Are We…Like Shepherds?
For many of us, the image of a shepherd, which is found throughout the Bible, can bring confusion since it is not a regular part of our life. For the original listener, a shepherd had profound cultural and historical implications. Shepherd imagery was common in many parts of the ancient world, with kings and gods alike described as shepherds. For the Israelites, shepherds were integral to their origin as a nation and as the people of God.
Source: The 7 “I AM” Statements of Jesus: OT Background & NT Meaning – indycrowe
Source: The 7 “I AM” Statements of Jesus: OT Background & NT Meaning – indycrowe
As you read, notice the many ways the shepherd is caregiver, guider, and protector.
John 10:1-10 (THE VOICE) 1 I tell you the truth: the man who crawls through the fence of the sheep pen, rather than walking through the gate, is a thief or a vandal. 2 The shepherd walks openly through the entrance. 3 The guard who is posted to protect the sheep opens the gate for the shepherd, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When all the sheep have been gathered, he walks on ahead of them; and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 The sheep would not be willing to follow a stranger; they run because they do not know the voice of a stranger. 6 Jesus explained a profound truth through this metaphor, but they did not understand His teaching. 7 So He explained further.I tell you the truth: I am the gate of the sheep. 8 All who approached the sheep before Me came as thieves and robbers, and the sheep did not listen to their voices. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be liberated, will go in and go out, and will find pastures. 10 The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance. Thinking about your life...
Thinking about your faith community...
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Reflect on the words to this song in light of what you have discovered so far.
Christ The Good Shepherd |
Read Psalm 23. In what ways has God been your shepherd?
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Rewrite the Psalm as it personally relates to your life. Here is a sample.
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Source: dogbreedpictures.info
Contemplate what this means for your life and the life of your faith community.
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