Christ, Our Example: Sacrifice Series

Christ, Our Example: Sacrifice

August 21, 2011 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: Jesus is the ultimate example of sacrifice, as He gave Himself to save us.

Focus Passage: John 10:11-18

Supplemental Passage: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 NASB)

Introduction: During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in trouble. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. He couldn't disappoint his people, and to capitulate to the enemy was unthinkable. After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia to bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country. For each ornament received, he determined to exchange a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. Each decoration would be inscribed, "I gave gold for iron, 18l3." The response was overwhelming. Even more important, these women prized their gifts from the king more highly than their former jewelry. The reason, of course, is clear. The decorations were proof that they had sacrificed for their king. Indeed, it became unfashionable to wear jewelry, and thus was established the Order of the Iron Cross. Members wore no ornaments except a cross of iron for all to see. When Christians come to their King, they too exchange the flourishes of their former life for a cross. Lynn Jost.

I. He Is the Good Shepherd

a. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. (Isaiah 53:6 NASB)

b. He knows His Sheep

c. His Sheep hear His Voice

II. He Lays Down His Life for His Sheep

a. He willingly laid His Life Down: LORD’S SUPPER

i. Jesus said that He would be broken for us

1. (Jesus said) "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day." (Luke 9:22 NASB)

2. And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." (Luke 22:15-16)

3. And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (Luke 22:19)

ii. Jesus said that He would be poured out for us

1. And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes." (Luke 22:17-18)

2. And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. (Luke 22:15-20 NASB)

III. He Has the Power to Pick His Life Back Up Again

a. (Jesus said) "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day." (Luke 9:22 NASB)

b. But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb ... And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. … two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; … the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? "He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." (Luke 24:1-7 NASB)

Invitation: