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Exploring the biblical images of the Church. What does Church as a Flock look like?

Scripture: John 10:11-18, Ezekiel 34, Isaiah 53, Revelation 7:17, 1 Peter 2:21-25

Intro:

• Humorous opening about bringing a sheep to church.
• Expressing gratitude for the congregation's presence.
• Context of the sermon series: unpacking metaphors of the church during separation.
• Recap of previous sermon (personal testimony).
• Question: If the church had a mascot, what would it be? (Sheep).

Why Sheep?

• Sheep are mentioned extensively in the Bible (over 400 times).
• Analogy to UC Santa Cruz's mascot (banana slug) to illustrate symbolism.
• Sheep as a metaphor for human neediness and impressionability.
• Neediness: 
  • Humans are needier than they admit.
  • Sheep are utterly dependent on their shepherd.
  • Jesus' compassion for the crowd "like sheep without a shepherd" (Mark).
  • Sheep need flock, food, protection, guidance.
• Impressionability: 
  • Humans have a "herd mentality."
  • Example of sheep following each other off a cliff.
  • Social pressure and conformity are powerful forces.
  • Question: Who are you following?
  • Acknowledging human neediness and impressionability as a step towards God.

The Good Shepherd:

• Jesus' "I am" statement: "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11).
• Context: Israel's history of bad leaders/shepherds (Ezekiel 34).
• God's promise to personally shepherd his people.
• Jesus as the fulfillment of that promise.
• Characteristics of the Good Shepherd: 
  • Leads, protects, feeds, speaks, cares, provides.
  • Lays down his life for the sheep (unlike the hired hand).
  • Knows his sheep intimately.
  • Gathers all his sheep into one flock.
• Jesus as both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb: 
  • Prophesied by Isaiah 53 and proclaimed by John the Baptist.
  • The Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
  • The Lamb who administers judgment and cleanses wickedness (Revelation).
  • Jesus' sacrifice as the ultimate act of love and leadership.

Application:

• Call to surrender to Jesus as Lord and Shepherd.
• Acknowledge human neediness and dependence on God.
• Resist the urge to be self-sufficient and independent.
• Embrace Jesus' care and leadership.
• Reflection on Jesus' humility and sacrifice during Holy Week.
• 1 Peter 2:21-25: Christ's example and our return to the Shepherd.
• Prayer for surrender, trust, and the gathering of the flock.

Closing:

• Invitation for prayer for those needing to submit to Jesus or reconcile with others.
• Encouragement to invite others to church.
• Reminder about nursery pickup.

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