Are we Sheep?

I'm really enjoying our Coffee Break's time in John, and this week we're moving on the "I am the Good Shepherd" story--familiar, fascinating and beloved... (but are we sheep?)

Meanwhile, on the writing front, I'm working on John's Joy again (at last), and Questioning Faith is on its third revision. I am so so so grateful to friends who have been praying for, advising and helping me.

(60) Shepherds and Sheep

The no-longer blind man has been thrown out of the synagogue, and chooses to follow Jesus rather than the Pharisees. What choices have we made about who we should follow, what church we should join etc., and what influenced our choices?

Jesus now tells a parable, to the crowd, the blind man, and the listening Pharisees. Read John 10:1-2

1.       I’d always imagined this parable being told up in Galilee, among the regular fishermen and shepherds of the world. But instead Jesus appears to be speaking in Jerusalem. Were shepherds held in high or low esteem there? Were sheep? (Many flocks might be kept in one pen, guarded by a watchman, then shepherds call their sheep.)

a.       What extra connotation is added to the story if we think of it being told near the Temple?

2.       Read John 10:3-4 Where might a shepherd lead his sheep, and is the answer different near Jerusalem?

a.      How willing are we to follow, knowing that sacrifice might be the final goal?

3.       Read John 10:5-6 What “strangers” will no longer be followed by the once-blind man?

a.       What makes it difficult for Jesus’ listeners to understand?

b.      What strangers tempt us to follow them today, and how do we make sure we only follow Jesus?

Jesus’ explanation of the parable is told to those who haven’t already walked away in disgust, and starts with “I am the door/gate.” Read John 10:7-10

1.       “Door of the sheep” might sound odd, but what would it mean if Jesus said “I am the door to you”?

2.       Jesus says the sheep don’t hear/listen to the thieves and robbers who came “before him.”

a.       Some Christians say this verse shows Jesus was rejecting the Old Testament. Is he?

b.      In what sense could you say you “don’t hear” the enemy?

3.       Next Jesus says anyone who enters by the door will find pasture (verse 9). Reading verse 2 do you think he means the sheep enter through him, or the shepherds?

a.      How do we make sure that our shepherds have entered through Christ?

b.      Can you think of examples of religious shepherd-thieves who steal, kill and destroy?

c.       Can you think of examples where God has given life “to the full”/“more abundantly”?

Then comes the “I am the Good Shepherd” discourse. Read John 10:11-13

1.       The imagery would be quite vivid to shepherds, but Jesus’ listeners know this isn’t just about sheep. Who gives his life? Who runs away? Who is a hireling? And who are scattered (the Jews certainly were soon after this)?

2.       Read John 10:14-16. Jesus has mentioned his Father many times recently. Would his listeners have understood him yet?

3.       Would Jesus’ listeners have worked out that they were the sheep of God’s pasture? How might they have interpreted “other sheep”? There are people who believe Jesus reappeared in another time and place to claim his “other sheep,” but what do you think he meant?

4.       Are we one flock with one shepherd?

Jesus has predicted his death several times, and his ministry has entered its final phase. Read John 10:17-18

1.       In what sense was Jesus commanded, obedient and victorious?

2.       Read John 10:19-20 Again? Why do they return so quickly to old arguments? Do we still do same thing?

3.       Read John 10:21 Why wouldn’t a demon open eyes? Are our eyes open?