Who Is Jesus: Week 5 Discussion Guide

Who is Jesus?
Jesus is the Good Shephard
Contributing Writers: The Gathering Curriculum Writers: Dan Hutti, Rebekkah Backoski



Opening Prayer
Dear Lord — You are our good shepherd. You are with us and guide us always. Please be with our conversation as we continue to discuss who you are and what you mean to us. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.

Ice Breaker
This week we are talking about how Jesus is the good shepherd. Shepherding is an ancient job. Some articles on the internet say it’s been around for 5,000 years. During biblical times, it was a pretty important and fairly common job to have. But not so much anymore. Have any of you worked as a ‘modern-day’ shepherd? Have you ever had an interesting or unusual job? Share with the group


Circle back
Last week we discussed how Jesus was the way, the truth, and the life.   Did you identify any personal costs of following Jesus?  (Relationship with him is free, however we may identify lifestyle changes, the need to give up habits which distract us, or banish things we trust in more than God.)  Since we learned HE IS the truth., were you able to reflect on how Jesus leads us to better truth in our lives (i.e. how we…make decisions, treat people, process the news/media, face trials, hold onto hope, find peace, etc.)?

 

Did you spend any quiet time with Him this week?  If so, how did it go?  More than last week? Less than you expected or hoped for?

 

Scripture
John 10:11-16 NIV

11 “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.


The Head
Shepherds had an important job in biblical times, and many famous characters from the Bible worked as shepherds, including David and Moses, among others. Shepherds were responsible for taking care of their sheep—protecting them from predators, leading them to green pastures, and keeping them intact. 

Think about each of these shepherding responsibilities (protection, leading/deliverance, keeping them intact). How does Jesus provide these for us?

Verses 11 and 14 bring up additional ways that Jesus shepherds his flock. How does Jesus demonstrate these in your life?


The Heart
The shepherd metaphor is also used in Psalm 23. Take a moment and read the poem yourself or together with the group.

Psalm 23 - A psalm of David.
1  The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3  He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4  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.
5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6  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.

What sticks out to you in this passage?

What does, “He makes me lie down in green pastures [and leads me beside] quiet waters,” feel or look like in your life?

Has there been a time in your life when you were in a dark valley? The “darkest valley?” Were you able to find comfort knowing Jesus was there with you? Share with the group if you are comfortable.


The Hands
Somehow Easter is here already! Are you ready? Next Sunday The Gathering is returning to host one large service at Stifel Theater to celebrate. It’s been a few years since this has happened and it’s going to be awesome in multiple ways! What are your Easter Sunday worship plans? 

Last weekend, you may have seen church members standing on stage encouraging us to invite someone to Easter service. Is there someone in your life that you are considering inviting to church?


Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus— Thanking you for protecting and guiding us. Thank you for laying down your life for us and demonstrating that death does not win in the end. We love you. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.