23-0813p - Detailed Summary

The speaker acknowledges that this Psalm aligns with the theme of the ongoing lesson series titled "I Am the Good Shepherd."

The speaker introduces the lesson as the 23rd in the "Great I Am" series and the 18th in the book of John, focusing on the "I Am the Good Shepherd" statement from John 10. This lesson is a continuation from a morning session where the same theme was discussed, linking it to the earlier "I Am the Door" statement in the same chapter of John.

The discussion starts with John 10:12-13, where Jesus contrasts himself with a hired hand who would abandon the sheep when danger appears, highlighting the lack of care by those who do not own the sheep. The speaker explains this as an allegory that criticizes the Pharisees for not genuinely caring for their followers, equating them with hired hands who run away when trouble comes.

The lesson then moves to verses 14-15, where Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep intimately and loves them to the point of laying down his life for them. This relationship is contrasted with that of hired hands, emphasizing Jesus’s dedication and love, akin to the relationship between Jesus and God the Father. The speaker also discusses how the sheep recognize and follow Jesus’s voice, relying on him for all spiritual needs.

Addressing verse 16, the speaker explains that Jesus refers to other sheep not of the Jewish fold, indicating the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian church. This interpretation is supported by references to Old Testament promises to Abraham and the teachings in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, emphasizing unity in Christ where distinctions like Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female do not exist.

The speaker critiques contemporary societal divisions by identity politics, contrasting this with the unity preached by Jesus. They argue that in God’s church, all are equal, drawing from both scripture and the vision of heaven to illustrate a place without division, where all are simply children of God.

Finally, the lesson touches on verses 17-18, where Jesus speaks of his voluntary death and resurrection, emphasizing his authority and the love that motivates his sacrifice. This part of the lesson underscores the preordained plan for salvation and the rejection by some despite witnessing Jesus’s miracles, like the healing of the blind man. The speaker ties these teachings back to the overarching theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, offering salvation to all who believe.

The speaker discusses the Trinity’s existence before the creation of any world, physical or spiritual, in an unrevealed realm. They decided to create life out of love, with the plan to showcase their love through free will, knowing that sin would necessitate a savior. This plan was made before time began, with the second person of the Godhead designated as the sacrificial lamb, demonstrating divine qualities like love, mercy, and intelligence.

The narrative continues with the creation of two worlds: an eternal, timeless spiritual world and a physical world bound by natural laws. Jesus is identified as the main creator of these worlds, with various spiritual beings like angels also created. Both spiritual and physical beings were endowed with free will, with humans consisting of body, soul, and spirit. Spiritual beings can interact with the physical world to assist humans.

The speaker talks about the consequences of free will, leading to disobedience among both spiritual and physical beings. This disobedience resulted in spiritual beings, including a third of the angels, being expelled from heaven and initiating a battle between good and evil. These fallen beings now aim to corrupt humans before Christ’s return.

Jesus is portrayed as the only human without sin, thus the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s redemption. The speaker references Jesus’s prayer in John 17:24, where Jesus expresses his desire for believers to be with him to witness his pre-creation glory, emphasizing his role as the second person of the Godhead.

The lesson refers to Ephesians 1:3-5, discussing how God chose believers before the foundation of the world for adoption into His family, highlighting this as the essence of creation. This divine plan was for the joy and pleasure of having loved ones to worship and love Him back.

The speaker recounts the division among the Jews after Jesus’s discourse on being the Good Shepherd, leading to debates about his divinity and sanity. Despite his miraculous signs, like healing the blind, many still rejected him, prompting discussions on faith and disbelief. Jesus’s assertion of being one with the Father incites accusations of blasphemy, leading to attempts to stone him, though he escapes and continues his ministry.

The session concludes with reflections on the miracles of Jesus as proof of his divine nature and the ultimate judgment where the Good Shepherd welcomes the faithful into heaven. The speaker encourages maintaining faith, referencing Matthew 25:31, 34, where Jesus welcomes the blessed into the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world. An invitation for spiritual needs is then extended as they sing an invitation song.