John part 12-The Good Shepherd

Key Verse: So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”  John 10:24-30 ESV

 

Jesus loves to speak in analogies, giving us examples of things in this world we do understand to teach us about our faith.  In chapter 10 he uses the example of how sheep behave to show us we are like that in our relationship to God.  In his book A Shepard Looks at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller gives us helpful things about sheep behavior to open this passage up to us.  Here is a summary of some of his best points:

 

1.       The life of a sheep depends a lot on what kind of shepard it has.

2.       More than any other animal, sheep need protection, they have no defenses.

3.       Sheep are timid and scare easily.

4.       Sheep are “mass-minded” they have mob instincts and will do what everyone else is doing.

5.       Sheep are habit animals and will keep doing the same thing even if it is bad for them.

6.       Sheep are stubborn.

7.       Sheep are stupid and dumb; when there is danger they will just freeze.

8.       Sheep will not rest if they are afraid, not getting along with other sheep, have a pest bothering them, or are hungry.

9.       Sheep become stuck on their backs because they get too fat.

10.   In the sheepfold (where the sheep sleep) the shepherd lays down in the opening of the door, so anyone trying to hurt the sheep will have to cross over him.  In this way, he is the door.               

 

See yourself in there anywhere? If not, just ask your spouse (*wink).  Let’s read John chapter 10 and see what God has to say to us.  As always, remember to pray and ask Him to open up your eyes to His word for you. 

 

 

Read 10:1-21

·         In this passage there are two types of people who interact with the sheep, the shepherd and the thief.  Make a list of how the sheep respond to each.  Remember to watch for the synonyms also (ex: the thief is called a hired hand in verse 13).

·         In verse 6 it says this illustration is an analogy.  Who is the real Good shepherd?  Who is the real thief? What do these verses tell you about how each acts?

·         Reread verse 9.  What are the benefits to following Christ?  Read 1 Chronicles 4:40, Psalm 23:2, Isaiah 49:9-10, Ezekiel 34:12-15 for more benefits to following the Shepard.

·         Journal prompt: What is hard about following Jesus?  Is it hearing His voice?  Is it trusting He will really provide for you?  Is it seeing when the thief comes to destroy your confidence?  How can you develop a trust for the Savior? Consider praying the words of Psalm 23 back to God as a response to your reflection. 

 

Read 10:22-42

·         In this passage Jesus continues His shepherd analogy but then in verse 30 makes a bold statement.  Reread verses 31-33.  Why does this statement upset the Jews? Read Deuteronomy 6:4 and Leviticus 24:16. 

·         Verses 34-36 are confusing at the first read.  The reference here is Psalm 82:2-6.  What Jesus is saying is that if a human judges they are taking on a god-like role.  Read this Psalm.  In quoting this Psalm was Jesus saying they were judging who He was correctly or incorrectly?

·         How do verses 37-38 support the purpose of the book of John? The purpose is found in chapter 20:30-31. 

·          Journal prompt: In this section, Jesus says you can tell who is telling the truth by the works that are done (v.37).  Knowing if Satan or God is speaking is called discernment.  When have you had to use discernment in your faith?  If you haven’t, how can you develop it?  What questions can you do when you aren’t sure who is talking?