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lay it down of myself: (.) I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up. again. This Commandment received 1 from my Father.” The act of our Lord’s laying down His life for the sheep was an act of obedience to the Father (cf. Phil. 2 : 8 ). *The sacrifice of Christ began in the love of God the Father (John 3:16), hut it was in obedience to the Father that our Lord Jesus made the sacrifice, and because of this obedience even unto death the Father loved Him (cf. John 15:9, TO). The laying down of His life was a per fectly voluntary act on Jesus’ part (v. 18). It was performed in glad obedience to the Father’s will (ch. 6:38; 15:10). In the whole chapter we learn ten great points about the Good Shepherd: (1) He knows the sheep even as the Father knoweth ¡Him, and He the Father (vs. 14, 15). ( 2 ) He is known by the sheep. (3) .Has a per sonal interest in each sheep and deals with it individually, calls it by name. (4) Leadeth them out. (5) Thrusts forth the laggard (v. 4). ( 6 ) Overlooks not one, of “His own” (v. 4, R. V.). (7) “Goéth before them.” He has trodden every step of the way we must take. ( 8 ) Careth for the sheep (v. 13). (9) “Layeth down His life for the sheep” (vs. 11-15). (10) Giveth eternal and abundant life to the sheep (vs. 10, 28, 29). What does He give to those who accept Him as Shepherd? John 6:51. What right have they? John 1:12. What is included in His life? Eph. 1:7. Is there an abundance of life for thd Sheep? John 7:37. How can the abundant life be secured? Phil. 4 : 6 , 7. ( 2 ) T h e D evoted S h epherd, vs. 14-18. How does He acquire His sheep? John 17:6; 6:44. ' What did He suffer for them? vs. 11, 17, 18.
the Father. These are wonderful words. Who can fathom the depth and intimacy of that knowledge. There is life and eter nal security in that knowledge (John 17:3; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1:12). Again our Lord returns to the thought of the greatness of His love attested in His laying down His life for the sheep. v. 16. “And other shee-p I have, which are not of this fold: they also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be (they shall become) one fold (flock), and (omit, and) one shepherd." The other sheep which our Lord here men- tiorfs are the sheep which are not of the household of Israel, the Gentile sheep. There are those who contend that only Jews are sheep, but the clear reference here is to Gentiles as sheep, and Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles speaks of Gentiles as a flock (Acts 20:28). When the Lord should bring these Gentile sheep, they with the Jews who were His sheep would become “one flock” and have “one Shep herd.” While outside of Christ there is both Jew and Gentile, in Christ there is' neither Jew nor Gentile (Gal. 3:27, 28), but one flock, one Shepherd. vs; 17, 18. " Therefore doth my (the) Father love me, because I lay down my life (add; ) that I might ( may ) take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I ( 1 ) T h e D o o r of th e Sheep. Is the Cross the door? v. 9. How did Jesus enter in? v. 11; Phil. 2:6-8; Matt. 7:13, 14. What sign is over the door? Rev. 22:17. Is there any other door? Acts 4:12; Rev. 22:14 (R.V.). Out of what, and into what, does the door lead ? 5 :24; 1 Peter 2 :9. From what are the sheep saved? Luke ,15:4; 19:10. Is there safety for the sheep? vs. 28, 29. Why did the Jews refuse to believe? v. 26.
LESSON OUTLINE
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