Starter: (In pairs)
Think of the people who lead us and guide us in our daily lives.
Worship:
Use Psalm 23 to give thanks to God for the way he leads and feeds his people.
Read the Passage Aloud. (It may be helpful to read to verse 11!)
Personal Focus & Commentary
Re-Read Passage
Commentary:
Jesus warns against thieves who climb in to the sheep fold and try to destroy the sheep. The sheep neither recognise or follow these bandits and thieves. Jesus, by contrast, is the good shepherd who enters by the gate legitimately. He is recognised by his own sheep. He leads them out and they follow him into the pasture. The Eastern tradition is for numerous flocks to shelter in the one fold and the sherpherd calls them by name in the morning and they follow. Jesus makes it clear here that he is the only way for the sheep. He seems to criticise the false prophets and perhaps the bandits of the temple authorities (who he criticises in chapter 9) . He is one who offers protection, nurture, guidance, and intimacy.
Personal Focus
1. What image of Jesus as a leader and guide rings bells for you?
(eg shepherd, social worker, probation officier, lollipop person…..)
2. How might you describe the abundant life offered in Jesus?
3. How do you listen for the voice of Jesus Christ?
Life Focus
1. What are the threats (cf thieves and bandits) to the Church today?
2. What should our response be?
3. How can we help people to find "pasture"?
What opportunities for learning are there in your Church?
4. In what ways does your faith community offer "abundant life" in Jesus?
Group Memory Time
Review actions carried out since last meeting.
What needs to happen as a response to this session?
Pray
For those who are "shepherds" in the Church today, for all involved in leadership and pastoral ministry. Pray that we may be a gateway towards the abundant life offered in Jesus for those in our neighbourhoods.
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