Introduction: Here’s something we don’t think of often: gates. They keep people in; they keep people out. Can you think of a time when you were thankful for a gate or mad that one was keeping you out of a place you wanted to be?

Study
1. Read John 10:7-10. What is the “I Am” statement Jesus makes in this verse? This seems to be a weird analogy in a way, doesn’t it? One thing that may help us understand this better would be to learn what shepherding was in biblical times. Sheep would be herded into enclosures made of piled up stones set in a circular pattern. The shepherd wouldn’t close the gate at the end of the day; he actually would be the gate and sleep across the opening of the sheep pen, guarding his sheep.

2. In these verses, Jesus refers to some people as thieves and robbers. The word thieves is kleptes in Greek. Robbers is lestes, the definition of these is “someone who is an embezzler.” These refer to the false teachers who cared less about instructing others and more about making money off of their students.

3. What happens to the sheep that enter the pen through Jesus? (They will be saved.)

4. What do you think the phrase, “They will come in and go out and find pasture” means? (He will continue to guard and protect them, and they will be able to find what they need: food, shelter, etc. as long as they enter through Him.)

5. Look again at verse 10. We know the thief is Satan. What is his desire for the sheep? (He wants to steal, kill and destroy them.) In contrast, what is Jesus’ desire for them? (He came to give them real life, full life, satisfying life.)

Challenge
Do you trust that Jesus can and will give you the best life possible? Are there areas in your life that can be further surrendered to His leading and guiding? How can we help you in this?

Lesson 6: John 10:11: “I Am the Good Shepherd“