How to listen to the good shepherd? (John 10)

Responding to the Shepherd (John 10)

Introduction:

John chapter 10 presents a powerful and intimate portrait of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the Door to the sheepfold. This study will delve into this passage, exploring who we are listening to, what it means to truly listen biblically, the multifaceted nature of Jesus as our Shepherd, the characteristics of the sheep, and the varied responses to His identity and claims. Ultimately, we will consider how we are personally responding to our Shepherd.

I. Who or What Are You Listening To?

Our lives are filled with voices vying for our attention. It's crucial to examine the sources we prioritize.

• In a world saturated with information and opinions (especially in our connected society here in USA), what voices tend to capture your attention? (Consider social media, news outlets, entertainment, friends, family, internal thoughts).

• How do these voices influence your thoughts, feelings, and actions?

• Reflecting on your daily life, where does Jesus' voice rank among the voices you listen to?

Listening Involves:

The passage implicitly and explicitly highlights that true listening is more than just hearing words.

• Attention: It requires focused engagement. How often do you intentionally set aside time and distractions to focus solely on God's voice through His Word and prayer?

• Affection: It involves a heart open to receiving and valuing what is being communicated. Do you approach God's Word and prayer with a heart of love and receptivity?

• Response: True listening leads to action and obedience. What is your typical response to what you understand God is saying to you?

Luke 5:16: “But [Jesus] would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” Jesus Himself prioritized listening to the Father. What does this teach us about the importance of solitude and prayer in our own lives? How can we cultivate this practice amidst our busy lives in USA?

Deuteronomy 6:3ff: “O Israel, you should listen and be careful to do [His commandments] . . . . Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” 1 This passage connects listening with obedience and wholehearted love for God. How does your listening to God's Word translate into obedience and love for Him?

This section emphasizes the active and transformative nature of listening to God.

• We are not called to passively consume God's Word for mere entertainment or intellectual stimulation. How might we sometimes treat Bible study or sermons as passive consumption rather than a call to action?

• The primary purpose of biblical listening is to obey and do something about what we have heard. What specific actions has God called you to take based on what you have heard or read in Scripture recently?

II. Jesus is the Door and the Good Shepherd (10:1-18):

This central section reveals Jesus' authority, care, and unique role in our lives.

• Jesus is the real shepherd (1-6):

◦ The "thief and robber" enter the sheepfold by other means, seeking their own gain. How might false teachers or worldly ideologies try to lead us astray?

◦ The true shepherd enters by the door, and the gatekeeper (representing the Old Testament system pointing to Christ) recognizes Him. What does this signify about Jesus' rightful authority and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?

◦ The sheep recognize the shepherd's voice and follow him. How familiar are you with Jesus' voice through His Word and the Holy Spirit? How can you better discern His voice from other competing voices?

• Jesus is the door into the sheepfold (7-10):

◦ Jesus declares, "I am the door." What does this metaphor tell us about how we gain access to God's fold, to salvation, and to a relationship with Him?

Psalm 118:19-26: This psalm speaks of the gates of righteousness and the rejected stone becoming the capstone, ultimately blessing the one who comes in the name of the Lord. How does Jesus fulfill this prophecy as the door through whom the righteous enter?

John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” How does this verse reinforce Jesus' exclusive role as the door to God?

Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” What are the implications of this truth for how we view other paths or beliefs? How should this impact our evangelism efforts here in USA, where diverse beliefs exist?

◦ The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, contrasting sharply with Jesus' purpose. What are some ways the "thief" (Satan) tries to steal our joy, kill our faith, and destroy our lives?

◦ Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly. What does "abundant life" in Christ look like practically in your daily experience?

• Jesus is the good shepherd (11-18):

◦ Offering Abundant Life (10): As discussed above, this is a core characteristic of His shepherding.

◦ Self-sacrificing Love and Committed Care (11-12, 15, 17): The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, unlike the hired hand who flees danger. How has Jesus demonstrated His self-sacrificing love for you? How does His commitment to the flock provide you with security and comfort?

◦ Intimate Knowledge of the Flock (14): "I know my sheep and my sheep know me." This speaks of a personal and deep relationship. How well do you know your Shepherd? How well do you allow Him to know you?

◦ Expansive Love for All Sheep Everywhere (16): Jesus speaks of other sheep not of this fold that He must bring, emphasizing the universality of His love and the scope of His redemptive plan. How does this encourage our understanding of God's global mission?

