This post is part of an 8-part series from the book of John. The study looks at Jesus’s ‘I AM’ passages from John and passages in the Old Testament which echo the heart of the message of Jesus and reveal the way in which the Old Testament has reflected the name. They open with introductory questions, reading the passage, and then some observation and interpretation questions follow. The sessions end with personal application questions. Please feel free to share an application response or comment on the study itself in the section below.

Introduction

What are the characteristics of a good leader?

What are your strengths as a follower?

Read John 10:11-21.

Reading Questions

Jesus contrasts the hired hand to the good shepherd in this passage. Summarize these differences.

Jesus mentions the Father in three verses of this short passage. How do knowing, loving, and authority connect to us, the sheep, in the relationship between Father and Son according to these verses?

What is the response of those who hear these words?

Old Testament Links

Read Chapter 34 of Ezekiel, typically titled ‘The Lord will be Israel’s Shepherd’. For further references to the shepherd in the Old Testament and time permitting, consider also reading Isaiah 40:9-14, Jeremiah 23:1-8, Micah 5:2-7, and/or Psalm 23. 

Old Testament The Good Shepherd – John 10:11-21

Who are the sheep?

Who had care of the flock before?

Who does this represent?

           What will happen to them?

           What have they done wrong?

           What have they left undone?

 Who now has care of the flock?

           What does this shepherd do?

 What blessings do the sheep receive under the shepherd?

Exodus 27:1-8 outline the requirements for the construction of the altar at the tent of meeting in the tabernacle. Exodus 29:38-43 and Leviticus 16:15-16 outline the sacrifice requirements. Discuss why Jesus is often identified as the altar of the tabernacle.

Application

What does it mean to have the Good Shepherd as your leader? Do you consider the Good Shepherd your leader? Why or why not?

When you review the list of blessings for the flock from the Old Testament Links table, are there any that you are lacking? Discuss why this might be.