(John 10:11) "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." As we look at this text we see that Jesus was again preaching specifically to the Pharisees about what a proper shepherd should be. Jesus related the job of a good shepherd to that of a "porter" or watcher who is left in charge of feeding the shepherd's sheep in his absence. A good shepherd ought to be faithful and willing to protect and even die for the sheep that have been placed into his trust. Jesus wanted the Pharisees to understand that they had lost their purpose and had become "hirelings" rather than shepherds. (13) "The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep." Brethren we have a great shepherd whose name is Jesus Christ. He has promised us in his Word that he will "never leave us nor forsake us." He is a good shepherd because he was willing to lay down his life for us on the cross. (18) "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. Jesus came to save and keep God's sheep till He returns. That’s why true sheep here his voice and follow. The sheepfold is the Church, and Jesus Christ the door into it. "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
