Shepherd, 14 December 2025
15 12 25 Filed in: Sermons | Handel's Messiah
Shepherd
Handel’s Messiah
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
December 14, 2025
Isaiah 40:9-11; 60:1; Matthew 11:28-29
Series Big Idea: Handel’s Messiah may be the greatest work of music ever created, bringing praise and glory to the Creator.
Big Idea: Jesus the Messiah is the Good Shepherd who offers rest for your soul.
Advent Theme: Joy
Song(s): O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion, He Shall Feed
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word…shepherd?
It’s hardly a common occupation in our country. One report I read said there are 125 shepherds in the United States…or less than three per state! There are, however, more than 62,000 people in the United States with the last name Shepherd! I’m not sure if I’ve ever met a shepherd…or even seen one in the wild! I’ve seen shepherds dressed in bathrobes in Christmas pageants, but that’s about it! Most of us understand the role of shepherds about as well as first-century citizens of Israel understood computer programmers!
Jesus the Messiah is the Good Shepherd who offers rest for your soul.
This Advent, we’re looking at the scriptures in Handel’s Messiah pertaining to the first arrival of Jesus. The prophet Isaiah spoke about the Messiah hundreds of years before his birth.
O Zion, You who bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, You who bring good tidings, Lift up your voice with strength, Lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” (Isaiah 40:9, NKJV)
VIDEO: AMERICAN BACH SOLOISTS
VIDEO: STEVIE WONDER, https://youtu.be/3UHW1mvlGxU
Several prophetic passages in Messiah speak of messengers, our subject last week. Last week it was from Malachi and today it’s Isaiah who highlights the delivery of good news…and doesn’t our world need more good news? The message here is simple: behold your God! Here is your God. He is here. Notice Him. Pay attention. Look upon Him. Turn to Him. Follow Him.
Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. (Isaiah 40:10, NKJV)
This word “behold” is one I rarely noticed. Ironically, it means “pay attention!” God is strong. He will come…soon. Get ready! That was the message before Jesus’ first visit to our planet. Today we are awaiting his promised return, his arrival. Words cannot begin to describe how wonderful, amazing, and truly awesome is our God! The song we heard earlier includes this message from Isaiah chapter 60:
Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1, NKJV)
Our light has, indeed, come. About 2000 years ago, he was born in the town of Bethlehem. Jumping back to chapter 40, we encounter the Good Shepherd.
He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. (Isaiah 40:11, NKJV)
VIDEO: AMERICAN BACH SOLOISTS
VIDEO: Steven Curtis Chapman & Sandi Patti, https://youtu.be/rXUIQAFa84w
The most famous chapter in the Bible beautifully describes Jesus the Good Shepherd, written by David who was, himself, a shepherd!
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)
We could stop here. What else do we need?
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2-3)
Could you use some quiet, some refreshment? Are you looking for guidance?
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
The rod and staff serve as protection and discipline to ensure our safety and well-being.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies. (Psalm 23:5a)
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5b)
These were powerful images in the culture of blessing and provision.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. (Psalm 23:6)
If you don’t care about God’s presence, never mind! But if you want to be with God, dwell with God, spend eternity with God, the invitation is yours to accept. His arms are wide open, no matter what you’ve done in the past or who you are.
Jesus the Messiah—the Good Shepherd—said,
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29, NKJV)
VIDEO: Steven Curtis Chapman & Sandi Patti, https://youtu.be/rXUIQAFa84w
During this Christmas season when we put together wish lists and are bombarded by commercials, I want to remind you nothing satisfies like Jesus. There is no greater present than presence of God. I know many of you are heavy laden…you have heavy hearts. Take Jesus at his word. He is gentle and offers rest, not only physical rest but rest for your soul. We could all use more of that! A newer translation of this text says,
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29, NLT)
So What?
Jesus the Messiah is the good shepherd. He said so!
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (John 10:11-13)
He says it again in the next verse!
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14-15)
Do you know the good shepherd? Are you willing to follow the Good Shepherd? Sheep are vulnerable creatures, unable to protect themselves from wild animals. They cannot bite or kick or claw their enemies. If they fall, they are unable to get themselves back up. They need help finding food and water. Sheep need a shepherd…and must remain close to the shepherd to survive. So do we!
Jesus the Messiah came as a baby and laid down his life for us. What more could he give? His birth announcement was given to a group of shepherds, but that’s another story!
What Jesus asks is not just intellectual belief of historic events, but surrender and submission. He wants to be close to you to lead and guide, feed and provide for you. Have you said “yes” to Jesus? You can do so with a simple prayer: Jesus, I give you my life. If that’s you today, I want to celebrate with you. Please let me know via e-mail or in person. Perhaps you used to know Jesus and have wandered off. He told a beautiful parable in Luke 15 about the lost sheep and how the shepherd will leave the 99 to pursue the one missing lamb. If that’s you, it’s not too late to return to the flock. Perhaps that’s why you’re here today!
If you’ve been following the Good Shepherd, remember we make choices every day to wander or remain close to Christ. He loves you more than you can imagine and always has our best interest at heart. He will never lead us astray.
