John 10 (CEB)
7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Here are some questions for discussion:
1. Individual sheep are fearful and often stressed, leading to potential health issues. Consider the times in your life where you felt fears or stress just slip away simply being in the presence of a loving community or family. What active steps can we take to be that community for others as well?
2. What does “life to the full” look like from the perspective of someone who is marginalized, disabled, or grieving? Define “to the full” then consider how we can we partner with God to create conditions where all people, not just the privileged, can experience this fullness? Does that look different for different people? And if so, how do we honor the space and unique needs of all to reach “fullness”?
3. Pastor Jess mentions that her father modeled for her the protective and guiding principles of shepherding that are listed as the attributes of Jesus the good Shepherd. If others are to hear Christ through us, how do we ensure our voice and actions carry the tone of the Good Shepherd? What qualities make someone a trustworthy “earthly shepherd’? When have you seen someone embody the voice and mannerisms of Jesus well—what impact did it have on you and on those around them?
If you’d like to dig a little deeper, consider the following:
1. In a world that often builds walls or asks for credentials, what does it mean that Jesus calls himself the gate—a threshold rather than a barrier? How is this different from calling himself the shepherd?
2. In both verse 7 and 9 Jesus repeats the phrase “I am the gate”. Why do you think Jesus does this? What’s the urgency behind his words? How can repetition serve both to heal and protest? What truths in your life or community need to be repeated until they are not just heard but believed and lived into?
3. Verse 9 states “They will come in and go out, and find pasture” What does it say about Jesus that the sheep aren’t locked in but move freely in and out? How does this balance of safety and agency reflect God’s trust in us—or our trust in God? Does this natural rhythm challenge religious structures today?
4. The term “abundantly” can be translated with several adjacent meanings such as “continuously” or “superior.” When we read this passage, what does the term “abundantly” mean to you? How does that impact your life choices?
For further contemplation, consider these quotes & prompts:
1. In verse eight we see the term “came before me” used as opposed to “sent before me.” The distinction being that before Jesus there were those SENT to deliver a message. Not all that spoke were sent, many came on their own with their own intentions. Many will claim to be that which they are not. How can we as modern believers be sure to discern the difference between those sent by God and those that came of their own to speak for God?
2. “Together. We’re stronger together y’all.” The undeniable truth of Pastor Jess’ words is clear to the enemy that would separate us from our community. Why do we so often find ourselves such easy targets for being split apart? What brings us back together?
3. The idiom of a black sheep is a misleading notion that diminishes the value of nonconformity. While most sheep with black wool will find their wool lightened over the years it is only of value to those shepherds that would sell the wool for profit (as it is more easily dyed.) The Good Shepherd in these verses does not shear the sheep nor does He sell the wool. How does this cultural idiom reflect the ways in which the enemy would make our community weaker?