A Thief, Shepherd, and Gate

May 12, 2013 Speaker: Joel Sutton Series: The Real Jesus: Do You Believe?

Scripture: John 10:1–10:21

A Thief, Shepherd, and Gate

John 10:1-21

Pastor Joel Sutton, May 12, 2013

The Real Jesus, Do you Believe?

 

We are sheep. vv. 1-6

 

Wrong Voices: Thieves and Robbers vv. 1, 5-6, 10

  • Draws people away from God.
  • Come to steal, kill and destroy. v. 10

 

Right Voice: Christ

  • I am the Good Shepherd. vv. 2-4; 11-18

 

  • I am the Gate. vv. 7-10

He saves us. v. 9

He gives us safety. v. 9

He satisfies us. v. 9

 

Are you one of HIS sheep?

 

Take Home Idea: As Jesus' sheep, if we remain under His leadership and listen to His voice, we will thrive.

 

Discussion Questions

Opening:


As a kid, what was your favorite pet? How did your pet respond when it heard your voice?

Look at the Take Home idea. Explain it in your own words.

 

Dig:

Who do the sheep, the shepherd, and thief represent? How does the story in chapter 9 provide one example of what this parable is about?

What is the relationship of the shepherd to his sheep? How do the sheep respond to the shepherd? How does this relate to the Pharisees difficulty in understanding Jesus (vs. 6)?

What does Jesus mean by likening himself to a gate for the sheepfold? How is he not like the "thieves and robbers"?

What are the three "S's" that make up the "abundant life"?

What is it that stands out about the Good Shepherd (vs. 11-18)? How does this tie into the three "S's"?

Who are the "other" sheep Jesus must bring also? What characterizes his flock?

How does Jesus "know" his sheep? (vv. 2-4, 14, 27)

Reflect:


How does the idea that you are one of Jesus' sheep make you feel?

How do you discern Jesus' voice from that of so many other voices that vie for your attention?

Close by sharing your answers and then praying together.

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