CONNECT:  Think about the person you are praying for to become a follower of Jesus. How can you share the hope of the Gospel with them this week?

WARM-UP  Question  

1. Have you ever had someone rescue you from a spot of trouble? What was the situation and how did you feel before and after you were rescued?
2. How has our current crisis reminded us that some things that we thought were certain, actually are not?

READ John 10:1-18

1. How well does Jesus - as our Good Shepherd - know us? Do you find it comforting or disturbing that Jesus knows us that well?
2. Out of everyone you know, who knows you best? How does that compare to how God knows you?
3. When you think of ‘shepherding’, what are some of the major differences between sheep farming in Australia compared to that in the ancient world? Why is this so important to note?
4. Why do we need a shepherd so desperately? In what ways are we actually a lot like sheep?
5. What are some of the characteristics of sheep that are also characteristic of us?
6. Do you know the Good Shepherd? What gives you confidence that you do?
7. Re-Read verses 7-10. In what way is Jesus the only gate? What is the danger of following other shepherds? How might they let us down?
8. What does the Good Shepherd do in order to save us? Can you spot the three times (in this passage alone) that Jesus says what he will do to save us?
9. What does it mean to know that Jesus goes to such an extent to save you? How can we be certain?
10. What is Jesus saving us from? What is Jesus saving us for?
11. Does ‘life to the full’ mean that we get everything we want and live as ‘instagram/social media’ stars?
    If not, what type of life does Jesus save us to and for?
12. So long the sheep followed the shepherd – went where he went – did what he said – listened to his voice – responded to commands – the sheep had it good. What does it mean to follow Jesus like that?
13. Jesus desires a flock with people from every place. How can we as a church (and individuals) ensure that we keep pushing out with the Gospel and not just ‘keep it’ for ourselves?

APPLY: How can the certainty of Jesus’ promise to save change how you live through COVID-19?

‍

On Your Frontline This Week: Share at the dinner table who you are praying will become a disciple of Jesus (or pray before dinner if they will be at the table!).

For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home

Listen:          

• AUDIO & VIDEO: “At Last, A Leader to Follow” by William Taylor
• AUDIO: “I am the Shepherd” by Tim Keller
• AUDIO: “The Good Shepherd” by Paul Young
• AUDIO: “Jesus the Gate” by Dick Lucas:

Read:

• READ: “The Need to Share our Collective Pain” by Tim Costello (via CPX)
• READ: “Seven Things that Coronavirus has Not Changed” by Stephen Witmer

‍