III. What Sheep Are Like:

Understanding the characteristics of sheep helps us appreciate our dependence on the Shepherd.

• Stupid: Sheep are prone to wander and make poor decisions. In what ways do you recognize your own foolishness and tendency to stray?

• Fearful: Sheep are easily frightened and vulnerable. What fears do you face, and how does knowing Jesus is your Shepherd bring you peace?

• Nearly Blind: Sheep have limited vision and can easily get lost. How does our spiritual "near-sightedness" make us reliant on Jesus' guidance?

• Vulnerable: Without the shepherd's protection, sheep are easy prey. Where do you feel most vulnerable, and how do you rely on Jesus' protection?

• Trusting: Despite their limitations, sheep instinctively trust their shepherd's voice and guidance. How fully do you trust Jesus as your Shepherd?

• Loyal: Sheep develop a strong bond with their shepherd. How is your loyalty to Jesus demonstrated in your life?

• Devoted: Sheep follow their shepherd faithfully. How devoted are you to following Jesus' leading, even when it's challenging?

• Good Followers: When they trust their shepherd, sheep willingly follow. Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads you, even if it's outside your comfort zone here in USA?

A Tale of Two Fraternity Brothers:

These contrasting stories illustrate the different paths individuals take when responding (or not responding) to the Shepherd's call.

• Mike Bergman: What aspects of Mike's initial life reflect a lack of response to the Shepherd? What prompted a change in his trajectory? What does his prayer reveal about the transformation that occurs when one truly follows Jesus?

• John Martin: What aspects of John's life suggest a different response (or lack thereof) to the Shepherd? What are the potential consequences of prioritizing worldly pursuits over a relationship with Jesus?

• Reflect on your own life. Which brother's story resonates more with your current walk with Jesus? What adjustments might the Lord be calling you to make?

IV. Jesus is the Polarizer of Humanity and Revelation of God (10:19-30):

Jesus' claims and actions elicit strong and varied reactions.

• Jesus is the Polarizer of Humanity (19-24):

◦ Some attributed Jesus’ claims of divinity to madness and/or the demonic. Why do you think Jesus' claims provoked such strong opposition? How do similar reactions manifest today (even in USA)?

◦ Some recognized and believed in Jesus because of the divine nature of the miracles He performs. How do Jesus' miracles serve as evidence of His divine nature? What "miracles" (both grand and subtle) have you witnessed in your own life or the lives of others that point to Jesus?

◦ Some claimed to want more and clearer information about Jesus. What might have been hindering their ability to see and believe? Are there areas in your own understanding of Jesus where you desire more clarity? How are you seeking that clarity?

• Jesus is the Revelation of God (25-30):

◦ Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. How does Jesus fulfill the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah?

◦ Jesus is the source of eternal life.

Romans 8:38-39: How does this powerful declaration of God's unwavering love in Christ provide assurance of eternal life and security as one of His sheep?

◦ Jesus is “one” with God the Father. What does Jesus' statement "I and the Father are one" (verse 30) reveal about His divine nature and authority?

V. Responding to the Shepherd (10:31-42):

The chapter concludes with diverse responses to Jesus.

• Some respond with self-righteous fury and indignation. Why did Jesus' claims provoke such anger and rejection? How might believers today face similar hostility for their faith?

• Jesus responds by reminding his listeners of the evidence for the truth of His claims to divinity (His works, appealing to Scripture – Psalm 82:6). What are the key pieces of evidence that support Jesus' claims to be the Son of God? How can we use this evidence when sharing our faith with others in USA?

Conclusion and Application:

• How do you see Jesus in your life right now? Is He merely a historical figure, a good teacher, or truly your Lord and Shepherd?

• Do you really believe He is your salvation and giver of eternal life? How does this belief shape your daily decisions and priorities?

• Do you really believe He is your true and good shepherd? In what areas of your life are you fully trusting His leading, and where might you be holding back?

• Are you really willing to submit to Him and let Him lead you wherever He takes you, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone or going against the cultural norms here in USA?

Take some time to prayerfully reflect on these questions. What is one specific way you can more fully respond to Jesus as your Good Shepherd this week? Perhaps it's spending more intentional time listening to His voice, trusting Him in a specific area of your life, or sharing the truth about Him with someone else. May we all grow in our responsiveness to the loving call of our Shepherd.