InimitableThis message is from Pastor of Discipleship Rick Pierson in week one of the sermon series “Inimitable”. Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amDiscover the profound meaning behind Jesus' declaration 'I am the good shepherd' in John 10. This message explores how Jesus' use of 'I am' directly connects to God's divine name YHWH (Yahweh) revealed to Moses at the burning bush. By claiming this name, Jesus makes the boldest statement in human history—that He is God incarnate. Learn how Jesus fulfills the role of the Good Shepherd in three powerful ways: He actively searches for His lost sheep and lays down His life for them; He leads with genuine care rather than pushing like hired hands; and He calls to His sheep with His voice amid a world of competing influences. Whether you're struggling with feeling lost, pressured by worldly influences, or confused by competing voices in your life, this message offers biblical insight into how Jesus—as Yahweh Himself—seeks, leads, and calls you personally. Discover how recognizing Jesus as the eternal 'I AM' can transform your understanding of who He is and how He relates to you today. Important VersesJohn 10:11John 10:14-15John 8:58Exodus 3:14Psalm 23Think about it!What does it mean to you personally that Jesus identifies Himself as 'I AM' - the same name God revealed to Moses?The pastor mentioned that 'the more we know Jesus, the more we see our need for Jesus.' How have you experienced this in your own spiritual journey?In what ways have you experienced Jesus as your Good Shepherd during difficult times in your life?Jesus contrasts Himself as the Good Shepherd with hired hands who abandon the sheep. What 'hired hands' or false shepherds do people tend to follow today instead of Jesus?The sermon mentions that sheep are vulnerable animals that need protection. How does this help you understand your own need for Christ's protection and guidance?Jesus says, 'I know my own and my own know me.' What does it mean to be known by Jesus, and how does that affect how you live?What competing voices in our culture make it difficult to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?Jesus says He lays down His life for His sheep. How does understanding this sacrificial love change how you respond to Him?Apply it!This week, take time each day to intentionally listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. Set aside 10 minutes of quiet time daily to read Scripture and pray, asking God to help you recognize His voice above all others. When you find yourself being influenced by other voices or feeling pushed in directions that don't align with God's Word, pause and ask, 'Am I following the Good Shepherd or a hired hand?' Write down instances where you recognize God's guidance as your Shepherd and share with the group next time how this practice affected your week.Key TakeawaysWhen Jesus says 'I AM,' He is identifying Himself as Yahweh (YHWH), the divine name of God revealed to Moses.The Good Shepherd came to get us when we were lost, to lead us rather than push us, and to call us to follow His voice.Unlike hired hands who abandon the sheep in danger, Jesus laid down His life to protect His sheep.We need to discern which voices we're listening to and following in our lives - the Good Shepherd or other influences.The early Christians identified primarily with Jesus as their Good Shepherd, finding comfort and security in this relationship.