In the Bible, a name often signifies a person's identity, purpose, and reputation. It's not just a way to distinguish one person from another; it's a profound statement about who they are. Throughout this study, we'll explore how the names given to Jesus—from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament revelations—build a complete picture of His role in God's redemptive plan.
In Session 7 we will finish our discussion on the title Savior and look at the name/title Shepherd.
John 10:11-15 (NIV): "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."
In the Bible, a name often signifies a person's identity, purpose, and reputation. It's not just a way to distinguish one person from another; it's a profound statement about who they are. Throughout this study, we'll explore how the names given to Jesus—from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament revelations—build a complete picture of His role in God's redemptive plan.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
So far our study has been on the names Immanuel (Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”), Christ/Messiah-The Anointed One (Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV [1] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, - Luke 4:16-22 NIV [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
We spent two weeks on The Word
John 1:1-5, 14 (NIV) ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with Go d in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Greek word for "Word" is Logos. In ancient Greek philosophy, the Logos was a complex concept often referring to the divine reason or mind that gives order and meaning to the universe. John uses this term intentionally to communicate that Jesus is the ultimate, personal, and living Logos—not an abstract philosophical idea, but the very mind and purpose of God made manifest.
God the Son, the Word, became a human being in the person of Jesus Christ. The Word becoming flesh was not just a symbolic act, but a tangible, historical event that made it possible for humanity to be reconciled with God.
Last week we started the title Savior/Great Deliverer
Titus 2:11-14 NIV [11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
A savior is one who rescues or delivers from danger and destruction. The Bible reveals that humanity is in desperate need of a Savior, and Jesus is the only one who can fill that role perfectly.
We have been saved to transfer us from darkness to light and from death to life.
What kind of life does Jesus promise to give us as our Savior?
John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Jesus promises to give us life in abundance, or an abundant life. This is a life that is full, rich, and overflowing with meaning and purpose, in contrast to the destructive goals of the thief (Satan).
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness. This means we have been freed from the power and control of sin and evil.
What was Jesus's purpose in giving Himself for us? What kind of people does He want us to be?
Titus 2:11-12 NIV [11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Jesus's purpose in giving Himself for us was twofold:
To redeem us from all wickedness. This purpose directly addresses the problem of sin and its power over our lives.
To purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. This second purpose reveals what kind of people He wants us to be. He desires us to be His unique people, set apart from the world, and actively motivated to live a life that reflects His goodness.
The title of "Savior" transforms our view of Jesus from a historical figure to a personal deliverer by emphasizing His direct and personal action to rescue us.
Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
This change is a continuous process, as we daily align our lives with God's will and are open to His guidance.
Being a "purified people" means living a life that is set apart for God's purposes. This isn't about achieving moral perfection on our own but about allowing God's grace to transform us from the inside out.
Action: It moves us to be "eager to do what is good" (Titus 2:14). This translates into a life of active love, service, and generosity towards others, mirroring the love Christ showed us. It’s a dynamic process of daily self-reflection and openness to God's guidance, allowing our actions to reflect our transformed nature.
Jesus is not only our Savior, He is also our Shepherd.
John 10:11-15 (NIV): "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the Good Shepherd?
The concept of a shepherd was deeply familiar to the people of biblical times. A shepherd was more than just a caretaker of sheep; they were a protector against dangers, a guide to good pastures, and a healer for the sick and injured. This is the very role Jesus fulfills for us.
The image of a shepherd is one of the most powerful and tender metaphors used to describe Jesus. It speaks to His role as a protector, a provider, and a loving guide for His people. and what it means for us as His sheep.
Discussion Points:
What is the difference between a "good shepherd" and a "hired hand"?
The difference between a good shepherd and a hired hand is their motivation and level of commitment. A good shepherd has a deep, personal connection to the sheep, viewing them as their own. They are motivated by love and a sense of ownership, which drives them to protect the flock at all costs, even risking their own life. In contrast, a hired hand works for wages and lacks a personal connection to the sheep. Their motivation is self-interest; they are only committed as long as it benefits them. When a wolf or other danger appears, they abandon the flock and run away because they have no real care for the sheep (John 10:12-13). This highlights the contrast between selfless love and selfish gain.
How does Jesus's statement, "I lay down my life for the sheep," relate to His death on the cross?
Jesus's statement, "I lay down my life for the sheep," directly relates to His death on the cross as the ultimate act of sacrifice and love. The cross was not an accident but a deliberate act of laying down His life to save humanity from sin. By dying on the cross, Jesus defeated death and provided a path to eternal life for all who believe in Him. His death demonstrates that He is the Good Shepherd who is willing to pay the ultimate price to protect and redeem His flock, fulfilling His promise to sacrifice Himself for His sheep.
