Seeking the Genuine Shepherd Our God wants us

Seeking the Genuine Shepherd

Our God wants us to seek and determine what is genuine (true) • God’s plan is for genuine hearts to seek His light. (Jn 8: 12, 26, 31 -32)

Our God wants us to seek and determine what is genuine (true) • John 8: 12 - Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. "

Our God wants us to seek and determine what is genuine (true) • John 8: 26 - "I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him. "

Our God wants us to seek and determine what is genuine (true) • John 8: 31 -32 - Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. "

Our God wants us to seek and determine what is genuine (true) • Conflict, confusion, seeking and reasoning is part of God’s plan to open and change hearts. • The ministry of Christ is filled with challenges that many ran away from but a few sought and found the truth.

Our God wants us to seek and determine what is genuine (true) • As long as we live we are to continue in this process of honestly and humbly seeking God’s way. Consider the examples in Heb 11! (Heb 11: 6, Rom 12: 2)

Our God wants us to seek and determine what is genuine (true) • Hebrews 11: 6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Our God wants us to seek and determine what is genuine (true) • Let us examine a series of events surrounding Jesus teaching in the temple. • In these examples we can see Jesus intentionally provoking conflict in order to open hearts. This becomes a clear demonstration of what and who is true! • A genuine faith comes and is maintained by those who seek the light!

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • Jesus worked a miracle that was irrefutable. (Jn 9: 4 -7)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 4 -7 - "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. " 6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • 7 And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • How does a miracle provide light? • Imagine the facial features of a man born blind and who lived for several years. • Imagine the shock of those who daily saw this man begging. • The Pharisees rightly investigated the event in detail. (Jn 9: 8, 9, 13, 18 -20)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 8 -9 - Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, "Is not this he who sat and begged? " 9 Some said, "This is he. " Others said, "He is like him. " He said, "I am he. "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 18 -21 - But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see? "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • 20 His parents answered them and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind…

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • This miracle was shocking and could open many hardened hearts. The most talented debater had to admit helplessness in trying to refute this! (Acts 4: 16 -17)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • Acts 4: 16 -17 - saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 "But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name. "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • How can darkness overcome light? You must force people to close their eyes! • Jesus worked this irrefutable miracle on the Sabbath. (Jn 9: 14 -16)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 14 -16 - Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see. "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • 16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath. " Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs? " And there was a division among them.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • An honest heart can discover when he has been in error. Light is welcomed! • Consider how this miracle forced men to think. The Pharisees insisted that a miracle cannot be performed on the Sabbath. • Think about the absurdity of this! Has any Pharisee ever performed a miracle? ?

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • The formerly blind man can win any debate with these men and they knew it. Instead of debating they changed the subject. (Jn 9: 16 -17; 24 -25, 27 -28, 29 -34)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 16 -17 - Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath. " Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs? " And there was a division among them. 17 They said to the blind man again, "What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes? " He said, "He is a prophet. "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 24 -25 - So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, "Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner. " 25 He answered and said, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see. "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 27 -28 - He answered them, "I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples? " 28 Then they reviled him and said, "You are His disciple, but we are Moses' disciples.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 29 -34 - "We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from. " 30 The man answered and said to them, "Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! …

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • 32 "Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 "If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing. " 34 They answered and said to him, "You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us? " And they cast him out.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • There is a distinct difference between an honest heart and a corrupt one. • Jesus wanted men to reason and debate doctrine. (Jn 7: 16 -17)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 7: 16 -17 - Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 "If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • He openly gave reasons why the Pharisees were wrong about this and many other things. (Lk 13: 14 -17; 14: 3 -6)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • Luke 13: 14 -17 - But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, "There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day. "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • 15 The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? 16 "So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound -- think of it -- for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath? "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • 17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • Luke 14: 3 -6 - And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? " 4 But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. 5 Then He answered them, saying, "Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day? " 6 And they could not answer Him regarding these things.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • In conflict the genuine heart can be seen! How many churches are really open to an open examination of their teachings? Creeds can close hearts! (Mt 15: 8 -9)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • Matthew 15: 8 -9 - 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. ' "

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • We can easily go down these paths! Do we seek the easy way out? • Consider the blessings and changes that came to the healed man. This man became a threat to others because he found the truth. (Jn 9: 35 -38)

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • John 9: 35 -39 - Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, "Do you believe in the Son of God? " 36 He answered and said, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him? " 37 And Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you. " 38 Then he said, "Lord, I believe!" And he worshiped Him.

