March 19th.—Christ the Good Shepherd.
To read—St. John x. 1-16. Golden Text—Ver. 11.
Last lesson showed Christ as source of light—giving sight to the eyes and heart of blind man; to-day's shows Him as "Love," the Good Shepherd, giving His life for His sheep.
I. Christ the Door of the Fold (1-10). Connection with healing of blind man.
Pharisees were bad shepherds—he found the true.
They drove him away—Christ the Good Shepherd took him into His fold.
Explanation of the different parts of the parable.
The sheepfold—Christ's Church on earth (ver. 16).
The door—Christ Himself, the only way to God.
The sheep—the people of Christ (Ps. c. 2).
The shepherds—God's ministers, feeding and leading the flock (1 Pet. v. 2) in the right way.
The porter—God's Spirit opening hearts to Christ.
Illustration: Christ is as a Good Shepherd. How?
He comes to the sheep in the fold. He calls by name, and goes before to lead them. They recognise voice, trust Him, and follow.
Contrast between Christ and the Pharisees. They are robbers (St. Matt. xxiii. 14, etc.), blind guides, hypocrites, leading men to ruin. Now thirsting to kill Him. Christ is the way of salvation. Thief takes life; shepherds protect life. He gives life, here and hereafter.
Application. Whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life.
II. Christ the Good Shepherd (11-16). His name.
Good, i.e. beautiful, noble, loving. He is perfect in contrast with imperfect ministers; true as opposed to false; good as giving His life. Mere hirelings desert the flock in danger.
His work. Knows each intimately—cares for wants. Dies that they may be saved. Seeks wanderers. Folds all safely in fold at last.
Lessons. The privileges of Christ's flock.
1. Safety in the fold of His Church.
2. Succour in time of want and danger.
3. Sympathy. They know Him, and He knows them.
Christ the Door.
It is said that the ancient city of Troy had but one way of entrance. In whatever direction the traveller went, he would find no way into the city but the one which was legally appointed, and the only one which was used by those who went in and out. There is only one right way to the favour of God, to the family of God, to the presence of God in prayer, and, finally, to the City of God in eternity, and that one way is Christ. "I am the way," He declares, "and no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."