Sheep are not, by any means, exciting animals. Put in a room with other animals, they will never be the smartest or most popular in the room. Despite all of these things, sheep are the animals that are used to describe people throughout Scripture. We, like sheep, easily wander and need the guidance of a shepherd. Thankfully, we have a God who promises to shepherd and lead us throughout all of life.
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why?
1. What comes to mind when you think about sheep?
2. Read John 10:10-18. Compare and contrast the characteristics of sheep and shepherds.
John 10:10-18 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
John 10:10-18
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.
“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
3. Why are sheep a good description for people, especially followers of Christ?
4. How do you relate to being like a sheep?
5.Read Isaiah 40:10-11. In what ways is Christ like a good shepherd?
Isaiah 40:10-11 Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms,holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
Isaiah 40:10-11
Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms,holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
6. How has God proved to be a Good Shepherd in your own life?
7. Is there an area of your life where you need God’s shepherding and guidance? What is it?
Thank God together for being your shepherd. Read Psalm 23 together out loud. After reading, share what stands out to you in this chapter of Psalm 23. What brings you comfort? What encourages you? After reading, pray together. Thank God for being your Good Shepherd in your life. Talk about some ways you can find strength in your Heavenly Father’s arms this week.
Wallpaper available for download in the Sagebrush App.
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
