Skip to main content

{I AM} #4

 “I AM [the Good Shepherd]” 

John 10:1-21_ 

 
Shepherds in the ancient world had a close bond with their sheep. Lambs were raised almost like children with plenty of hugs and affection. The shepherd would call his sheep by name, and the sheep would follow him because they knew that protection and nourishment came from the shepherd’s skillful care. The sheep also responded to the shepherd’s voice because they knew he loved them and that he was concerned about their well-being. Security and satisfaction came from staying close to the shepherd. 

 

[Group discussion starter] What person in your family or circle of friends makes you feel most secure and loved? What does that person do to convey their affection? 

 

 
Jesus uses the familiar image of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate his love for his followers and our value to him. We are his prized possession – a possession he guides and protects and cares for, just as a shepherd nurtures his flock of sheep. Jesus’ words bring comfort and assurance to people who live in a very threatening and insecure world... 

 
[Read John 10:1-21] 

 

As you scan back through the passage, list all the things that the shepherd does for the sheep. 

 

 

 

 

Which of these do you think is most important in the person who “shepherds” your life, and why? 
 

 
What responsibilities are placed on the sheep in this passage? 
 

 
Who or what is represented by the thief or the wolf in Jesus’ story? 

 

Compare the goals of the thief and the wolf with the goals of the shepherd. 

 
 

Several times Jesus says that the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (verses 11, 15, 17-18). How does Jesus’ sacrifice of himself make you feel about yourself? How does it make you feel about Jesus? 
 

 

In verses 17-18, why does Jesus emphasise that he lays down his life of his own accord? 
 

 
How do Jesus’ listeners respond to his words (verses 6, 19-21)? 
 

Why do you think his words create such a difference in opinion? 
 

 
How do people respond today to Jesus’ gracious offer to be their shepherd? 
 

 
Even under the watchful eye of a shepherd, sheep can wander off. In what situations have you left (or been tempted to leave) the safety of Jesus’ care? 
 

 
What is the Good Shepherd’s response to us when we wander off? 
 

 
What have you learned about Jesus in this passage that will help you when you (or a friend) struggle with accepting Jesus’ love? 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Disciple: Judas

  {Disciples} JUDAS ISCARIOT_   Turning away     The most notorious of al the disciples – and the one universally scorned – is Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. His name appears in every list of the disciples (except in Acts 1), and it always appears last.   The other eleven are an encouragement to us because they show how common people can be used by God, even with all their faults and failures, to do remarkable things.   Judas, on the other hand, stands as a warning about the power of spiritual carelessness and pride, which can drag us away from loyalty to Christ.   Judas lived in close proximity to Jesus for three years.   He heard every teaching; he saw every miracle.   But in all that time his heart only grew harder.   The other disciples were being transformed, by Jesus, into passionate followers; Judas was being changed too...     [Group discussion starter] Have you ever had a friend or colleague that appeared to b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ephesians 5:21 - 6:9

  [Grace and Peace] EPHESIANS_   [Activity] Spend some time exploring the logical flow of Ephesians 5:21-6:9…   [Read Ephesians 5:21]   Paul addresses different relationship types (marriage, family, co-workers) when he writes to the Ephesians. Before he gets specific in his instructions, he gives a general one. What attitude are we supposed to have towards others?     What should submission look like in daily life?     [Read Ephesians 5:22-33]   In verses 22-24, why does Paul tell wives to submit to their husbands?     How does remembering that a wife is really submitting to the Lord affect submission to a husband?     In verses 25-33, how are husbands, in turn, to treat their wives?     How does comparing a husband’s love for his wife to how the Messiah loves the church remove any danger of the husband abusing the wife’s submission?       What ...
Post a Comment
Read more

PARABLE: the rich man and Lazarus

  {PARABLE} the rich man and Lazarus_   Luke 16:19-31   Have you ever heard someone say that religion is just  a ‘crutch’ or just a source of comfort for the weak?   Have you ever heard someone say that religious people pay no attention to those who are hungry or suffering?   Christianity doesn’t teach passive suffering in the face of injustice and oppression. Jesus calls us to serve those who are in need.     [Discussion starter] Have you ever been asked for money by someone homeless?   How did you react?     The final parable in this study reminds us that suffering in this life can be replaced by bliss in the next ...     [Read Luke 16:19-31]     In verses 19-21, how does the parable reveal the rich man’s lack of concern for Lazarus?       How would you account for the rich man’s indifference towards Lazarus?       What are some of the ways that you have heard people explain why ...
Post a Comment
Read more