John 10:1-10 (NIV)

In today’s passage the questions about Jesus continue. Is he a prophet or is he a false teacher? Could he be the long-awaited Messiah? Jesus tells the Pharisees a parable about sheep and a shepherd, which in the ancient near east would have been like us talking about scrolling through Facebook or going to a grocery store--it was familiar, and everyone can relate. But even in the commonplace, there’s a meaning below the surface. In the Hebrew Bible, the relationship of a king with his people was often described by the image of a shepherd with his sheep. . .

Listen as Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd and King in John 10:1-10.

----------REFLECT----------

1. What did you notice in the passage? What surprised you? What questions came to mind?

2. Jesus is calling himself Israel’s true king. Some people are hearing his voice, recognizing it, and following him. Some are not. Through the sea of voices pouring into our lives, are you able to make out the voice of the Shepherd? What does he sound like? What does he say?

3. Jesus also calls himself the gate--it’s the picture of a shepherd lying down in the opening of the sheep pen at night, keeping the sheep in and the predators out. He is the Protector and Defender. Where the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus comes offering abundant, overflowing life. Have you received the offer of Jesus’ life? What might need to change for you to receive it? Ask the Spirit to help you.

----------CONNECT----------

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