LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Last week as we began our study on the Good Shepherd, we learned that the Good Shepherd cares for His flock and that His sheep trust in Him completely. This week, as we continue our study of the Good Shepherd, one particular characteristic of the Shepherd stands out: Good.

In the English language, we have many words that have multiple meanings. “Good” is one of those words. However, in the Greek language, the “good” Jesus refers to in John 10:11 means this: good, possessing moral excellence, worthy, upright, virtuous. In this verse, Jesus reminds us that the Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. He paid a price that we could never pay because of His moral perfection, His holiness. But as we will see in tonight’s study, we receive more than just salvation from sin as a result of His goodness. We have the promise of eternal life with Him!

Passages we’ll review:
Revelation 7:9-17; Isaiah 49:8-13

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 things about life on this earth that you won’t miss in heaven?

READ

Read Revelation 7:9-12

In this passage, we see a multitude standing before the throne of God. When we think of the sheer magnitude of the people described here, it is seemingly too many to count. But as we studied last week, we can find hope in knowing that, even in those great multitudes, our Good Shepherd knows each of us by name!

As they stood before the Lamb, they carried palm branches. This isn’t the first time we have seen people standing before the Lamb of God waving palm branches! Where else have we seen this? Why is it so significant in Revelation?

Notably, verse 10 is the first time in the book of Revelation where we see words spoken by those who were redeemed in Christ! What is the significance of what they proclaimed in verse 10?

After proclaiming their salvation, these worshipers were joined by all of the heavenly beings as they worshiped God. What attributes of God were the focus of their worship? What can we learn from their worship?

Read Revelation 7:13-17

What was the significance of the great multitude who was robed in white standing before the throne? Why were they compelled to respond as they did?

Which promises given in verses 15-17 stand out to you the most? How can these promises help to encourage you daily as you live for Him?

We can find rest in knowing that our eternity will be in His Presence! Our earthly needs will be no more. No longer will we hunger or thirst. Our Good Shepherd will satisfy us with the Bread of Life and the Living Water. We will not have need for the earthly sun because we will see the glory of the Light of the World in the Son!
—Editor’s Note

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Isaiah 49:8-13

While this passage was written to the nation of Israel during a time of bondage, it can also give us hope for the future. We will experience struggles in our lives as well.

What can cause a person to think that God has forgotten about him? How can we try to show them otherwise?

God is the source of our salvation. He is not surprised by anything that comes our way. He has a plan for us even though it may not be the plan we want or think is best. He knows what we need so much better than we do!
—Editor’s Note

What is being described in Isaiah 49:10?

Knowing that we will one day worship God for eternity, how should we live our lives now?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. As we read in Revelation 7:12, God is truly worthy of praise! What can you do this week to praise and thank God more consistently? Take time to pray about what God wants you to do.
   

2. What has been your greatest tribulation or persecution? When you take the time to compare it to the majesty and power of God, how difficult does it actually seem? How can this perspective help you focus on worship instead of worry?
   

3. What obstacles can keep you from sharing Christ with others? How can you combat this? Who can you share the redeeming love of Christ with this week?
   

It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister [servant] is an awful weapon in the hand of God.” ~Robert Murray McCheyne