GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Our world is full of beautiful potential and dangerous pitfalls. How can we experience the joy while avoiding the pain? In short, it comes down to leadership. Who are you following and how is it working? Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, and clarifies the difference between good and bad leaders.
Main Points:
When Jesus calls himself the “Good Shepherd,” he is accessing an ancient Biblical metaphor for leadership.
1. Good leaders have authority. Bad leaders jump the fence.
2. Good leaders know us. Bad leaders use us.
3. Good leaders provide. Bad leaders steal.
4. Good leaders protect us. Bad leaders abandon us.
5. Good leaders gently lead. Bad leaders drive or drift.
6. Good leaders love us. Bad leaders love themselves.
On-Ramps:
Do you want Jesus to lead you?
Listen to the word of God.
Journey with the people of God.
Respond to the Spirit of God.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Look at Ezekiel 34:1-10 and Jeremiah 23:1-2. What similarities do you see between these Old Testament descriptions and what we learn about bad leaders from this week’s passage?
Look at the rest of Ezekiel 34 (especially verses 23-24) and read Psalm 23. How do these descriptions compare to the message in this passage? Who is Jesus’ claiming to be when He calls Himself the good shepherd?
In what ways does the culture we live in today resemble a metaphorical wilderness? How does that picture help you relate the pitfalls you experience in the world with the need for a leader?
What kind of leaders do the people around you seem to flock towards? Do these people who have attracted a great following exemplify any of the descriptions of a good leader that we find in this passage?
What leader in your life, other than Jesus, reflects these characteristics of a good leader well?
In areas where you are called to lead, which of these aspects do you find the most challenging to live out as you lead?
What are some practical ways that you can step in deeper to listening to the word of God, journeying with the people of God and responding to the Spirit of God?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: John 10:22-42
