Shepherd
Advent 2024, Week 5
Mark Spurlock
Part of Unwrapping the Names of Christmas
December 29, 2024

Download Printable Notes (open in browser)

Screenshot 2024-11-27 at 11.28.20 AM.png

Week 5: SHEPHERD

“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
Matthew 2:6

Our Shepherd…

1.

us.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11

Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

2.

for us.
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Psalm 23:1 (NLT)

When (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36

3.

us.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me… My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:14, 27

Two Questions:

1. Have I made the good shepherd

?

2. Where is my shepherd calling me to

?

QUESTIONS

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. Please read Matthew 2:6. What did you learn about Jesus as your Shepherd in the sermon that is particularly encouraging to you? How are you most feeling the need for a Shepherd in your life right now?

  2. Please read John 10:10 and 1 Peter 2:25. In what way are you feeling vulnerable right now? What does it mean that Jesus, your Good Shepherd, is your protector in that vulnerability?

  3. Please read Psalm 21:1 and Matthew 9:36. As you head into 2025 what are three of the greatest needs you have? How can knowing that Jesus is your provider change your perspective on those needs?

  4. Please read Isiah 40:11 and John 10:14, 27. When are you most tempted to run ahead of God? Why do you think that is? What would it look like for you to allow Jesus to lead you in 2025?

STAY ON MESSAGE
Get free daily 3-minute devotional videos that tie into each weekend’s message! Sign up at tlc.org/devo

Screenshot 2024-12-28 at 10.07.22 AM.png

NEXT WEEKEND
• Regular services Sat 6PM, Sun 9 & 11AM
• Guest worship leader Ben Moore!

Jan. 4/5 How Joyful People Think
Kick off 2025 with this new 6-week series! Details on the back page!

Jan. 12 Discover Recovery
Curious about 12-step programs at TLC? Join us for lunch, a live band, and an amazing story starting at 1pm in Monschke Hall. tlc.org/recovery

Jan. 15/22/29 Managing Your Emotions in a Chaotic World
Start 2025 with tools for managing your emotions at this FREE Wed. night mini-series.

Jan. 24 TLC Night at the Santa Cruz Warriors
Join us for a fun night at the SeaDubs! Tickets available in January.

Jan. 25/26 Baptisms
Baptisms in all services! Classes Jan. 18/19. Sign up at tlc.org/baptism

Jan. 25 Welcome Lunch
New to TLC? One-hour FREE lunch and intro to TLC.
Sign up at tlc.org/welcome

Feb. 1–7 World Outreach Week
Meet our global partners doing amazing work all around the world!

March 8/9 TLC Bible Conference
Questions about the Bible? Meet world-renowned Bible scholars with expert answers! Guest speaker in all services: Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, author of the best-seller, ‘Why Trust The Bible?’, holds a doctorate from Oxford and teaches at the University of Aberdeen.

GET CONNECTED:
• Need Prayer? tlc.org/prayer
• To Give: tlc.org/give
• Weekly newsletter: tlc.org/newsletter

NEW YEAR SERIES with Pastor René Schlaepfer

Screenshot 2024-12-19 at 7.10.20 PM.png

What you think about changes your life! Your thoughts can move you away from anger and resentment toward gratitude and personal peace. In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul shares 8 concepts we’ll unpack in this series. Join us for our weekend services, and get the most out of your New Year! Series begins next weekend 1/4 & 5!