THE GOOD SHEPHERD

SUNDAY MAY 13, 2012

THEME:                   THE WORD WILL BE

TOPIC:                     THE GOOD SHEPHERD

TEXT:                       JOHN 10:7-18

MEMORY VERSE: I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” — John 10:14 (NIV)

LESSON AIMS: After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to:

      1.    Summarize the message of Jesus’ “good shepherd” discourse.

      2.    Tell why a sheep-shepherd metaphor was effective in Jesus’ day.

      3.    Suggest a twenty-first century, non-agrarian alternative to the sheep-   shepherd metaphor.

INTRODUCTION

“No position in the world is so despised as that of the shepherd.” This was the declaration of an ancient Jewish commentator who was amazed that David would call the Lord a shepherd in Psalm 23. Similarly, the ancient rabbis included shepherding in their list of thieving and cheating occupations. To buy wool or milk directly from a hireling shepherd was forbidden, since it was assumed that he was stealing it from the owner of the flock. Shepherds were held in such contempt that they could not be admitted in court as witnesses. Shepherds were simply despised, at least in some quarters.

But the New Testament views shepherds in a favourable light. It was to shepherds that the angels announced the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8-14). Jesus likened himself to a shepherd in his description of Judgment Day (Mathew 25:31-33). He said he had come to rescue “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). When the Lord built his church, the leaders were expected to be shepherds (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2) under “the Chief Shepherd,” Jesus (1 Peter 5:4). Today’s lesson considers Jesus’ declaration of himself as the good shepherd.

[Please note that you are free to reproduce this lesson for your Sunday school classes. The talk points (in red prints) are to help your discussions.]

A.    NOT A THIEE – John 10:7-10

1. What does Jesus’ example teach us about a church leader’s accountability, if anything? (In terms of accountability to God; In terms of accountability to God’s people; In terms of accountability to one another.)

  

B.    NOT A HIRELING – John 10:11-14

1.   What sacrifices have you seen leaders make? How does this encourage    you spiritually? (Political leaders; Church leaders; Supervisors at work.)

2. What are some specific ways that church leaders continue Jesus’ shepherding work? (In terms of sacrifice for God’s people; As “doors” for God’s people; In providing pasture for God’s people.)

C.     NOT A COWARD – John 10:15-18

1. What are some general similarities and differences between Christian leaders and secular, political leaders? (In terms of priorities; In terms of commitment; In terms of motives.)

2.  What should be evident in church leaders who are becoming ever more Christlike in their leadership? (In terms of attitude toward God’s people (the flock); In terms of personal holiness; In terms of personal sacrifice.)

CONCLUSION

Sheep are often considered dumb and helpless. They wander off, get stuck in predicaments, and leave themselves open to attack. They do not know how to find the best places for pasture and water. Perhaps wild sheep know how to survive, but domesticated sheep need a shepherd.

When the Bible says that we are like sheep, it is not a favourable comparison. As Isaiah noted, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6). As Ezekiel 34 describes it, God’s sheep were scattered on the mountains, abandoned by their shepherds. In many ways we are just like the people in crowds who came to Jesus “like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

At the same time, the sheep of John 10 are not entirely stupid. They can distinguish the sound of their master’s voice (vv. 4, 5), and they know who their shepherd is (v. 14). When the shepherd calls the sheep by name, they respond by following him (v. 3). We are called to respond to our shepherd. In the confusion of conflicting claims by various religions, we must recognize Jesus as the door of the sheep, the only true way to God. In spite of temptation to go elsewhere, we must choose to enter in through that door. Above the clamour of this world, we must hear the voice of the good shepherd and follow him. We must find our security in him alone.

PRAYER

Our Father, we thank you for sending Jesus to be our good shepherd. Help us to be ready to hear his voice and to follow his leading. In the name of Jesus our shepherd, amen.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER

Respond to the good shepherd.

NEXT WEEK: NEXT WEEK: MAY 20, 2012: THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE - John 11:1-44