Sermon Discussion Guide 10-19-25

Sermon Discussion Guide
The Book of John | John 10:8-21

Gathering Question:
What is one way you’ve experienced God in your life this week?

Gathering Prayer:
Father, by Your Spirit, would You guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.

Opening Questions

• What stood out to you in the sermon? 
• What insights did you gain? 
• What questions did it raise?

Read John 10:8-21

The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep

• Reflect on the thought exercise about your past self. How does Jesus’ knowledge of your past, present, and future foolishness give you comfort or conviction?
• What does it mean for Jesus to know us fully and still love us? How does that contrast with human relationships you’ve experienced?

The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life

• Jesus’ sacrifice elevates the value of the sheep to the level of the shepherd. How does this truth affect your understanding of your own worth?
• Why is it significant that Jesus’ sacrificial love is personal? He lays down His life for the sheep He knows? How does this make His love different from general acts of kindness or care?

Find Your Value in God

• How do you see Jesus as the Good Shepherd speaking to you about your worth? 
• Contrast this message with what we hear from the world about our worth. 

Come to the Good Shepherd (in all your sheepness)

• Reflect on Luther’s statement, “…we should so preach Christ as one who will reject nobody, however weak he may be; but will gladly receive and comfort and strengthen everybody; we must always picture him to ourselves as a good shepherd.” (From: Of the Office of Preaching). How does Luther’s description of Christ challenge the way we sometimes view God’s standards for who is “acceptable” or “worthy” of His attention?
• What does this teach us about our ministry to those outside the church?

Follow the Good Shepherd

• Psalm 23 begins with “The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” How does knowing that Jesus lays down His life for you change the way you respond to the areas in your life where you feel lacking or insecure?
• Psalm 23 says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” How does the Good Shepherd’s presence shape the way you face uncertainties?
• Psalm 23 speaks of guidance (“He leads me beside quiet waters; He refreshes my soul”). What are some steps you have taken to learn how to hear and be led by the voice of the Good Shepherd?

Closing Prayer