In what ways does Jesus "know" us, and how can we "know" Him in return?
Jesus's knowledge of us is not merely a general awareness; it's a deep, personal, and comprehensive understanding. He knows our thoughts, our struggles, and our deepest needs. This knowledge is rooted in His divine nature, similar to how the Father knows the Son (John 10:14). It's an intimate, relational knowledge.
We can know Him in return by:
Following His guidance: Listening for and obeying His voice through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Deepening our relationship: Spending time in prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers.
Emulating His character: Aligning our priorities with God's will and striving to love others as He has loved us.
2. The Shepherd Provides and Protects
The most famous passage in the Bible about the Shepherd is found in the Psalms. It beautifully illustrates God's provision, protection, and comforting presence.
Psalm 23:1-4 (NIV):
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Discussion Points:
What does it mean to say, "I lack nothing" when we still face needs and wants in our daily lives?
Saying "I lack nothing" (Psalm 23:1) is a declaration of trust in the Lord's provision, not a statement about the absence of all earthly wants. It means that in Christ, our deepest and most fundamental needs are met. This includes spiritual needs like forgiveness, peace, and eternal life, as well as the assurance that God will provide for our daily necessities. While we may still desire things or face material lack, the core of our being is whole and complete in Him. The apostle Paul reinforces this idea in Philippians 4:19, where he writes, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." This verse highlights that our true source of provision is God, and what He provides is always sufficient for our salvation and spiritual well-being.
How do "green pastures" and "quiet waters" symbolize the provision Jesus offers?
"Green pastures" and "quiet waters" are powerful symbols of the spiritual provision and restoration Jesus offers. In a dry, arid climate, these were rare and essential for a sheep's survival.
Green pastures symbolize spiritual nourishment. Jesus, as the Bread of Life, provides the spiritual food we need to thrive. As He says in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
Quiet waters symbolize rest and peace. In a chaotic and stressful world, Jesus offers a tranquility that soothes our souls. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He is the source of inner peace that transcends our circumstances.
Together, these images represent a holistic sense of abundance, peace, and spiritual health that Jesus provides for His followers.
The shepherd's rod and staff were used for protection and guidance. What does this metaphorically mean for us today?
Metaphorically, the rod and staff offer us the comfort of knowing that God is not only defending us but is also actively involved in guiding our lives with wisdom and love.
The shepherd's rod and staff represent God's dual role in our lives as both protector and guide.
The rod, a club-like weapon, was used to defend the sheep from predators. It symbolizes God's powerful protection against evil and spiritual dangers. It's a reminder that we do not have to fear our enemies or the challenges of life, as the Lord is our defender. This is echoed in Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
The staff, with its hook, was used to gently guide the sheep, rescue them from difficult places, or correct them when they strayed. It symbolizes God's loving and compassionate guidance. It represents His gentle correction, His leading us toward the right path, and His rescue when we get lost. Proverbs 3:5-6 speaks to this guidance: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
3. The Shepherd Searches for the Lost
Jesus also demonstrates His heart as the Good Shepherd by actively seeking out those who are lost.
Luke 15:3-7 (NIV): "Then Jesus told them this parable: 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Discussion Points:
What does this parable reveal about God's love for each individual?
This parable reveals that God's love is incredibly personal and relentless. The shepherd's willingness to leave the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep shows that no single individual is insignificant to God. It highlights that God doesn't just care for the flock as a whole; He cares deeply and intimately for each person. The immense joy the shepherd feels upon finding the lost sheep reflects the same joy God has when a person who was once far away returns to Him. This illustrates that His love isn't conditional or dependent on our righteousness, but is an active, seeking love that pursues us regardless of our state.
How can we, as a community of believers, participate in the "search" for the lost?
As a community of believers, we participate in the search for the lost by reflecting the shepherd's heart and actions. We can:
Actively seek out those who have strayed or are not yet part of the faith community, not waiting for them to come to us.
Share the good news of Jesus with compassion and genuine love, not judgment.
Support one another in this mission through prayer and encouragement.
Create a welcoming environment for those returning or seeking to join the church, celebrating their journey with the same joy as the shepherd.
Live out our faith in a way that is a clear and attractive example of God's love, drawing others to the Shepherd.
Reflect on a time when you felt lost or distant from God. How did you experience Him as the Shepherd who came looking for you?
Generally, people experience God as the Shepherd who came looking for them in various ways. It might be a persistent sense of conviction leading them back to faith, a specific person reaching out at just the right time, a verse of scripture that spoke directly to their situation, or an undeniable feeling of peace and acceptance that drew them back. The experience often feels like a gentle but firm pull, a sense of being found rather than finding their way back on their own. It is a powerful reminder that our faith journey is not just a human effort but a response to God's relentless pursuit of us.
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