Power in the Word
THE GOOD SHEPHERD (JOHN 10:11)
KEY SCRIPTURE
”I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.“ (John 10:11 KJV)
WHO IS A SHEPHERD?
A shepherd is a person who tends, feeds or guards a flock of sheep. For example, in the Old Testament, Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and Amos were all shepherds. The scripture says concerning two of them as examples: “…And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.” (Genesis 4:2b KJV) “Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.” (Amos 7:14 NIV)
By extension, a shepherd is – or better put, a metaphor for – a leader over the congregation of God’s people.
The scripture says: “In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’ (2 Samuel 5:2 NIV)
The focus is however on shepherding people rather than sheep. But there are lessons to learn from shepherding sheep in shepherding people.
How did Jesus relate the shepherd imagery to himself?
”I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.“ (John 10:11 KJV)
Then the scripture says: ”Know ye that the LORD he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.“ (Psalm 100:3 KJV)
The sheep here is also figurative.
The shepherd’s life is a hard one. He’s constantly faced with challenges – from predators to inclement weather, to difficult terrain, to thieves and robbers. In spite of these challenges, a shepherd protects, provides for, nurtures, cares for, leads, guides, and multiplies his flock. It’s just as tough for the shepherd over the congregation. The devil is mad at him, so he is prone to spiritual attacks. The devil takes aim at the shepherd so the sheep can scatter and fall prey.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
1. The Good Shepherd looks after his sheep – “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and
look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” (Ezekiel 34:11&12 NIV)
2. He feeds and protects his sheep – “The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.” (Psalms 23:1-2 AMP)
3. He gives them spiritual nourishment – “He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalms 23:3 AMP)
4. He protects, guides and comforts his sheep – “Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear
no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.” (Psalms 23:4 AMP)
Why is this guidance important? Every choice you make matters, whether small or big, so your shepherd wants you to call on him to guide you in all your choices. You’re going to live with the choices you make, so better choose well.
5. He is compassionate – “When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd [waiting], and He was moved with compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd [lacking guidance]; and He began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34 AMP)
6. He gives abundant life to the sheep – The Good Shepherd is the life giver: ”The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.“ (John 10:10 KJV)
7. He is prepared to die for his flock – It’s such a great price to pay for the sin of others: “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:15 KJV)
Jesus said in John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”. It has been pointed out that in the Old Testament the sheep died for the shepherd whereas in the New Testament the Shepherd will die for the sheep. Homer Kent wrote: “Many shepherds died while defending their flocks. There were knives and clubs of robbers to be faced, as well as the attacks of wild animals. In their cases, however, death was always unintended.”
Christ, on the other hand, was also to die for his sheep in order to save them, but he was going to do so voluntarily.
David painted a picture of the Good Shepherd as follows: “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.” (1Samuel 17:34-35 KJV)
He must have reflected on his own life and realised the Lord has been his shepherd. This is reflected in his psalms.
As a shepherd, can you take the bullet for your flock?
8. He enters the sheepfold by the door – The scripture likens the hireling to a robber in contrast to the Good Shepherd:
”Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.“ (John 10:1-2 KJV)
9. He unifies the flock – Rather than engage in divide and rule as bad shepherds do, Jesus unifies the flock.
The scripture says: ”And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.“ (John 10:16 KJV)
This refers to bringing Jews and Gentiles together. Now we’re all one: ”There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.“ (Galatians 3:28 NLT)
10. He cherishes relationship with his sheep – Just as the shepherd calls his sheep by name and they follow him as they know
his voice (John 10:3-4), so also God knows those who are his: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19 KJV)
Partnership between the shepherd and the sheep is very essential to the survival of the sheep just as it is for our survival as the sheep of the Good Shepherd’s pasture. That is what guarantees our real existence. God cherishes this relationship, hence the scripture says: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” (James 4:8a KJV)
WATCH OUT FOR THE BAD SHEPHERD
The devil – whose mission is to steal, kill and destroy – is the ultimate bad shepherd. He has his own sheep who have sold their souls to him – usually for wealth and fame.
What are the characteristics of the bad shepherd?
