The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Christian message. In fact, without the resurrection there is no Christian message. It all revolves around the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is not a philosophy or a theory. It is a fact of history.

In concluding this week’s teaching, Derek discusses those who the Lord has set as under-shepherds to watch over His flock. The marks of the true shepherds are: they speak God’s Word, they set an example of faith to point people to Christ, and they keep watch over the souls of God’s people.

Going back to the Parable of the Sheepfold in John 10, Derek gives three distinctive marks of those sheep that belong to Jesus. They have entered into the sheepfold by the door—through Jesus’ death and resurrection—through His blood. They hear the voice of the shepherd and they follow Him. This speaks of a direct, personal relationship, and also speaks of obedience to the Lord.

In today’s study, Derek looks at the Twenty-third Psalm to bring out the complete provision we have, as sheep of the Great Shepherd, Jesus. Verse by verse Derek goes through this Psalm to show us how we can rest in the security of knowing that our shepherd is watching over and caring for us.

Today Derek identifies the door of the sheepfold, who is Jesus, the only way to enter. Jesus made this clear in the parable, but then He also said that He was the shepherd. Derek takes this paradox, “How can He be both the door and the shepherd?” He reveals that Jesus as the door is Jesus crucified; whereas Jesus as the shepherd is Jesus resurrected.

This week Derek looks at the Parable of the Good Shepherd and His sheepfold. Jesus used this parable in revealing His relationship with His sheep—those who follow Him. Derek explains the identity of the various elements of this parable: namely, that of the shepherd, the sheep, the sheepfold, the doorkeeper, and the owner. See how this parable applies to you.

Finishing this week’s study, Derek reveals four results of bearing fruit in our lives. First, we will get our prayers answered; second, the Father is glorified thus proving we are Jesus’ disciples; third, we remain in God’s love and security; and fourth there is double joy—Jesus’ joy in us and our own joy in our relationship with Him.

One major way of taking care of vines is by pruning. In looking at this process of pruning, Derek emphasizes that the vines that are bearing fruit are the ones that are cut back. This is so they will produce more and better fruit. Pruning in a Christian’s life is not an indication of wrongdoing or punishment. In fact, it shows that God knows how to bring out the best in them.

How can we abide in the vine? Derek uses Jesus’ words to explain this concept. His words must remain in us and we must do what He says. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. As we do this, He will come and make His abode or dwelling place in us.

In delving further into this picture of the vine and the branches, Derek shows us that God expects us, as the branches, to produce fruit. Every branch in us that does not bear fruit is pruned away. What kind of fruit is God looking for? First is the fruit of the Spirit, which makes up aspects of our character. The second type of fruit would be those whom we have won to the Lord through our lives.