Bible Text: John 10 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship

Contrary to what we see in the movies, love is not just a feeling. Love is an action. Today we investigate the types of actions that love takes.

Pastor Lou’s Notes:
Intro:
Love can be a very nebulous word. It is usually used as a noun or a verb. However, the Bible suggests that biblical love is usually expressed in action. This passage is one of the greatest illustrations of Jesus’ love. Biblical love always expresses itself in action.

Explain the system of the mid-east shepherd.

The heart of a good shepherd is love! This passage gives us a great picture of God’s love and the love of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

1. The Character of the Shepherd v.1-6
1. There are false shepherd
1. Thief = Kleptomaniacs
2. Robber is armed and takes by force

2. The true shepherd is let in by the gatekeeper
1. Each flock recognize the shepherd’s voice and follow him
2. The true shepherd names and knows his sheep
1. The word for know suggests a total commitment and loyalty to them
2. The false shepherd comes to promote their own gain

2. The Provision of the Shepherd v. 7-18
1. The only way for a sheep to be saved is by entering the enclosure through the shepherd
1. Explain the idiom, “come in and go out to find pasture”
2. Shepherd wants the sheep to have an abundant life

2. The willingness to die for the sheep
1. Salvation
2. Protection
3. Feeding
4. Total Commitment
5. The Good Shepherd wants to call other sheep into the fold
6. The Good Shepherd does all this voluntarily
7. The reason is a love that is selfless and sacrificial
8. Oscar Hammerstein II > Quotes > Quotable Quote
“A bell’s not a bell ’til you ring it – A song’s not a song ’til you sing it – Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay – Love isn’t love ’til you give it away!”
― Oscar Hammerstein II

3. The Shepherd’s love cannot be received by someone with a self-righteous spirit.
1. We need to understand that we are a lot like sheep
1. We tend to wander to places that are bad for us
2. We can become downcast very easily
3. We are vulnerable to predators
4. We need the salvation, love, protection, and provision of the Great Shepherd.