The purpose of these pages is to engage in some group bible-study (This week – “I am the Good Shepherd” and “I am the door of the Sheep”) focussing specifically on the mid-week period of Tuesday to Thursday. We will post some scripture verses, and a few thoughts before throwing the conversation over to you. This is not a teaching session, use the prompts (and Google) to explore scripture and share relevant verses. Log in to the conversation as often or as infrequently as you like and if you wish to join in put your thoughts in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
The right frame of mind
Before you start to dive into this week’s bible-study, take a few moments to calm your spirit. Get comfortable with your beverage of choice, your Bible and something to write with. Pray that God would give you the time to study and put to one side the concerns of the day. Breathe deeply for a few seconds and focus on who Jesus said he was….
I am the Good Shepherd
1. The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
This time we are looking at two of the ‘I am’ statements of Jesus mentioned in John’s Gospel. Here are the fifth/sixth in the series.
- “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51) As bread sustains physical life, so Christ offers and sustains spiritual life.
- “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as a guide.
- “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9) Jesus protects His followers as shepherds protect their flocks from predators.
- “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) Death is not the final word for those in Christ.
- “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14) Jesus is committed to caring and watching over those who are His.
- “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Jesus is the source of all truth and knowledge about God.
- “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5) By attached ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honour the Father.
Borrowed from the TNBibles website
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John 10
Take a few minutes and read the first half of John 10. Now read it through again pausing between each verse. – In verse 7 Jesus talks about being The Gate ( the Way) and indicates that Salvation is based on coming through/to Him. He suggests that others who claim to have a way to salvation are thieves and robbers.
Verse 10 – what do you think is meant by “I have come that you might have life in all its fulness” write down notes to explain this verse.
Psalm 23 is one that we are no doubt familiar with. We hear it read at funerals and at other time when we need comfort. Take a few moments now to re-read the Psalm and pause every couple of verses to meditate on what David is trying to convey. As you do, bear in mind Jn10:10 and see if you can expand on “life in all its fulness” from above.
Sheep will follow the one who looks after and feeds them… Check out this Youtube video… There are more if you search for them on YT.
As we look at Psalm 23 –
The Lord is my Shepherd: David is saying that he belongs to the Lord – a sheep was property that was owned. A Good Shepherd (Jn 10) nurtures His sheep – ‘I shall not want‘ – He will take care of my needs and I will thrive. Isa 40:11, 2Pt 2:25, Heb 13:20-21
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. These images convey a tranquil scene of nurture and peace. Phillip Keller in his book ‘A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23‘ writes…
“The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up, it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met. Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. Because of the social behaviour within a flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.
It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations and hunger. The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties. It all depends upon the diligence of the owner, whether or not his flock is free of disturbing influences.”
How does this apply to us today?
He restores my soul. Dealing with the above troubles and anxieties creates a rest and healing that gives us peace of mind. Is there more? This may refer to Christ being The Gate, and coming to Him restores our soul to its original pure state – salvation. Following in paths of righteousness and walking in obedience is the result, giving glory to the Shepherd ‘For His names sake’. See also “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)
Yea, 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, they comfort me.
Reassurance of companionship? The text taken in a wider context refers to much more than that. The lack of fear is contingent on walking with the shepherd. Following; sometimes where we are fearful to go. Matt 4:16, Psalm 139, What does this suggest about trust, and knowing the sound of the shepherds voice. How do we accomplish this. Looking at what it is to walk in faith, I came across this on the ‘Words of life’ Ministry website… (Series 11 study 5- if you want to look it up)
…four directions of the Christian life:
Downward – “rooted”
Upward – “built up”
Inward – “strengthened”
Outward – “overflowing”
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Here the idea of bountiful provision even in our hardest moments flows from the text.. Mal 3:10, John10:10 Note: not a snack – a prepared table – what does this suggest to you? Identify a few features of a prepared table – what does it say about the experience of the meal?
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
The ‘table for two’ gives the believer the reassurance of continuing well being; following the shepherd and having goodness and mercy ‘following’