1. He leads his flock to hell – The devil also has disciples, his flock – devil worshippers who call him master and do his bidding.
He leads his own followers to hellfire while Jesus the Good Shepherd gives his own eternal life.
The scripture makes the distinction clear: ”A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real
and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.“ (John 10:10 MSG)
2. He’s more like a hireling – The bad shepherd is more like a hireling. His style is noted here: ”But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.“
(John 10:12-13 KJV)
He couldn’t care less. The hireling also plays the shepherd’s role, but from a negative perspective. He’s a fake shepherd. He often engages in rustling.
3. He scales the fence into the sheepfold – Jesus exposes the bad shepherd’s modus operandi: ”“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!“ (John 10:1
NLT) While the Good Shepherd would stand at the door and knock (Revelation 3:20), the bad shepherd would just scale the fence and barge in. No decency, no courtesy.
4. He manipulates the flock – Some bad shepherds try to manipulate the flock, turning them into robots, making humans eat grass, transforming them into donkeys (so to say) and riding on them, and such like despicable things. The victims are those who cannot tell the difference between being submissive and being subservient. They don’t care to check the bad shepherd’s instructions against the Lord’s manual, his word.
5. He’s negligent and selfish – The scripture says this attitude incurs the wrath of God: “Therefore, you [spiritual] shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: “As I live,” says the Lord God, “certainly because My flock has become prey, My flock has
even become food for every predator of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock; therefore, you [spiritual] shepherds, hear the word of
the Lord: ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My flock from them and make them stop tending the flock, so that the shepherds cannot feed themselves anymore. I will rescue My flock from their mouth, so that they will not be food for them.” ’(Ezekiel 34:7-10 AMP)
6. He props up pseudo-shepherds to distract and mislead – Having multiple shepherds causes confusion. Some believers have multiple shepherds onsite and online. When there’s no unity of command, the sheep are sometimes exposed to conflicting doctrines. Apostle Paul sounds a note of warning: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel different than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
Let me make it clear: Anyone, no matter who they are, that brings you a different gospel than the gospel that you have received, let them be condemned and cursed!” (Galatians 1:8-9 TPT) It is immaturity to be blown by every wind of doctrine:
“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” (Ephesians 4:14 NLT)
The principle of unity of command is embedded in the words of Jesus, the Good Shepherd: “I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.”
(John 10:16 NLT)
Absalom’s revolt against his father David violates this principle: “And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel…And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.” (2 Samuel 15:6, 12 KJV)
WHY DOES THE SHEEP NEED A GOOD SHEPHERD?
1. Sheep have no sense of direction – The following three scriptures buttress this point: “All of us like sheep have gone astray, We have turned, each one, to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6a AMP)
“O LORD, I know that the path of [life of] a man is not in himself; It is not within [the limited ability of] man [even one at his best] to choose and direct his steps [in life].” Jeremiah 10:23 AMP)
Man’s steps are ordered and ordained by the LORD. How then can a man [fully] understand his way? (Proverbs 20:24 AMP)
2. Sheep are vulnerable – One of the most interesting characteristics of sheep is that they cannot defend themselves. Just as most of us cannot defend ourselves. Our defence is in the Lord.
This scripture readily illustrates this point: “But in the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.”(Psalm
94:22 KJV) Wolves are constantly on the prowl, so the sheep must remain under the shepherd’s protection so as not to fall prey. The same goes for every child of God.
How do the sheep survive in a world of wolves? The default position for a man is to be independent, often saying, ‘I don’t want to be controlled.’ The problem is, we are like sheep, living in a world full of wolves. Unfortunately for the sheep, it is meat for the wolf and the world is a jungle. In a jungle, anything and everything can happen. That is why God wants man dependent on Him as our Shepherd and not independent of Him.
The scripture laments and warns: “They were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the predators of the field.” (Ezekiel 34:5 AMP)
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
One more warning: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15 KJV) Without the shepherd’s protection, the sheep are susceptible to harm. The Job example illustrates the sheep’s vulnerability: “Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is!” (Job 1:9-10 NLT). The moment the wall of protection around Job and his house came down, Job was vulnerable to attack.
