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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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