Group Discussion Guide
I am..., Part 4
GETTING STARTED
Begin your time together by catching up with one another. Take a few moments to share how you have seen God at work in your lives, your families, or your group: “How have you seen God in your life since we last met?”
Begin your time together by catching up with one another. Take a few moments to share how you have seen God at work in your lives, your families, or your group: “How have you seen God in your life since we last met?”
Scripture References from Message: John 10:1–15, John 9:25; 38–41, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:11–16
Big Idea: Jesus doesn’t just lead us. He lays down His life for us.
Big Idea: Jesus doesn’t just lead us. He lays down His life for us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Use these questions to talk through the message together.
Use these questions to talk through the message together.
- Who or what are you letting lead your life right now? Beyond the answer “Jesus,” what voices actually have the most influence over your decisions, priorities, or view of yourself?
- The man in John 9 had a simple story: “I was blind, and now I can see.” Our own testimony can be similarly simple: “I was once this, I met Jesus, and now I'm this.” Where have you seen Jesus change something in your life?
- Jesus describes the relationship between the shepherd and sheep as personal. They know his voice, and he knows them. What has helped you become more familiar with the voice and character of Jesus?
- Following the voice of the Good Shepherd leads us toward peace, safety, and provision. Which of those is easiest for you to trust God with? Which is hardest?
- Jesus says the Good Shepherd “lays down his life for the sheep.” How does knowing what Jesus was willing to do for you affect your willingness to trust where He leads you?
GOING DEEPER
For groups who want to dig further into the scripture or topic.
For groups who want to dig further into the scripture or topic.
- Read John 10:11-15 together. Jesus contrasts the Good Shepherd with a hired hand. When danger comes, the hired hand runs because the sheep aren't really his. Jesus does the opposite: He lays down His life for the sheep. What differences do you notice between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand? What do those differences teach us about the kind of leader Jesus is?
- Read Ezekiel 34:11-16 together. Hundreds of years before Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd, God promised that because Israel's shepherds had failed His people, He Himself would come and shepherd them, searching for the lost, rescuing the scattered, caring for the injured, strengthening the weak, and bringing His people home. Jesus' claim wasn't merely shepherd imagery; it connected directly to this promise. What does Ezekiel 34 add to your understanding of Jesus' statement, “I am the Good Shepherd”?
- Read Psalm 23 together. David describes what life under the care of the Lord as Shepherd looks like. What do you notice about where the Shepherd leads, what He provides, and how He responds when life becomes difficult? Which part of this Psalm is hardest for you to trust in your life right now?
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
- This week, intentionally create some space to turn down the other voices competing for your attention. Spend time reading Scripture and praying before immediately turning to your phone, social media, podcasts, or other people for direction. When you're faced with a decision, pressure, or competing advice, ask:
Does this voice sound like the self-sacrificing, other-centered, life-giving Jesus I'm learning to follow?
The goal isn't simply to hear fewer voices. It's to become so familiar with the voice and character of the Good Shepherd that we increasingly recognize when He is leading us.