The Springdale news., 1917-04-13

This lesson probably occurred at the Feast of the Tabernacle in Octo- Der, A. D. %. The place was Jeru- salem, perhaps in or near the temple. Facts, pictures and illustrations re- gardfng 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.
 I. Jesus, the Door tvv. 1-9).. Any, enc who tries to get access to the sheep any other way than through Jesus the door Is thief and rob Der (v. D. 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; 1t can be closed in case of dan ger, and is strong to protect against storms and thieves. It is a means of separation, to insure privacy, and to furnish means of egress. Jesus says we are to Ego in'i for communion with God, and to "go out for service, to Ego in' for strength and to "go out' for conflict. Verse nine Is a wonder ful verse. Tn 1t we have the simplic- ity of the Gospel, T am the door" the exclusivenesS of the Gospel, By me-" the conditions of the Gospel, 'En- ter in :" the certainty, Be saved" :" the liberty "Go in and out :" the provis- ion, Find pasture"
 The true acceptance of Jesus leads not to life of fear and constraint but to the perfect liberty of child. satisfaction In green pastures CPS. 23: ? that never fail tRev. :16-17). 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 14: 6: Eph. 2 IS; Rom. 5 H. ?; 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 (vv. 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 Il glorious one, 'I came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." As 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 fMatt 1S12). He also had confi- dence, due to his knowledge of God (v. IA. 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 (y. 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 it produces wool, and is good for meat, it 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 :S; John l IS; Col. 1 :19; Eph. 3 3:16-19).
 Doctor Torrey has called our atten- ton to ten points about the good Shep- herd. CD He knows the sheep. (o) He is known by his sheep. (3) He has personal interest in his sheep, calls each by name tv. 3. (D He leadeth them on. (5) He thrusts forth tho laggard sheep (v. D. (69 He over
 
 looks none: all are his own (v. k. VI. CD He goeth before them. He has trodden every step of the way that they must take. (S) He careth for the sheep (v. 13). CD He layeth down his life for the sheep {vv. Il and 15). G0) Giveth eternal and abundant life to the sheep (yv. 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. 3 :2S). It is through hearing his voice that they are to be brought. The laying down of his life was vol untary act on his part, but it was per formed in obedience to the fathers will (See Cbap. 6 :3S; :10). 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).
 This Iova of fha Good Sbanhor5 IaA