3. Sheep are not meant to carry burdens – You will never see sheep carrying a heavy pack on their back. Unlike the beasts
of burden, sheep are not meant to carry heavy loads, or they would be crushed under such a weight.
This is why God compares us to sheep. We were not meant to carry our burdens. We are to give Him our heavy load so He can carry it for us.
Two scriptures to illustrate this:
“Cast your burden on the LORD [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).” (Psalm 55:22 AMP)
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)
4. A wandering sheep will mis-manage scarce resources – The Prodigal son is a reference point: “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.” (Luke 15:13-14 NIV)
5. A wandering sheep is limited in knowledge – A wandering sheep has ‘tunnel vision’ and can’t see around the corner. With the Shepherd, you get insight: “Jesus told the disciples…”I have told you these things before they happen….” (John 14:29 NLT)
Remember what God said to Isaiah: “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV)
6. The sheep’s gift may require nurturing – The shepherd helps to discover and nurture the sheep’s gifting. The scripture
says: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” (1 Timothy 4:14 KJV)
7. Sheep cannot care for themselves – When sheep get injured, they cannot care for themselves. The scripture says: “I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak…” (Ezekiel 34:16a&b NLT)
As the sheep of his pasture, let the Good Shepherd choose for you as every choice you make matters, whether small or big. A sheep, no matter how matured, cannot look after itself, so there is no matured believer that will not need a shepherd. In a world full of wolves and challenges, a wise sheep needs the Good Shepherd. Many don’t come close to fulfilling their destiny because they lack a God- ordained shepherd over their lives.
THE SHEEP’S OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE SHEPHERD
1. Must be submissive – The whole point of being likened to a sheep is to be submissive. This is the No. 1 obligation of the sheep to the shepherd: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17 KJV)
2. Must not behave like goats – Goats have a reputation for stubbornness. Here’s what awaits them: “He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.” (Matthew 25:33, 41 NLT)
3. Must refrain from wandering off – A wandering sheep gets lost and is in danger of the wild beast of the jungle. It thus complicates the already onerous task of the shepherd. This scripture speaks to us as the sheep of his pasture: “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 NLT)
4. Must recognise the shepherd’s voice and follow him – ”And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.“ (John 10:5 KJV)
”My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:“ (John 10:27 KJV)
Do you know the Good Shepherd’s voice? You get to know his voice only by acquainting yourself with his word. What does his word say? When the falcon cannot hear the falconer, as we all know, things fall apart
THE MEDIATOR KEY SCRIPTURE
“For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT)
THE NEED FOR THE MEDIATOR
The Bible clearly states that all humans have sinned and are separated from God. Our sin creates a separation between us and our Holy God. Hence the need for the Mediator to bridge this gap, someone who can reconcile us with God.
The scripture makes this clear in Romans 3:23-24: “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (KJV)
Sin is not without consequences. Romans 6:23 spells out the repercussions:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (KJV)
Jesus is the escape route. He himself makes this clear in John 3:3: “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”” (NIV)
What does it mean to be born again?
John 1:12–13 indicates that being “born again” also carries the idea of becoming “children of God” through trust in the name of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is uniquely qualified to be our Mediator because He is both fully God and fully man. As God, He has the authority and power to forgive sins. As man, He understands our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf. He gave Himself as a ransom, paying the price for our sins, thus reconciling us with God.
BOTH PARTIES AGREE TO MEDIATION
Whether we know it or not, we are beneficiaries of Christ’s mediation between us and God.
No mediation is automatic. Parties in the conflict have to agree to be mediated. And they must agree to be bound by the outcome of the mediation.
God agreed to be mediated with man by providing Jesus. John 3:16- 17 reads: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (KJV)
He offered us the olive branch as he beckoned: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 KJV)
Man also agreed to be mediated with God by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9 KJV)
The scripture says:
“For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.” (Romans 10:4 NLT)
Looking at the terms of the mediation, there is no doubt that God bent over backwards to accommodate mankind.
