience that? You believe that? Can I experience that? You will receive the care of a bad one. We will receive the care of a bad one. We will receive the care of a bad one. We are wired as sheep to be led to want to are wired as sheep to be led to want to are wired as sheep to be led to want to know someone that's going to lead us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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