Week 3: Gate & Good Shepherd (John 10)
Week Three: I Am the Gate or Door, I AM the Good Shepherd
Read: All of John 10 to understand the context
“…I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come through me will be saved.” John 10:7-9, NLT
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” John 10:11, NLT
1. Opening Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Jesus the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for me so that I might live with you forever. Thank you that by faith in him, I can have abundant life in him. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Context & Teaching Notes
The country of Judea was not well suited to agriculture, but it was ideal for pasturing livestock, so that inevitably the Jewish way of life would depend on shepherds.
John chapter 10 holds a beloved place in the hearts of most believers, since it draws a heartwarming sketch of God’s loving care for his people, who are beloved to him as the “sheep of [his] pasture” (Ps. 79:13).
3. Discussion Questions
What person or group did you and your friends “follow” when you were a teenager?
What qualities do the best of friends possess?
Who did Jesus say was a thief and a robber? (John 10:1)
What did Jesus say would be the result of entering through him? (10:9)
What did Jesus say He did for His sheep? (10:15)
In what way is Jesus your shepherd?
How can we better hear the voice of Jesus?
How can you develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus this week?
4. Formation Practice
We have two practices that you can use this week. The Examen below and a Lectio Divina that can be downloaded from the website.
Evening Examen to Review the Day (Ignatian-style):
After you have quieted yourself and have become aware of God’s loving gaze and presence, actively prepare your heart to be open and responsive to the spiritual movements Holy Spirit may reveal to you in your review of the day.
Pray for grace to see clearly. Lord, I pray for the grace to consider my internal and external life truthfully and to share Your desire for my life.
Pray with gratitude. Holy Spirit, I pray for you to reveal 3 moments from today. May I be grateful to God for these gifts.
Review the emotions from today. Lord, show me the emotions I had today, whether strong or gentle, as I reacted or responded to the day’s events.
Choose one emotion and pray from it. Lord, I offer up this emotion and want to talk with you about it. I will listen deeply to you for any answer, insight or direction you have for me.
Look toward tomorrow. Lord, as I reflect upon the grace and insight you gave me today, may I discover how it might help me live tomorrow with even greater faith, hope and love, for your glory and the service of others. Amen.
5. Closing Prayer
Consider closing in prayer using Psalm 79:13 or Psalm 23.