I AM the Good Shepherd

John 10:11-18 (NIV) | ¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹² The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. ¹³ The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. ¹⁴ “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

The Good Shepherd Provides for the Flock

• Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV) | The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

The Good Shepherd Protects the Flock

• Psalm 23:4 (NKJV) | 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.

The Good Shepherd Leads the Flock…Forever!

• Psalm 23:5-6 (NKJV) | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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Reflection Questions

1. How can I better listen for Jesus’ voice in my life to guide my decisions?
2. When I face challenges or fears, how do I experience Jesus’ presence as a source of protection and peace? What steps can I take to deepen my trust in his care during difficult times?
3. How does it feel to know that Jesus knows me personally and pursues me even when I stray? In what ways can I strengthen my personal relationship with him?
4. How does Jesus’ sacrificial love for me influence the way I live my life and love others? Are there areas in my life where I can better reflect this selfless love to those around me?
5. What can I do to make sure I am following Jesus the Good Shepherd?