The Good Shepherd Unit 7, Lesson 5

What Biblical connections are there? Shepherd

I. Why are we called sheep? Shepherds represented wealth. A sheep was very valuable, and the loss of one meant disaster for a poor family. The person who tended the sheep was responsible for the investments of a family or community. Shepherds used slings and clubs to protect sheep. When a good shepherd called, the sheep recognized his voice and followed

II. Ezekiel 34 Verses 1-10: The Lord describes bad leaders and tells what will happen to them Verses 11-16: The Lord describes himself as the shepherd Verses 17-24: The Lord warns the sheep Verses 25-31:The Lord describes the covenant of peace

III. What are the similarities and differences between Ezekiel 34:31 and John 10:14-15?

IV. John 10:1-18 (The Message) What is a good shepherd like? What are the implications of bringing other sheep into the pen? How does the description of the good shepherd in John point to Jesus’ crucifixion and death?

V. Ezekiel 34 Who did the “shepherds of Israel” represent? What had they done? What had they failed to do? What happened to the sheep as a result? What promise did Ezekiel describe in verses 23-24? Who was this shepherd? What would like be like under the covenant of peace?

Assignment Create a sign inviting sheep from outside Christ’s flock to join. Include the advantage of joining the flock, good characteristics of leaders who listen to the good shepherd, what life is like in the flock, and what it means to follow the voice of the shepherd. List the requirements of membership and kinds of behaviors not allowed. Be sure to include a vivid illustration and bold, interesting lettering.