The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-07-10
INTERNATIONAL LESSONS.
BY REV. T. D. nARoREAvEs.


Lesson 2, July l1h.
JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
John 10, l-l8. Golden Text, John 10,
IL. Time, October, A. D. 20. Place,
Jerusalem.
The man whose sight had been restored
had had another interview with Jcsns,
and had become His willing disciple. A
crowd gathered round and listened to
the conversation. Some Rabbis were
there, as usual, ready to find fault with
His teachings and acts, and report them
to the councils.
Jesus told them the parable ofthe good
shepherd, using very familiar illustp-
ton to convey the most important truths.
His audience must have been well
acquainted with the facts of the illustra-
ton, and o~ght to have understood lis
application more fully than they
did.
In Oriental countries the shepherd
sustains close relation to his flock. The
same is true Of the mountainous districts
in the north of England and Scotland.
Isolation, privation, dangers endured
and happiness enjoyed in common
bind the shepherd closely to his
sheep. 80 -
AT night II was the custom to'ttake his
flock to the common fold and there leave
it in charge of the porter, who with his
dog would guard the entrance.
Several Aocks would be in the same
enclosure, or fold at the same time.
The door shut and guarded, the sheep
were safe from the attacks of wolves and
the depredations of robbers. FEL'
In the morning the shepherds knock at
the door, the porterUpens it, and they 90
In and call their foolis. Z ] ttls
The shepherd knows. each individusl
sheep of his flock and each sheep knows
his voice. When he calls the sheep they
Immediately follow him, But if a
stranger calls them even by name, they
look up in alarm and then run away.
During the day the shepherd leads his
flock into green pastures and beside cool
ing streams, they gladly following where
he leads.
What a beautiful picture our Savior
here presents of Himself and His church.
He represents Himself as the true door,
through which ali must pass who would
enter His kingdom. There is no other
way except by Christ. Then, He repre-
sents Himself as the Good Shepherd who
knows His people and who leads them
into paths of pcasantness and peace.
The "other sheep" to which he referred
were the Gentiles; and false shepherds
were the false teachers, especially the
Rabbis, the Pharisces, and the priest.
Jesus tells them that as good shepherd
He will not only provide His followers
with secured fold; not only protect
them from thieves, robbers and wild
ANIMALS; not only lead them into green
pastures and beside still waters;" but lie
will also lay down Ills life for them. He
thus teaches still more clearly than eyer
before, that the Gentiles should have a
part in His new kingdom, and that He
Himself should culminate His life work
on the Cross. Not by force but volun-
tarily. He is the author and giver of
life. He could have saved Himself; but
of His own accord. voluntarily, He laid
down His life for the sheep.
Lesson THOUGHTS.
/. Christ is the Shepherd. Let lis
follow Him.
2. Christ used illustrations which we're
easily understood.
3. Christ knows each follower by name,
and takes an individual interest in each
one.
4. Christ is the door. Enter while
you may.