The True Shepherd

Notes from Meeting 24 July 2012

Picture of Jesus in a field with his sheep. All the very young sheep were jumping and gambolling around him as he stroked each one. They loved him and he loved them.
Jesus asked his flock to follow him. The young followed straight away. The older ones were comfortable eating the lush grass and hedges, still most of them complied, some though were stubborn and carried on eating ignoring their masters call to move.
Some even thought they knew better as this seemed good pasture and they ignored his call.
Jesus called a second time and a few more joined him.
In the distance wolves were moving steadily closer toward them.
Jesus called a third time. All the other sheep were safe with Jesus in the sheepfold. The sheep outside the sheepfold realised they were in  great danger and started to panic and tremble.
Jesus came among them and lifted his crook to the wolves, they turned away and slunk off.
Jesus said "Come follow me, none shall harm my own, I lay down my for my own, if you follow me I will lead you to rich pasture, come my beloved flock, heed my call, be with me the true shepherd".

Matthew 9 v 35- 37
35 Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and all kinds of illness.

36 And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to his harvest.'

Hebrews 6 v 1-3 
1 Let us leave behind us then all the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to its completion, without going over the fundamental doctrines again: the turning away from dead actions, faith in God,
2 the teaching about baptisms and the laying -- on of hands, about the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgement.
3 This, God willing, is what we propose to do.