Follow the Leader - Jesus, The Good Shepherd

In this episode, we begin a 3 part series on the Person of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. We break open Psalm 23 and discuss how we are personally invited to experience the comfort, provision, protection, restoration, correction, and leadership of the Good Shepherd. We also talk about the failure of some of our shepherds on earth and how God wants to restore us. Jesus the Good Shepherd wants us to experience Him personally. 

Michelle’s one thing - Her new nephew, Quinn David, and all mothers of young children

Heather’s one thing - Our listeners and passing the 5 million downloads threshold

Heather’s other one thing - The Search - Chris Stefanick and FORMED. You can also access the panel discussions on each episode at beholdvancouver.org starting on November 5 from 7:00-8:30 Pacific Time

Sister Miriam’s one thing -  The Great Adventure Catholic Bible - Ascension Press 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Read Psalm 23 together. What word or phrase speaks to you on how God has been a shepherd to you in this season? 
3. The catechism reminds us that it is Christ alone who unfailingly nourishes and leads us. Where have you looked to man-made ways and earthly leaders to shepherd you instead of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? 
4. The rod and and staff are used to protect the flock and snatch back the sheep who are prone to wander. How have you seen God’s rod and staff at work in your life? Where do you need God to shepherd you by wielding his rod and staff?

Journal Questions:

1. What does it mean, for you personally, that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? Reflect on a time that God has shown his providence, protection and leadership in your life.
2. Who are the shepherds - priests, pastors and leaders - who have imaged for you the face of Christ as the Good Shepherd? Take a moment to express gratitude for the gift of their lives and vocations.
3. Who are the shepherds - priests, pastors and leaders -  who have disfigured the face of Christ as the Good Shepherd due to their failures and sins. Take a moment to invite God into your hurt and ask that He would restore those places. 
4. Spend some time reading and praying through the shepherd imagery in John 10, Psalm 23, or Luke 15:3-6. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who Jesus says He is. 

Quote to Ponder - “I am like the sick sheep that strays from the rest of the flock. Unless the Good Shepherd takes me on His shoulders and carries me back to His fold, my steps will falter, and in the very effort of rising, my feet will give way.” - St. Jerome

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Psalm 23: 1-6

The LORD is my shepherd there is nothing I lack.

In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for the sake of his name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days.

Other Scripture to Pray With - 

• Isaiah 40:11
• Isaiah 53:6
• Ezekiel 34:11-16
• Luke 15: 3-7
• John 10: 1-42

This episode is sponsored by Walking With Purpose. 

Learn more about your faith while you build meaningful relationships in a Walking with Purpose Bible study group. Hundreds of parishes are offering WWP Bible studies right now, and you can search by location to find a group near you. What's more, most parish-based Bible study groups are virtual this fall, so you may join up with your Sisters-in-Christ from the comfort of home. We are not meant to journey alone! Search for a parish program or start your own WWP Bible study group today.