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The Gospel of John: John 10.1-18
Read and meditate on John 10.14, 15.
Jesus knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him. This relationship of love is the basis for a life of following Jesus and knowing God.
14“The good shepherd will be there
for them – and I am He – because I know
My sheep, and they know Me as well. 15Just so,
the Father knows Me, and I know Him, too.
And I lay down my life for all those who
My sheep are.”
- John 10.14, 15
Reflect
1. Jesus now begins to unpack the work of the Good Shepherd, and the work, by implication, of all shepherds of God’s flocks. In how many ways did Jesus know His disciples? How did He come to that knowledge? Complete this prayer: You know me, Lord, and You know that I…
2. How many different levels of “know” are involved in the gift of eternal life (Jn. 17.3)? Should we expect grow in knowledge of Jesus (2 Pet. 3.18)? How is that accomplished? Lord, I know that I am growing in knowledge of You, and of the gift of eternal life, when…
3. How does knowing Jesus help us in knowing the Father (v. 15; cf. Jn. 14.9)? What are the primary resources available to help us in knowing Jesus? Help me to make good use of all the resources for knowing You, Lord. I could use some improvement in…
4. Jesus knew and loved His sheep so well that He understood the only thing that would really help them was that He should lay down His life for them. This is the second great work of shepherds, to deny themselves, humble themselves, and make themselves servants of those they know and love (cf. Phil. 2.5-11). As you assume the duties of a shepherd to others, what will this require of you? Give me a heart to serve, Lord, as You serve. Today, let me…
5. The Good Shepherd sets the pace for all shepherds in the Lord’s flock, and for each one of us as shepherds to one another. Shepherding begins in relationships of mutual love and trust, where people seek to serve one another as Jesus did. Would you say that this kind of shepherding exists in your church? Are you shepherding the people in your Personal Mission Field? Bring together into one your prayers from questions 1-4.
Summary
“Christ did not endure death against his will on our behalf and for our sakes. Rather, we see him go toward it voluntarily, although he could easily escape the suffering if he did not want to suffer. Therefore, in his willingness even to suffer for us, we shall see the excellent quality of his love toward us and the immensity of his kindness.” Cyril of Alexandria (375-444 AD)
Meditate on Jeremiah 23.1-4. When the Good Shepherd comes to secure His flock, He will do so through the work of faithful shepherds. Can we expect to shepherd the Lord’s flock unless we are willing to follow the example of Jesus? Explain.
Closing Prayer
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,
Stir up Your strength,
And come and save us!
Restore us, O God;
Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved!
Psalm 80.1-3
Psalm 80.1-3, 17, 19 (St. Theodulph: All Glory, Laud, and Honor)
O God of grace, restore us, and shine on us Your face!
O save us, Lord, work for us; renew us by Your grace!
Give ear, O gracious Savior, Who leads us as Your flock:
Stir up Your pow’r and favor, our King and Lord and Rock!
T. M. Moore
We are happy to offer each week’s Scriptorium studies in a free weekly PDF, suitable for personal or group use. You can download all the studies in our series on the Gospel of John by clicking here. Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.