What Does it Mean for Christ to Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd?

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the relationship between Christ and believers?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Christ's relationship with believers is a special, personal one. He states, "To be a Christian means that you're in a special relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ." He emphasizes that this relationship is marked by ownership - Christ calls them "my sheep" and "knows them by name." This relationship was established through Christ's sacrifice: "He tells us that he brings those who are Christians into this relationship by giving his life for us, that we are his because he's bought us and because he has purchased us." The relationship is reciprocal, as believers "hear his voice" and "follow him," recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and their personal Savior.

What does the shepherd metaphor reveal about Christ's care for believers?

The shepherd metaphor reveals Christ's comprehensive care for believers. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd" means Christ tends to every need of His people. This includes: giving them new life ("I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly"), providing sustenance ("He shall go in and out and find pasture"), carrying the young and weak ("He will gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom"), gently leading those who struggle ("shall gently lead those that are with young"), and offering protection and security ("they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand").

How does Christ care for new and weak believers according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes Christ's special care for new and weak believers. Using Isaiah's imagery, he explains that Christ "will take the young and gather them into his arm and carry them in his bosom." This means Christ understands their weakness and ignorance, and doesn't expect immediate understanding: "Young converts need have no fear...He knows all about your ignorance. He knows all about your weakness." Lloyd-Jones advises new believers to "Leave yourself in his hands. He'll bear with you. He'll carry you." He also explains how Christ is gentle with the weak, referencing "The bruised Reed he will not break and the smoking flax he will not quench," showing that Christ doesn't reject those who are damaged or barely hanging on spiritually.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the main difference between Christians and non-Christians?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones clearly states that the fundamental difference between Christians and non-Christians is their relationship to Christ. He says, "Here is the fundamental division and distinction. To be Christian means to be in a particular special relationship to him." He references Jesus' own words about "those who are my sheep and those who are not my sheep." Christians are those who "recognize the Lord Jesus Christ and his voice," believing the truth about who He is - the Son of God who came to save sinners. They acknowledge their sinfulness and need for salvation, and have been given new life by Christ. The Christian "knows the truth about him. He knows that he's come and did come into the world to die for him."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the security of believers in Christ?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the complete security of believers in Christ. He quotes Jesus' words: "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." He affirms that Christ "will guard us, he'll protect us, he'll guide us, he'll never leave us, nor forsake us. He'll answer all our needs, will never fail us in life nor in death." Lloyd-Jones then quotes Romans 8, concluding that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This security extends through all of life, death, and eternity, culminating when Christ "has presented you, perfect and faultless, in the presence of God, in eternity."