Cell outline Sunday 22nd October 2017 John 10: 1-11
Welcome:
Have you ever been robbed or burgled? How did you feel afterwards?
Worship:
Sing or listen to a song/hymn that focuses on God’s faithfulness. E.g. ‘Great is thy faithfulness’ or The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.’ Spend time in praise, speaking out words which describe the Lord’s nature or character.
Word: Read John 10:1-11
In the passage Jesus draws a contrast between a Good Shepherd and thieves/bad shepherds. He seems to imply that the Pharisees are like thieves or bad shepherds who fail to look after the people (sheep) who are entrusted to their care. In what ways had the Pharisees failed to look after God’s people? You might find it helpful to look at Matthew 23.
In v4 Jesus speaks about sheep following a shepherd and knowing his voice, unlike shepherds in Britain who drive sheep from behind and use dogs to control the flock. Shepherds in Jesus’ time led sheep from the front and the sheep followed the shepherd’s voice, rather like a dog walking at the heel of its owner. What does the contrast between these two ways of moving sheep tell us about Jesus as a good Shepherd?
Share as a group times when you have heard Jesus voice and followed his leading/guidance.
In v7 Jesus speaks about himself as the gate to the sheep fold, this
picture describes a person sleeping in the small opening to a circular walled sheepfold where the flock can be kept safe from danger over night. V11 The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. In
sleeping across the doorway of the sheepfold the shepherd is placing themselves in danger for the sake of the sheep. A good shepherd was also expected to fight off animals that might try to harm the flock (the rod mention in Psalm 23:4 was a type of club shepherds used to protect their flocks from wild animals). Share as group times when you have known God’s protection and help.
Witness:
We often feel betrayed and let down by public figures who behave badly, in many ways they are the contemporary versions of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. The media is full of disgraced Hollywood producers, sex scandals in the church, corrupt politicians etc. Spend some time praying around these situations and also pray that those in public positions of trust might follow the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.