BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Bible Study #5: “I AM the Good Shepherd”
Main Passage: John 10:11–18
Purpose of the Study
This study explores Jesus’ declaration as the Good Shepherd, examining Old Testament shepherd imagery, His teaching in John’s Gospel, and Epistles’ reflections on Christ’s care and sacrifice for His people.
Opening Prayer
“Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd who knows, loves, and protects Your sheep. Help us to listen to Your voice, follow You faithfully, and care for one another as You care for us. Amen.”
1. Read the Passage
John 10:11–18 — Jesus contrasts the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep with hired hands who abandon them.
Questions
What characteristics does Jesus highlight as a Good Shepherd?
How does His willingness to lay down His life shape your view of Him?
In what ways do you experience Jesus’ shepherding in your life?
2. Context and Old Testament Imagery
OT Shepherd Imagery:
Psalm 23 — The Lord as shepherd who leads and restores.
Ezekiel 34 — God’s condemnation of bad shepherds and promise to be the true Shepherd.
Isaiah 40:11 — The shepherd who gently leads His flock.
Jeremiah 23:1–4 — The promise of a righteous Branch who will shepherd God’s people.
Jesus’ Claim:
Jesus fulfills the OT promise of the caring, sacrificial shepherd.
He intimately knows His sheep, leads them, and lays down His life for their salvation.
Epistles Reflection:
1 Peter 5:2–4: Elders are called to shepherd God’s flock willingly, as examples.
Hebrews 13:20: Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, makes believers perfect.
Ephesians 1:22–23: The church is Christ’s body, over which He is head and Shepherd.
Questions
How do you see Jesus fulfilling OT shepherd promises?
What does it mean to you that Jesus knows you personally as His sheep? How do you listen for His voice?
How can church leaders model Christ’s shepherding heart?
3. Jesus Christ: The Good Shepherd
Jesus’ shepherding is characterized by intimate knowledge, sacrificial love, and protective care.
His death was the ultimate act of shepherding, securing salvation for His sheep.
He also promises abundant life and ongoing guidance.
Questions
How does Jesus’ shepherding shape your trust and obedience?
When do you most sense His protection and guidance?
How might we better reflect Jesus’ example of caring for others?
4. Kingdom Implications and Church Life
Toward One Another
Are we caring for each other with the same love and commitment?
How do we support our church leaders as they shepherd us?
Do we create a safe, nurturing environment for spiritual growth?
Toward Our Local Community & Wider World
How can BRBC demonstrate shepherding care to those outside the church?
Are there vulnerable people in Horsham needing protection and guidance?
How can we pray for Christian leaders worldwide as shepherds of their flocks?
Toward Families, Friends, and Relationships
How do you shepherd your family in faith and love?
Are there relationships needing restoration or deeper care?
Questions
What would it look like for BRBC to be a community fully living out the Good Shepherd’s heart?
How can you personally embody shepherding care this week?
What are obstacles to effective shepherding in church life?
5. Practical Action
Spend time listening for Jesus’ voice through prayer and Scripture.
Encourage and support church and group leaders.
Practice sacrificial love and care within your family and community.
Volunteer to help care for those in need within BRBC and Horsham.
Questions
How can you better hear and respond to Jesus’ shepherding?
Who can you encourage or support in their role as a shepherd?
What sacrificial step can you take to care for someone this week?
Closing Scripture Meditation
John 10:14–15 — “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Final Prayer
“Good Shepherd, lead us beside still waters and restore our souls. Help us follow You faithfully and care for one another with Your love. May Brighton Road Baptist Church be a reflection of Your shepherding heart in Horsham and beyond. Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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