Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

March 15, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

-Romans 12:1-2 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11)  

Sheep With a Shepherd 

John 10:1-18 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23 (We will read this text together as a congregation) 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

CONTEXT: The events of John 10 are connected to both the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Dedication (3 months later) in Jerusalem. The healing of the blind man (John 9) and the response of Israel’s leaders are in the minds of the original hearers of Jesus’ teachings (John 10:21). 

CRITIQUE: The Biblical context for the teachings of Jesus seem to be found in passages like: 

Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded. 

-Zechariah 11:17 

Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but do not take care of the flock . . . I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them and be their shepherd. 

-Ezekiel 34:2-3. 23 

CLAIM: Jesus declares boldly, “I am the Good Shepherd!” 

COMPETENT: Jesus is a competent Shepherd! 

He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. 

-Psalm 78:70-72 

COMPASSION: Jesus is a compassionate Shepherd! 

-He knows us! 

-He has died for us!  

CENTER: He is at the very center of God’s redemptive activity in all of creation!