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I used to think if I were living in the day of Christ, and had seen the miracles that He did, that I would have been able to discern who He was. But that’s nothing more than presumption and Biblical ignorance. John 6:44 says, “No one can come to Jesus unless His Father draws him.” Yet, at the same time, God has placed the responsibility on His people -- especially the spiritual leaders -- of discerning who He is and then pointing all nations to Him. This is true of God’s people in both the Old and New Testaments.

The lack of discernment among the religious leaders concerning work of God in Jesus is the subject of chapter 10. As you read through the Bible you will discover that God often refers to Himself and His leaders as ‘shepherds.’ What we are going to see today is the problem that plagued the people was how to determine a good shepherd from a bad one. Again, Jesus takes something common to the people and uses it to make His point. Notice if you will from verses 1-21 a few things to help us discern a good shepherd:

1. The description of a good shepherd.  [10:1-11]

A. The way he approaches the flock.

In verses 1-2 we see that the good shepherd enters the sheep pen through the gate. The lawful way, the right way. The sheep pen was a place that offered security for the sheep as they slept through the night. There was only one way in and one way out. The good shepherd knew the right way but there were others who might try to circumvent the process: thieves and robbers.

B. The flock acknowledges him.

The watchman acknowledges him and so do the sheep because he calls them by name. The good shepherd has spent time with the flock. Made an investment. He’s developed a relationship with them. Notice in verse 5 it pays off: they won’t follow a stranger. The Pharisees couldn’t even discern the meaning of His metaphor. What He’s saying in this illustration is this, “I Am who you are supposed to represent.” A Good Shepherd of God.

C. The abundant life he offers.

The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy...but the good shepherd offers salvation. These verses point us to what God has for all who come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

It’s sad but true. Still today there are shepherds who do not represent Christ, and there fore, make it difficult for people to clearly discern who Jesus is and what He wants to do in their life.

2. The dedication of the good shepherd. [10:12-21]

A. The personal protection he delivers.

Hired hands were only motivated by self-interest. The good shepherd will give his life for the flock.

B. The personal relationship he develops.

The good shepherd doesn't just have factual knowledge about the sheep, but he knows them by name. This implies a deeper level of intimacy that Jesus has with his brothers and sisters in God's family. When we read Psalm 139, one of the things that should strike us is that God knows us. Such a thought can only breed true humility.

C. The personal obedience he demonstrates.

The Father loves the Son, the Son is obedient to the Father. The Good Shepherd brought his message to the people, the same people the Pharisees would rather have avoided or ignored. Those religious men had missed the point of the kind of religion God considers true and pleasing. Acts 20:28 tells us that we are to be shepherds.

And the "we" in that verse certainly applies to ministers, deacons,  teachers, and the like, but it also applies to each and every believer! 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we are a "priesthood of believers" which means we all carry the responsibility to shepherd the flocks God has given us (family, children, church, etc.).

We have a lot to do before going home. Do you know the Good Shepherd?