The Bad Shepherds
* On one occasion, Jesus healed a blind man (John 9:6-7), and that man became a follower of Jesus (9:38). However, particular Jewish leaders opposed Jesus, so they "threw the man out" of the synagogue (9:34). Like the false shepherds mentioned in Ezekiel 34, these Jewish leaders failed to care for God's people.

The Good Shepherd
* What did Jesus say? Read John 10:1-18.

1. Jesus contrasts the "thieves and robbers" with the "shepherd" (10:1-5) and himself (10:7-10). What distinctions or differences does Jesus mention?

2. Who are the "thieves and robbers?" Who might be characterized as "thieves and robbers" today?

3. Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (10:10). How would you describe this kind of "life?" What does it mean to have "life to the full?"

4. Jesus says, "I am the gate for the sheep" (10:7, 9). In what way is Jesus the gate? Compare to John 14:6.

The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice
* The "good shepherd" does something no other shepherd would willingly do for his sheep.

5. What is the "good shepherd" willing to do? (10:11, 15) What does such
action indicate about the "good shepherd?" How does such action benefit
the sheep? What is essential for such action to be beneficial? (10:17)

Recognizing the Good Shepherd's Voice
* Jesus says that the sheep "listen to his voice" (10:3, 16) and "know his voice" (10:4).

6. How can the sheep "know his voice?" Why do they not follow the "stranger's voice?" (Consider 10:3-5, 14.)

7. How can we "know the Shepherd" and "know his voice?"

• We must be known by God (10:3b, 14).
• We must realize that we are like sheep in need of the shepherd (Isaiah 53:6).
• We must acknowledge (accept) the Shepherd in his goodness, grace, and power.
• We must "listen" to the Shepherd.

? How can we listen to God? How do we distinguish between God's voice and other voices?

• We must follow the Shepherd.

Reflection & Application
> Read John 10:19-21. As the Jews were divided at Jesus' words then, so people are today. What do you think? Do you think Jesus was "raving mad?" Or is he who he claimed to be? Continue to read and think about John's gospel, and carefully consider the claims of Jesus.

> If you are a professing Christian, how well do you know the "Good Shepherd?" How well do you know His voice? Are you consistently following Him instead of "strangers?" Commit to grow in your knowledge of Him through Bible reading, prayer, obedience, and fellowship.