Chapter Summary

Discourse on the Good Shepherd. Jesus' deity asserted.

Discussion Questions for John, Chapter 10

1. Why do you think Jesus uses the analogy of sheep and shepherds to explain His care for His people? What is the significance of this metaphor?
2. What does it mean for us to "recognize" the voice of God? How do we do that in our everyday life? What does it mean when we don't recognize God's voice?
3. Who are the "thieves and robbers" (HCSB) that Jesus refers to? What makes Him different and better than those who came before Him?
4. What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself the "Good Shepherd" (HCSB)? In what ways does He shepherd and guide us in this life?
5. In light of verse 18, how does this change your view of the crucifixion? What does this truth mean for you and your salvation?
6. Why did some of the Jews think that Jesus was demon-possessed? What does this tell you about the worldview of the Jews in the first century? What kind of supernatural encounters might they have had as regular, everyday occurrences?
7. What is the reason that the religious leaders continually tried to stone Jesus? What is the significance of this act? How does Jesus escape this punishment each time?
8. Why did the religious leaders not believe in the "works" (HCSB), or miracles, that Jesus performed? How were they able to see these and still reject Jesus? What are some times that your heart was hardened to God's work, even when you witnessed it?
9. Is it significant that Jesus returned to the same area that He left because of John the Baptist's disciples were upset? What does this tell you about their respective ministries? How might this inform the way that you do ministry alongside others today?
10. Why do you think that John "never did a sign" (HCSB)? How does this continually point to his ministry as one who would reveal Jesus? In what ways does this underscore his humility and his purpose?

Key Words/Phrase

Shepherd, v. 11.

Characters

Jesus, God.

Strong Verse(s)

9, 11, 14, 27, 28, 29.