JESUS AS THE MEDIATOR
Jesus Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant. This concept is central to the New Testament.
Hebrews 9:15 reads:
“That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.” (NLT)
Let us also look at 1 Timothy 2:5:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (KJV)
Hebrews 12:24 says: “and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (KJV)
This leaves no one in doubt as to who the Mediator is – Jesus Christ.
As the Mediator, Jesus fulfils several key roles:
Intercessor: Jesus intercedes on behalf of humanity before God. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, making reconciliation possible. High Priest: Jesus serves as the high priest who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. His role as a high priest is eternal and superior to the Levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant (Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:23-28).
To appropriate the benefits of the New Covenant, it is vitally important to accept the Mediator as Lord and Saviour. The sinners prayer that results in salvation is essentially a covenant.
The scripture talks of more beautiful things flowing from salvation: “Even though we speak like this, beloved, we are fully convinced that there are more beautiful and excellent things, which flow from your salvation.” (Hebrews 6:9 TPT)
The outcome of the mediation is that we have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and reconciled with the Father through the Son.
Colossians 1:13-14 reads:
“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” (NLT)
The scripture says:
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NLT)
As recipients of Christ’s mediation, we are called to be mediators for others, sharing the message of reconciliation. We are Christ’s ambassadors, tasked with bringing His love, peace, and reconciliation to a broken world.
THE OLD AND NEW COVENANTS
In the Bible, a covenant is a solemn agreement or contract between God and humanity. Here are some key points.
Old Testament Covenants:
Noahic Covenant: After the flood, God promised never to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:8-17).
Abrahamic Covenant: God promised Abraham descendants, land, and blessings (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:18).
Mosaic Covenant: Given to Moses at Mount Sinai, it included the Ten Commandments and other laws (Exodus 19-24). Davidic Covenant: God promised an eternal kingdom through David’s lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
New Testament Covenant:
The New Covenant is central to Christianity. It was established through Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus’ blood symbolises forgiveness and a new relationship with God (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15)
Unlike the Old Covenant based on the Law of Moses, the New Covenant is rooted in grace and faith in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. This covenant offers a personal relationship with God and internal transformation through the Holy Spirit. Jeremiah 31:31- 34 is an Old Testament prophesy on the coming of a new covenant where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people, offering forgiveness and a close relationship with Him.
It is the foundation of the Christian faith. It signifies a new relationship between God and humanity, characterised by an internal transformation and a direct, personal connection with God. Unlike the Old Covenant, which was based on the law, the New Covenant focuses on grace, forgiveness, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus guarantees the promises of the New Covenant, ensuring that believers receive the promised eternal inheritance and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 7:22).
Teacher and Lord: Jesus, as the Mediator, not only fulfils the covenant but also teaches and exemplifies the principles of the New Covenant, guiding believers in their faith and relationship with God.
For Christians, the mediating role of Jesus has profound implications as follows: Access to God: Believers have direct access to God through Jesus, without the need for a human intermediary. This access is marked by confidence and boldness (Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16).
Forgiveness of sins: Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, believers receive complete forgiveness of sins, a key aspect of the New Covenant (Colossians 1:13-14).
Transformation and Sanctification: The New Covenant promises an internal transformation, where the laws of God are written on believers’ hearts, leading to sanctification and a changed life (2 Corinthians 3:3, Hebrews 8:10). The law which was on a tablet of stone from the time of Moses is now in the hearts of the people.
Hope of Eternal Life: Jesus, as the mediator, secures the promise of eternal life for believers, providing hope and assurance of their future inheritance (Titus 1:2, 1 Peter 1:3-5).
BETTER COVENANT, BETTER PROMISES
So, what did God and man agree to in this mediation?
The Mediator is the author not only of a new covenant but of a better one: “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” (Hebrews 8:6 KJV)
How sweet is the love of God!
What is better about the New Covenant? This covenant is not like the old covenant based on our deeds (the law) which stipulates: “you do this, then I will do that…” The New Covenant is based on our faith in what Jesus has done.
Romans 3:28 reads:
“God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.” (MSG)
Hallelujah!!!
Better Promises. What are they?
