The Green Forest tribune., 1917-04-13
LESSON FOR APRIL 15
JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
LESSON TEXT-John 10:7-17.

This lesson probably occurred at the Feast of the Tabernacle in Octo- Der, A. D. 29. The place was Jeru- salem, perhaps in or near the temple Facts, pictures and illustrations re garding eastern shepherd life can be used effectively in teaching the lesson The true teacher must impart, develop and protect Jesus does all of these things.
 l. Jesus, the Door (vv. 1-9).. Any one who tries to get access to the sheep any other way than through Jesus the door is thief and a rob- Der (v. 1). A door is an invitation to enter, to investigate, to purchase, to learn, to meet others. It is the proper entrance. To go in through any other way arouses suspicion. It is also a means of safety to control those who enter; it can be closed in case of dan ger, and is strong to protect against storms and thieves It is means of separation, to insure privacy, and to furnish means of egress. Jesus says we are to "go in'' for communion with God, and to "go out" for service, to "go in' for strength and to "go out" for conflict. Verse nine is a wonder full verse. In it we have the simplic- ity of the Gospel, "I am the door y the excluSiveness of the Gospel, By me-" the conditions of the Gospel, "En- ter in" the certainty, Be saved;" the ;,, ha rnrnxyi G. ion, Find pasture"
 The true acceptance of Jesus leads not to life of fear and constraint but to the perfect liberty of a child, satisfaction in green pastures CPS. 23 :: 9 that never fail (Rev. 7:16-1O. The worlds richest pasture lands are bleak and barren wildernesses in comparison with this. Christ is the door to other things not mentioned in this lesson (See John IA 6; Eph. 2 IS; Rom. l. 2; Heb. 10:19-22). By him we enter the room of the knowledge of God. The Christians business is to know God and to make him known.
 II. Jesus, the Good Shepherd tvv. 10-1S). It is not enough to be door. A door has no volition. It cannot leave Its place. A shepherd can go in and out. A false Christ and false shep- herd are really thieves and robbers who come to "Steal and kill and de- stroy." On the other hand, Jesus mission was a glorious one, q cane that they might have life, and that they might have 1t more abundantly." As a good Shepherd CD he has cour- age (v. 12). Jesus was not only will ing, but actually did give his life for the sheep. He had love for all of the sheep. and was willing to seek the lost (Matt. 1S:12). He also had conf. dence, due to his knowledge of God tv. 14). This is not audacity but quiet confidence due to experience. He knows the proper pastures. He knows where to find water for the sheep. He knows the dangers and pitfalls along the pathway. He knows how to di- rect our efforts. Sunday school teach CTS who are following in the steps of the master, and who perform the acts of a good shepherd, must pay the price of knowledge. CD Jesus had character (v. 15). He was right in the sight of God, but in order to be right in the sight of God he must also be right in the sight of men. God ex- poets results. The church expects re- suits from us. The parents who trust their children to our teaching expect results. A sheep does not live for it. self. It lives for others. Unless 1t produces wool, and is good for meat, 1t has existed in vain; so God, man and the church expect of us, as under shepherds, that we shall produce re- suits. This we do not have to do In our own strength for any of us may have the life which is abundant" and "exceeding" and "beyond measure" " The question Is, have we this super abundant life? (See I Pet 1:S; John l :15; Col. :19; Eph. 3:16-19).
 Doctor Torrey has called our atten- tion to ten points about the good Shep- herd. CD He knows the sheep. (2) He is known by his sheep. t3) He has personal interest in his sheep, calls each by name (v. 3. (4) He leadeth them on. (5) He thrusts forth the laggard sheep (v. 4). (6) He over looks none all are his own (v, R. VI. CD He goeth before them, He has trodden every step of the way that they must take. (8) He careth for the sheep (v. 13). (9) He layeth down his life for the sheep (vv. il and 15) (10) Giveth eternal and abundant life to the sheep (vv. 10, 2S, 29).
 Jesus has sheep outside of Israel (v 16). When these are brought in they will all become one fold (Eph. 2:14 15; Gal 8 :2S). It is through hearing his voice that they are to be brought The laying down of his life was a vol untary act on his part, but it was per formed in obedience to the fathers will (See Chap. 6:3S; 15 :1O. Jesus | intended that his relation to his fol lowers should be exactly like that which bound himself to the Father (See Chap. r :21-23). Because the Father loved him he lays down his life that he might take it again.
 If the Shepherd had remained In the grave, what would have become o1 the sheep?
 He had power to lay 1t down he has power to take 1t again.
 Even so we are to forfeit our lives but Christ's life has passed through the trial and so he has a right to lay it down and to take it up again.
 The commandment which Jesus re ceived from the Father was not to die but to assume absolute authority over