Jesus the Messiah is the Good Shepherd who offers rest for your soul. Hallelujah!
Handel’s Messiah
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
December 14, 2025
Isaiah 40:9-11; 60:1; Matthew 11:28-29
Series Big Idea: Handel’s Messiah may be the greatest work of music ever created, bringing praise and glory to the Creator.
Big Idea: Jesus the Messiah is the Good Shepherd who offers rest for your soul.
Advent Theme: Joy
Song(s): O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion, He Shall Feed
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word…shepherd?
It’s hardly a common occupation in our country. One report I read said there are 125 shepherds in the United States…or less than three per state! There are, however, more than 62,000 people in the United States with the last name Shepherd! I’m not sure if I’ve ever met a shepherd…or even seen one in the wild! I’ve seen shepherds dressed in bathrobes in Christmas pageants, but that’s about it! Most of us understand the role of shepherds about as well as first-century citizens of Israel understood computer programmers!
Jesus the Messiah is the Good Shepherd who offers rest for your soul.
This Advent, we’re looking at the scriptures in Handel’s Messiah pertaining to the first arrival of Jesus. The prophet Isaiah spoke about the Messiah hundreds of years before his birth.
O Zion, You who bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, You who bring good tidings, Lift up your voice with strength, Lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” (Isaiah 40:9, NKJV)
VIDEO: AMERICAN BACH SOLOISTS
VIDEO: STEVIE WONDER, https://youtu.be/3UHW1mvlGxU
Several prophetic passages in Messiah speak of messengers, our subject last week. Last week it was from Malachi and today it’s Isaiah who highlights the delivery of good news…and doesn’t our world need more good news? The message here is simple: behold your God! Here is your God. He is here. Notice Him. Pay attention. Look upon Him. Turn to Him. Follow Him.
Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. (Isaiah 40:10, NKJV)
This word “behold” is one I rarely noticed. Ironically, it means “pay attention!” God is strong. He will come…soon. Get ready! That was the message before Jesus’ first visit to our planet. Today we are awaiting his promised return, his arrival. Words cannot begin to describe how wonderful, amazing, and truly awesome is our God! The song we heard earlier includes this message from Isaiah chapter 60:
Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1, NKJV)
Our light has, indeed, come. About 2000 years ago, he was born in the town of Bethlehem. Jumping back to chapter 40, we encounter the Good Shepherd.
He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. (Isaiah 40:11, NKJV)
VIDEO: AMERICAN BACH SOLOISTS
VIDEO: Steven Curtis Chapman & Sandi Patti, https://youtu.be/rXUIQAFa84w
The most famous chapter in the Bible beautifully describes Jesus the Good Shepherd, written by David who was, himself, a shepherd!
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)
We could stop here. What else do we need?
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2-3)
Could you use some quiet, some refreshment? Are you looking for guidance?
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
The rod and staff serve as protection and discipline to ensure our safety and well-being.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies. (Psalm 23:5a)
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5b)
These were powerful images in the culture of blessing and provision.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. (Psalm 23:6)
If you don’t care about God’s presence, never mind! But if you want to be with God, dwell with God, spend eternity with God, the invitation is yours to accept. His arms are wide open, no matter what you’ve done in the past or who you are.
Jesus the Messiah—the Good Shepherd—said,
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29, NKJV)
VIDEO: Steven Curtis Chapman & Sandi Patti, https://youtu.be/rXUIQAFa84w
During this Christmas season when we put together wish lists and are bombarded by commercials, I want to remind you nothing satisfies like Jesus. There is no greater present than presence of God. I know many of you are heavy laden…you have heavy hearts. Take Jesus at his word. He is gentle and offers rest, not only physical rest but rest for your soul. We could all use more of that! A newer translation of this text says,
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29, NLT)
So What?
Jesus the Messiah is the good shepherd. He said so!
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (John 10:11-13)
He says it again in the next verse!
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14-15)
Do you know the good shepherd? Are you willing to follow the Good Shepherd? Sheep are vulnerable creatures, unable to protect themselves from wild animals. They cannot bite or kick or claw their enemies. If they fall, they are unable to get themselves back up. They need help finding food and water. Sheep need a shepherd…and must remain close to the shepherd to survive. So do we!
Jesus the Messiah came as a baby and laid down his life for us. What more could he give? His birth announcement was given to a group of shepherds, but that’s another story!
What Jesus asks is not just intellectual belief of historic events, but surrender and submission. He wants to be close to you to lead and guide, feed and provide for you. Have you said “yes” to Jesus? You can do so with a simple prayer: Jesus, I give you my life. If that’s you today, I want to celebrate with you. Please let me know via e-mail or in person. Perhaps you used to know Jesus and have wandered off. He told a beautiful parable in Luke 15 about the lost sheep and how the shepherd will leave the 99 to pursue the one missing lamb. If that’s you, it’s not too late to return to the flock. Perhaps that’s why you’re here today!
If you’ve been following the Good Shepherd, remember we make choices every day to wander or remain close to Christ. He loves you more than you can imagine and always has our best interest at heart. He will never lead us astray.
Jesus the Messiah is the Good Shepherd who offers rest for your soul. Hallelujah!