Brian Behrends, Creative Pastor
John 10:11-18
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 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. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
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I
Exodus 3:14
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
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I am
What makes the good shepherd good?
The good shepherd (verses 12-13)
The good shepherd (verse 14)
The good shepherd (verse 15)
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Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
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.
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.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
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.
Small Group Questions
- Have you ever kept sheep or been to a sheep farm? What was it like?
- Why is it important that Jesus claims to be the good shepherd instead of just a good shepherd? What does that change for you and me?
- For the good shepherd’s voice to increase in your life, what are some of the voices or influences that need to decrease?
- John 10 shows us that the good shepherd stays with us in times of challenge; he knows us perfectly; and he lays down his life for us. Which of these statements resonates most deeply with you and why?
- How does knowing Jesus as the good shepherd bring you comfort and security?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?