The Good Shepherd

Wednesday, January 6, 2015
John 10:7-15 KJV 

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who is the door of the sheep? (v.7)
2) Who are thieves and robbers and how did the sheep respond to them? (v.8)
3) What happens to those who enter the door for the sheep? (v.9)
4) Whar are the differences between the thief (hireling) and the Good Shepherd? (v.10-14)
5) What does the Good Shepherd do for the sheep? (v.15)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever been led by a pastor that did not have the Good Shepherd's heart for the members of your local church? If so, briefly describe what that pastor did to demonstate care for the "flock"?

LIFE LESSONS
7) Servants of God that are called by the Good Shepherd to pastor His flock will exhibit the same care and concern for parishioners as the Lord Himself does.