John 10:11-21

Theme

The qualities of the good shepherd

Questions
  • What sort of words do you associate with a shepherd?
  • Jesus describes himself not just as the shepherd, but as the good shepherd.
    • Why do you think he adds the word ‘good’?
    • What does it mean for him to be ‘good’? [Look back to Ezekiel 34:1-6 & 11-16 to find how God responds to those who have been bad shepherds to his people].
  • In the passage Jesus speaks a lot about ‘laying down his life’.
    • Can you think of others places in John’s gospel where Jesus has spoken about laying down his life?
    • Why is important to know that Jesus lays down his life ‘of his own accord’ (v.17-18)?
    • Think about what it means to you to really appreciate that Jesus laid down his life for you.
  • Jesus contrasts the shepherd with the hired hand (v.12-13).
    • What are the differences between the shepherd and the hired hand?
    • Jesus uses words like ‘owns’ and ‘cares’ to describe the shepherd and the sheep. What does it mean to you to belong to Jesus, the good shepherd?
  • The hired hand may seem like someone who will protect and take care of the sheep, but when trouble comes he runs away. In what sort of people or things do we seek security? How are they found inadequate when life gets hard?
  • Look back and John 10:1-10, and this passage. How well does a shepherd know his sheep? What is the significance of the shepherd knowing the sheep by name?
  • How do you feel about God knowing you so closely – secure, happy, scared, overwhelmed, something else?
  • When Jesus talks about brining other sheep into the sheep pen (v.16) what do you think he is talking about? [Remember, he is talking to the Jewish religious leaders, who have excluded a man from the synagogue in John 9; compare this with John 1:9-13 and John 4:39-42].
  • If Jesus describes ‘one flock and one shepherd’ (v.16) does that mean there shouldn’t be different churches? What does it mean to you to be part of ‘one flock’?
  • Jesus’ talk about the shepherd and the sheep still leave people divided about him (v.19-21). What do you think divides opinions about Jesus today? How do you respond to people who voice different views about Jesus?