1. Eternal Inheritance.
Hebrews 9:15:
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” (KJV)
2. Not out to get revenge.
Hebrews 12:24:
“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (KJV)
3. Whatever you see now is subject to change.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18:
“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” (MSG)
4. A hundred fold return.
Matthew 19:29:
“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” (KJV)
OUR FOREVER INTERCEDING MEDIATOR
The Mediator knows our frailty. He knows we keep rising and falling. He remembers the battle between the flesh and the Spirit is still raging.
Romans 7:18-19 lays bare humanity’s dilemma:
“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (NLT)
The scripture says in Psalms 103:14:
“For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.” (NLT)
That’s why he hasn’t stopped interceding for us, knowing the devil, the accuser of the brethren, is still on the prowl, waiting to take advantage of us.
The scripture also warns us in 1 Peter 5:8:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (NLT)
We don’t stand a chance against the devil without our Mediator interceding for us. The Mediator paid the penalty for the sins he did not commit. Romans 4:25:
“He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” (NLT)
2 Corinthians 5:21 also says: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (NLT)
First, our Mediator redeemed us by taking away our sins, reconciling us with the Father. Then he de-fanged death as the scripture declares in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57:
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NLT)
It is reassuring that The Mediator is interceding or pleading for us right now. The scripture tells us in Romans 8:31-34 NLT:
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one— for God himself has given us right standing with himself.
Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”
Hallelujah!
Thank you Jesus, our forever interceding Mediator.
THE MASTER
KEY SCRIPTURE
“Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.” (John 20:16 KJV)
1. TEACHER AND MASTER
Shall we begin by looking at our key scripture from two translations.
John 20:16 NLT:
““Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).”
John 20:16 KJV:
“Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.”
The two translations of that scripture show that the teacher is also master. You might say they are synonyms. We call our teacher master, don’t we? At least some of us used to in our school days.
In Hebrew, the word “master” is ‘kurios’, which means “Lord” or “owner.”
A few scriptures to illustrate this. First, Lord. Acts 10:36 NLT:
“This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”
Then, owner. The Master also claims ownership. Isaiah 43:1 reads in the NLT:
“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”
Here’s another scripture on ownership. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV:
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Let’s add a pinch of humour. If the Master is also Teacher, you might wonder, what subject does he teach? Salvation, of course – which is, reconciling humanity back with God.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 KJV:
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”
Jesus is the author and master of salvation. And what assignment has the Master given us? To go into the world and preach the gospel.
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Make no mistake. The Master is coming back to mark that assignment or homework.
Revelation 22:12 should leave no one in doubt about that:
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (KJV)
2. THE REVELATION OF THE MASTER
The Master is a revelation. Our depth of understanding or revelation of the Master determines our liberty.
The scripture says in John 8:32 KJV:
“and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Here are some factors that propel revelation of the Master:
1. Fellowship – Mary had a revelation of the resurrected Master because she had been his follower, ministering to him with her substance (Matthew 27:55-56). Do not neglect the assembly of the saints (Hebrews 10:25)
2. The study of the Word (logos) – This will lead to the rhema, the revelation of the Master. The scripture says, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Ps119:130 also makes us to understand that the entrance of the word gives light and understanding unto the simple.
3. Divine encounters – On the road to Emmaus two of the disciples had an encounter with Jesus but did not recognise him at first. Then their eyes were suddenly opened and they clearly recognised him (Luke 24:13-35). Again on the road to Damascus, Saul who had been breathing threats and murder against the disciples had an encounter with Jesus and was converted (Acts 9:1-8).
4. Hunger and passion for God – Mary went all the way to seek Jesus and she found him. The scripture says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
5. The Mercies of God – The scripture says in Romans 9:15-16: “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (KJV)
3. KNOWLEDGE OF THE MASTER
Understanding the Master’s nature, his likes and dislikes, enhances knowledge of him.
Six things to watch out for are:
1. The Father’s will is paramount –
The Son does only what the Father does.
John 5:19 NLT:
“So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”
He carries out the will of the Father.
John 5:30 NLT:
“I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.”
