LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
One of the more common occupations we read about in the Bible is the shepherd. In fact, we find shepherds mentioned in approximately one hundred biblical passages. Many of the patriarchs in the Bible were shepherds. Even the secular leaders of the day were often referred to as shepherds. In ancient times, sheep weren’t herded by sheepdogs, but they were actually led by their shepherd. The shepherds were very protective of their sheep. Often, shepherds would even name each of their sheep.

Just as the shepherd was strongly connected to his sheep, the same was true for the sheep to their shepherd. They sheep only followed the voice they recognized - their own shepherd! They were helpless without the care of their shepherd. They were dependent, unintelligent wanderers that would easily get lost if left on their own. As a result, the shepherd had to exhibit care and compassion for his sheep, providing for their needs and leading them where they needed to go. This week, we will look at how we are often much like sheep and need our Good Shepherd to lead us.

Passages we’ll review:
Ezekiel 34:1-6; Ezekiel 34:23-25; Psalm 23; Hebrews 13:20-21

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

What are some views in our society today that may seem unbelievable? What are some views that society “chooses” to ignore?

READ

Read Ezekiel 34:1-6

Before we look at the Good Shepherd, let’s take a look at the “bad” shepherds. Who were these bad shepherds and why were they considered as such? What were the results of their bad shepherding?

What examples of bad shepherds have you experienced in our day? How are the “sheep” under their care affected as a result of poor shepherding?

Read Ezekiel 34:23-25

God was not taken by surprise by the state of His people. He knew what they had gone through and He would respond to them. What was God’s remedy for what His people had endured while being under the care of bad shepherds?

How does the Shepherd in this passage differ from many of the other shepherds Israel had experienced?

Much like the nation of Israel during the time of Ezekiel, we can find hope in this passage as well. Peace and rest were lost due to sin, but we can experience both through Christ when we allow Him to be our Good Shepherd!
—Editor’s Note

Read Psalm 23

In this Psalm, David portrays God through an occupation he knew very well, a shepherd. David had tended his father’s sheep when he was a young man. He knew all about the characteristics of sheep and the care they required. He also knew the job of the shepherd and the responsibility to care for the sheep at all cost, whether protecting them from wild animals or from their own weakness and helplessness.

When you think about sheep, what are some of their admirable qualities? What are some of the more unfavorable characteristics of sheep?

According to this Psalm, how can we find comfort in knowing that Christ is our Good Shepherd?

Thieves and robbers only come to steal, kill, or destroy the sheep (John 10:10). The bad shepherds only care for themselves and what they can get from the sheep. But we have the Good Shepherd, who gave His own life in order that we may have a fulfilling and abundant life in Him!
—Editor’s Note

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Hebrews 13:20-21

As we read this closing prayer, we again see the reference to Jesus Christ as our Good (Great) Shepherd. According to this passage, how should we live our lives knowing we are under the care of our Good Shepherd?

How should our view of Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring about a renewed praise and worship of Him for who He is and what He does?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. The shepherd takes care of every need of the sheep in his care and they trust the shepherd with their lives, following him only. What is one specific area in your life where you need to allow Jesus to be your Good Shepherd?

2. Is it evident to others that Jesus is your Good Shepherd? Do your actions and your desires reflect Him at work in you?

3. As we see the role of the Good Shepherd exhibited for us, we are given a model for how we should lead and care for those who are under our care. Which characteristics are most difficult for you? Pray that God will lead you to become more like the Good Shepherd as you lead those He has entrusted to you.