Yass Community Baptist Church
This week we continue our series focussing on the good news of Jesus according to John's gospel.
John 10:1-42 NIV
The Good Shepherd
The imagery of sheep and shepherds is used quite extensively in the bible. But what does it all mean, and isn't being a sheep usually used as an insult or a criticism? Let's explore what it truly means to be like a sheep.
Ezekiel 34:1-6 NIV
Real sheep aren't sheepish
Jesus says in John that the pharisees are like thieves and robbers, leading their flocks very poorly. In much the same way, in Ezekiel, the line of kings failed.
Do we recognise the difference between sheepishness, and being sheep like?
Ezekiel 34:22-24 NIV
Hang on. It's not finished yet
Whilst they waited for their Messiah, Jesus was not what the pharisees were expecting.
He was, however, the prophesied shepherd.
John 10:7-10 NIV
Fight or Flight?
Jesus arrived to shepherd his people. Not as a hired hand, but to call out the thieves and robbers, and protect his flock.
Have you experienced the shepherding of Jesus when the robbers and thieves have come into your life? What has that looked like?
John 10:30 NIV
1+1+1=1
What an audacious claim. If of course it wasn't true. The pharisees surely found it hard to accept and understand.
But this claim lies central to Jesus' impact and effectiveness as the 'good shepherd'. Do you believe?
John 10:27 NIV
Stay Tuned
How easy is it to tune out? To have a belief that grows tired and quiet?
Jesus calls us to listen to His voice. Through fellowship, prayer, and being in His word. Is Jesus quiet in your life at the moment? Maybe it's time to stop, lean in, and listen.
John 10:10, 28 NIV
So... Are you sheepish? Or are you following the Good Shepherd?
As our life groups gather this week, we have attached our reference verse and some questions to prompt a deeper discussion and search into this week's topic.
If you are not currently part of a life group, and would like to join a small group of like minded people in fellowship and connection during the week, please contact Nick on 0417472474 to register your interest.
Life Group Discussion
Life Group Discussion -Read John 10
1. The pharisees were bogged down in their legalism. What in your life have you become legalistic about?
2. What robbers and thieves can you identify in your life? How are they trying to snatch you from God's pasture?
3. Jesus promised a full life. Do you think that means it will be easy and carefree? Why?
4. Has there been a time in your life when you have heard Jesus' voice clearly? How did you hear it? What did He say?
5. How can we 'test the fruit' of those who come attempting to shepherd God's people?
6. What changes can you make in your life to give you more time to spend just listening to Jesus' voice?
Take some time to pray for one another
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