PRAY

Lord help us to see your love for us as we see this picture of you as our good Shepherd.

READ

READ John 10:11-18

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me” John 10:14

Make a list of how Jesus describes himself as shepherd.
How does this contrast with the hired hand?
What is the result of Jesus’s shepherding (v. 16)?
Jesus says repeatedly in this short passage that He will lay down His life for His sheep. Count how many times he says it.
After He lays down His life what does He do?
Verse 18 brings a profound statement and a little revelation into the relationship between the Father and the Son. What does Jesus say?
Jesus says, I have been given the “charge” to lay down my life, I have been given authority to do this and I do this because I choose to do it. Jesus loves you so much that He chose to lay down His life for you… His sheep. You are His. You are part of His flock. He cares for you as He cares for all of His sheep, with love, completely and sacrificially. What is your response?

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 23:1

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1

In this Psalm David refers to the Lord as His shepherd. What are some characteristics of a shepherd?
What are some characteristics of sheep?
Jesus called Himself a shepherd in John 10:1-18. Read this passage…it does help to understand the relationship between the Lord and His sheep? Write down some specific verses that characterize Jesus as a Shepherd.
This passage also help us to understand the role of the sheep. What does 10:14-16 reveal about Jesus’ sheep?
The Lord provides for His sheep! In Psalm 23 what does David tell us about the Lord’s provision (read this verse in several translations to give you a fresh prospective)?
He knows our name! We know His voice! We follow Him and He provides all we need. How often we forget. What do you need to trust to Him today? Lay it in His arms and follow His lead!

Be a sheep! I will be praying for you!