I Am Series - I Am The Good Shepherd

---

I Am The Door/ I Am The Good Shepherd

(John 10)

John 10:1-15

Understanding the Imagery:

• The Sheepfold and the Shepherd (Verses 1-5): 

  • What does the "sheepfold" represent?

  • What is the difference between entering the sheepfold through the gate and climbing in some other way? What does this signify?

  • What characteristics of a true shepherd are highlighted in these verses?

  • What does it mean that the sheep "know his voice"?

• Jesus as the Door (Verses 7-10): 

  • What does Jesus mean when he says, "I am the door of the sheep"?

  • What does it imply about Jesus being the only way to safety and salvation?

  • What is the purpose of the thief, and how does it contrast with Jesus's purpose?

  • What does Jesus mean by "abundant life"?

• Jesus as the Good Shepherd (Verses 11-15): 

  • What qualities make Jesus the "good shepherd"?

  • How does the good shepherd's behaviour differ from that of the "hired hand"?

  • What does it mean that the Good shepherd "lays down his life for the sheep"?

  • What does the phrase "I know my sheep and my sheep know me" mean?

  • How does the good shepherd relationship relate to the relationship between the father and the son?

Applying the Passage:

• How does the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring comfort and security?

• In what ways can we better recognize and respond to Jesus's voice in our lives?

• How can we apply the principle of "laying down one's life" for others in our daily lives?

• How does this passage challenge us to examine our own leadership and care for others?

• How does the contrast between the good shepherd and the thief/hired hand help us discern true spiritual leaders?

• How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of what "abundant life" truly means?