Jesus worked a miracle that refuted a false doctrine • 39 And Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind. "

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Directly after this event Jesus pleaded with men to seek a true shepherd. (Jn 10: 1 -10)

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • John 10: 1 -10 - "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 "But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • 4 "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 "Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. " 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. 7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • 8 "All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • It is a common event for men to be captured by men falsely speaking for God. • Do you express loyalty to a denomination? Do you say you will never change? • A religion of ease will lead you to men who will take advantage of you. Are you seeking the truth or worldly ease? Satan can provide the latter! (2 Tim 4: 2 -4)

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • 2 Timothy 4: 2 -4 - Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Please fight to make faith your own. Less teaching and watered down teaching is not the path for the genuine seeker. (Acts 17: 11)

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Acts 17: 11 - These were more fairminded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • “Ask your preacher” is a path that may bring trouble. • Consider the false shepherds in the Old Testament. • God allowed Ezekiel to see the hearts and the actions of the elders of Israel. (Ezk 8: 1, 7 -12)

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Ezekiel 8: 1 - And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell upon me there.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Ezekiel 8: 7 -12 -So He brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, there was a hole in the wall. 8 Then He said to me, "Son of man, dig into the wall"; and when I dug into the wall, there was a door. 9 And He said to me, "Go in, and see the wicked abominations which they are doing there

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • 10 So I went in and saw, and there -- every sort of creeping thing, abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed all around on the walls. 11 And there stood before them seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and in their midst stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan. Each man had a censer in his hand, and a thick cloud of incense went up. •

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • 12 Then He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the room of his idols? For they say, 'The LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the land. ' "

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • While we cannot see into the hearts of men we can see their actions and attitudes. Consider how these elders reacted to God’s prophets! • When men seek worldliness they will have a following. The flock will not be prepared for spiritual challenges. (Isa 56: 10 -11; Jer 10: 21; Ezk 34: 7 -8)

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Isaiah 56: 10 -11 - His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 11 Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Jeremiah 10: 21 - For the shepherds have become dull-hearted, And have not sought the LORD; Therefore they shall not prosper, And all their flocks shall be scattered.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Ezekiel 34: 7 -8 - ' Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: 8 "as I live, " says the Lord GOD, "surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock" --

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Consider the stand teaching that you give your children! • Jesus let the people see the difference between Him and their shepherds. • They saw their leadership deny a miracle and then seek to manipulate their followers with fear. You cannot be open and honest with them! (Jn 9: 20 -22)

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • John 9: 20 -22 - His parents answered them and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 "but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself. "

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put of the synagogue.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • They saw leaders that lashed out with outrageous charges when others did not bow down to their doctrinal positions. • When you have a leadership of fear and intimidation you will find yourself entering the “world of throw-away people. ” Consider the man’s parents.

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • When one comes to know Jesus then this is the only voice you will trust. (Jn 10: 3 -5)

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • John 10: 3 -5 - "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 "Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. "

Jesus wanted men to come under a genuine shepherd • Do we know who to trust?

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • You will never doubt that your real needs will be met. (Ps 23: 1 -6)

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • Psalm 23: 1 -6 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • When you find that shepherd you will find that distinctive path. • While dangers will come you know that He will fight for you! (Jn 10: 11 -14)

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • John 10: 11 -14 - "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 "But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • 13 "The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • The stress and worry of the world can be removed. • Can we place the highest priority and commitment to seeking this shepherd? • Consider the simple but profound change that will come upon us. (Mt 11: 28 -30)

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • Matthew 11: 28 -30 - "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. "

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • There is only one door and one shepherd. It is worth giving up all for His care. (Jn 10: 10)

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • John 10: 10 - "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • The miracle and actions of Jesus caused a division among the people. Do not be afraid to join the genuine few who follow the true shepherd! (Jn 10: 19 -21)

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • John 10: 19 -21 - Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him? " 21 Others said, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? "

The blessings of having Jesus as our shepherd • The great Shepherd awaits our daily decision to follow Him.