Remember his words as he prayed on the Mount of Olives:
““Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”” (Luke 22:42 NLT)
2. Master is a title he identifies with –
John 13:12-17 MSG:
“After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table. Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.”
He identifies with the title of Master and Teacher. Yet he has proved a perfect example of a servant-leader as seen in his washing of his disciples’ feet.
3. He wants undivided loyalty –
The Master says you can’t serve two masters.
Matthew 6:24 KJV:
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Absolute trust in the Master is important to him as it should be to us. You can’t serve the Master on Sunday and serve other gods weekdays.
4. The Master cherishes relationship –
First he elevated us from servants to the status of friends.
John 15:15 KJV:
“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
But he’s not looking for fair weather friends. He wants those who would be prepared to suffer with him if need be.
5. The Master is no respecter of persons –
Acts 10:34 KJV:
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”
NLT:
“Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.”
We must remember and celebrate our children’s and close friends’ achievements – graduation, wedding, child dedication etc. Everyone’s birthday matters.
We all have to be intentional about this to avoid any appearance of favouritism.
6. The Master delegates power and authority –
Let us read two scriptures to illustrate this.
Luke 9:1-2 NLT:
“One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.
Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”
Luke 10:17 NLT:
“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!””
The Master delegated power and authority to his disciples and trusted them. Let us also learn to let go.
4. AT THE FEET OF THE MASTER
Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:10a:
“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead….” (NLT)
How do we know him? What is it about the Master’s feet?
1. It is a Place of Learning –
Let us read Luke 10:39,42:
39.“Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared.
42.Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.””
(TPT)
2. The Master’s feet is a place of pardon, a place of forgiveness –
Let us look at Luke 7:36-38,48 NLT:
36.One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.
37.When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume.
38.Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.
48.Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
The woman found forgiveness from her sins as she knelt at the feet of Jesus. When the woman touched the Master, His virtue became her own as her faith and repentance were expressed there at His feet!
3. It is is a place of healing –
Matthew 15:30-31 illustrates this:
30.“A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all.
31.The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel.” (NLT)
All manner of sickness, disease and heavy burden were healed at the Masters feet.
4. It is a Place of Prayer –
The following story illustrates this.
Mark 5:22-23:
22.”And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
23.And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.” (KJV)
5. It is is a place of thanksgiving –
The story of the only leper out of the ten cleansed who returned to say thank you to the Master illustrates this.
Let us read only Luke 17:16:
“And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.”
After giving thanks, he was made whole.
6. It is a place of rest –
Sitting at the Master’s feet is primarily a picture of rest.
To be at rest means to be inwardly quiet, composed and peaceful, to get a break from multiple struggles and stress.
Let us read Luke 8:35:
“Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.”
Demons had afflicted his mind, and he had no rest, but now he’s in his right mind, at rest, and naturally, wanted to continue to find rest at the feet of Jesus.
Do your best to come and sit at the Master’s feet and you will experience rest.
7. It is a place of worship –
Being at the Master’s feet represents an act of worship. It is an acknowledgement that a person recognises who Jesus is, and that there is something special about Him.
Let us take another look at Luke 17, this time verses 15-16:
15.One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!”
16.He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.” (NLT)
8. It is a place of conversion and transformation –
This is about a spiritual turning away from sin in repentance and to Christ in faith.
Let us illustrate with 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT)
Everything changes at the feet of of the Master.
5. LET THE MASTER’S NATURE RUB OFF ON YOU
You can’t be at the Master’s feet and his nature will not rub off on you. That’s impossible!
However the transformation is gradual. 2 Corinthians 3:18 bears testimony to this:
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (KJV)
Let us ponder on the following to see how the Master’s nature rubs off on us.
1. When you’ve been with the Master it shows –
When Peter had healed the impotent man, the people marvelled. The scripture says:
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.” (Acts 4:13-14 KJV)
2. Apostle Paul speaks on manifestations of following the Master’s footsteps –
Philippians 4:8 KJV:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
That way, you can’t go wrong.
The more we know the Master, the more we are conformed to his image, the more we are humbled, and the more we should desire to know him even more.