The Characters in John 10:

1.The Sheep

The Nature of Sheep

Sheep are VulnerableSheep are Valuable

The Response of Sheep

They know the voice of their shepherd (10:4)They follow the shepherd (10:4)

2.The Thief (10:1,5,8,10)

His Mission: To steal, kill, and destroy

3.The Hired Hand (10:12-13)

Isn’t willing to put the sheep above himselfFlees at the first sign of danger

4.The Good Shepherd (10:11 & 14)

He gives abundant and eternal life (10:10, 28)He lays down His life (10:11, 15, 17 & 18)He knows His own (10:14)He unifies the flock (10:16)He will never let go (10:28-29)

Four Truths from John 10:

1. You are vulnerable and valuable

2. There is an enemy seeking to devour you (1 Peter 5:8 & Matthew 26:41)

3. Lesser shepherds will fail you (Psalm 146:3-5 & 118:8-9)

4. Jesus is the Good Shepherd sent to rescue and bring you home. (Psalm 23)