Everyone is looking for rescue and relief. All of us. Life knows how to throw a punch at you. Jesus illustrates this desperate need with sheep finding safety in the sheep pen. The interesting thing about sheep pens in those days is that they were not fully enclosed. There was an opening with no gate. The opening was for the shepherd to stand in the gap to welcome the sheep in, guard the sheep overnight, and then lead the sheep out to find pasture. Jesus is the gate, the one who stands in the gap for you, providing rescue and relief.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Y - Yield
Sunday's Message Text: John 10
Bible Plan Reading - Week 40
START IT.
We are currently in a teaching series, I AM: Jesus In His Own Words, focused on meeting Jesus in the book of John. From Sunday's message in John 10:7-9 or the Meet Jesus Bible Reading Plan this week, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
SHARE IT.
From John 10:7-9, can you imagine what Jesus is talking about? What would be the difference between thieves/robbers and Jesus based on only what the text says?
When Jesus says, "I am the gate", what is he really saying about life? How is Jesus being exact/exclusive?
Read Ezekiel 34:5-6, 11-12. God says his people are like sheep. What does God say he will do for the sheep? How does this connect with the main text from Sunday?
What happens for those who enter through Jesus in verse 9? Is entrance only for a select few?
Can you think of other Bible verses that speak about Jesus being the one who "saves"? Find at least 2 others.
SHOW IT.
Can you connect with the idea that we all have a desperate need for relief? How does this teaching metaphor address the need?
Why do you think Jesus uses this metaphor about a farm animal and a simple shelter?
If Jesus is the missing piece, the safe place, the one standing in the gap for you, how can you center your life on him this week?
When you think of a sheep being rescued and finding relief, what does that look like in your life? Do you actively believe Jesus brings you relief? Do you think your family and friends see this in you?
Some people think they are "un-save-able". How does Jesus' words encourage you?
FINAL THOUGHT
Everything about a sheep is dependent on the shepherd. If you have a good shepherd, he will actually stand in the gap and welcome you to relief and then lead you out to find good pasture. What a thought! Jesus says that's who he is! Being saved is not about the safety of the shelter, but the security of the shepherd.