The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-10)

Introduction
God's people had had many shepherds over the centuries since the exodus from slavery in Egypt. Some of the shepherds had been concerned for the people and interested in leading them in the way God wanted the people to go. But many more had taken the authority they had and used it for their own gain. They sought to fulfill their own will rather than God's and in the process, led the people astray.

In chapter 10, Jesus contrasts the Good Shepherd (a metaphor for himself) to those who had come before him. He points out the many distinctions between those who are out for their own good and the One who is concerned with the good of His own.

He also shows that entry into his "fold" is only through him. All other points of entry prove futile in the long run and point out the ungodly motive of the one trying to enter.


The Gateway to Life (John 10:1-10)
Jesus is the only gateway to life.
Where do you stand tonight in relation to the Gate? Have you entered through the Gate or are you trying an alternative route to God?
Whose voice are you listening for? Whose voice are you listening to?
What do you need to start doing in order to hear Jesus voice more clearly?
What do you need to stop doing in order to hear Jesus voice more clearly?

A Volitional Death (John 10:11-21)
The Good Shepherd's life was given, not taken.
When you are faced with challenging teaching in the Bible, how do you respond?
Which of the two groups do you most identify with, the ones who called Jesus a madman, or the ones who tried to weigh what they didn't know by what they already knew?
What are your views on Jesus death and resurrection? Was he a victim or a victor?

The Signs of Messiah (John 10:22-42)
Jesus Christ and God the Father are one.
What evidence regarding Jesus' deity are you holding out for? If you are rejecting reasonable proofs, God won't necessarily give you more.
What fears about losing your relationship with God do you need to put behind you? If you're His, you always will be.
Who do you need to tell about the person of Jesus Christ and that his life was given so that we could have eternal life?