1. As the Shepherd, how does Jesus lead us as his sheep? List 2 things from the figure of speech in verses 1-5.
Here are three:
2. How do we follow him as sheep? List 2 things from the figure of speech in verses 1-5.
Here are four:
3. Who do you think Jesus was referring to in verse 8?
Here are some possibilities based on scripture:
Isa 56:10-57:1 Israel's sheperds who lack understanding
10 Israel's watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep. 11 They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain. 12 "Come," each one cries, "let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better."
Ezek 22:25-29 Israel's Priests, Officials and Prophets
25 There is a conspiracy of her princes within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her. 26 Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. 28 Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says'-when the LORD has not spoken.
Ezek 34:2 The Sheperds of Israel
2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?
Acts 5:34-39 Theudas or Judas the Galilean
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
1. List 3 benefits to us that Jesus offers us as the Good Shepherd provided in verses 7-13.
Here are four:
2. In this figure of speech Jesus states he is the Good Shepherd. Who, in your opinion are: the wolf, the hired hand, and the sheep not of this flock?
3. List 3 truths we can learn from verses 17 and 18.
Here are five:
1. How has the devil stolen, killed or destroyed things or people in your life; or how has Jesus provided you a life that is more abundant and full?
No answer is provided here - you have the only correct and proper answer for your life.
2. What did Jesus say that made some think that he was demon possessed and raving mad?
The answer is found in verses 17 through 20:
17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life-only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." 19 At these words the Jews were again divided. 20 Many of them said, "He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?"
3. What is the relationship between the Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Lights and Hannukah?
They are all the same
In preparation for the cleansing of the temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV in 167 BC, where he dedicated the temple to Zeus and sacrificed a swine on the alter . . . the Jews revolted and according to Jewish tradition, only one undefiled cruse of oil could be found. This cruse contained oil for only one day.
Miraculously, however, the cruse kept burning for eight days. The Hebrew word Hanukkah, which means "dedication," is the name still used today for the Jewish Festival of Lights that commemorates this event.
Celebrated for eight days from the 25th day of the month of Kislev to the second day of Adar, Hanukkah occurs near or at the same time as the Christian celebration of Christmas.
from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers
1. Twice, in Chapter 10 verses 25 and 32, Jesus points to the miracles he has done as witnesses that he is the Messiah. List the publicly performed miracles recorded in the book of John that should have testified that Jesus was the Messiah from the following chapters:
2. What do the Jews imply by their question "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
That Jesus was withholding his identity from them
In fact Jesus had said who he was as many as ten times, for example:
3. The scripture Jesus refers to in verse 34 is Psalm 82:6. Who are the gods referred to there?
The Judges of Israel, although they are called “gods” in verse 6; they are rebuked for lack of character in verses 2-5; they are reminded in verse 7 that they will die like all even though they represent the one true God; and verse 8 reminds us that God himself will judge all in the end
Psalms 82 A psalm of Asaph.
1 God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the "gods":
2 "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
5 "They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 "I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.'
7 But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler."
8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.
1. In your own words, explain the logic of Jesus argument provided in Chapter 10 verses 35 and 36.
If the Word of God, which cannot be broken, calls judges “gods” who were corrupt and disobeyed God; why can you not call the one God set apart (sanctified), called his very own, and sent into the world God?
2. How could the Jews have discerned that Jesus did what the Father does as he challenged them to do in Chapter 10 verse 37?
They should have known the Father through knowledge of the Scriptures, and Jesus. Jesus’ behavior could have been compared to the Scriptures and not traditions to see if he did what the Father does.
3. Three times in this chapter Jesus calls for the Jews to believe in him not for what he says but because of the miracles he did publicly. Have you judged or been judged because of what you or someone said? Was that judgment later changed due to an observation of behavior?
AGAIN - no answer is provided here - you have the only correct and proper answer for your life.
1. Where was the place Jesus went to where John the Baptist was “baptizing in the early days” referred to in Chapter 10 verse 40?
John Chapter 1 verse 28:
This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
2. List 3 things John the Baptist said about Jesus Christ. Here are seven: