1. Have you spent much time around sheep? Share some of your personal observations and knowledge about sheep.
Ask two people to read aloud John 10:1-18, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passages.
2. In Mark Scott’s lesson, he described how “the shepherd would often lie down at the entrance of the pen, his body essentially becoming the gate.” What symbolism does that hold when we think of Jesus, our Good Shepherd?
3. What can you do to train yourself to recognize Jesus’ voice?
4. When Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (v. 10), what does he mean?
• Earlier in v. 10, he says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Who is he talking about?
5. Can you identify times when you’ve encountered someone or something behaving like a “hired hand” or “thief/robber” in your faith journey?
6. Share some incidents from Jesus’ life when he stood up to “wolf attacks.”
7. Focus on verses 14 and 15, which effectively say that we can know Jesus as well as Jesus knows his Father.
• How does that make you feel?
• What spiritual disciplines or practices have helped you the most as you have come to know Jesus better?
8. Verses 15 to 18 are packed with symbolism that those listening to Jesus in the moment almost certainly did not completely understand. Discuss what Jesus likely meant or was alluding to when he said the following:
• “I lay down my life for the sheep” (v. 15).
• “There shall be one flock and one shepherd” (v. 16).
• “No one takes [my life] 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” (v. 18).
9. Why is Jesus’ mention of having “other sheep” significant, and how does this concept challenge the religious leaders of the time?
10. How does the idea of Jesus gathering different sheep into one flock convey unity?
• What steps can you take in your own life to promote unity among fellow believers, regardless of your differences? Take some steps toward unity with other Christians this week.
For Next Week: Read and reflect on John 14:1-21, 27. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
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