SESSION 3 OUR NEED FOR PROTECTION The Point Only Jesus can offer us ultimate protection. The Bible Meets Life The feeling of losing control is disturbing to say the least. We often feel alone, fearful, and helpless in the face of threats. We want to be in control, but as soon as the water rises, we begin to panic. In those situations, we realize how little we control in life. God knows life can be overwhelming, but thankfully He has not left us alone. He s there to help us no matter what. The Passage John 10:7-15,27-30 28 SESSION 3
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? John 10:7-15,27-30 7 So Jesus said again, I assure you: I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn t listen to them. 8 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 9 A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. 10 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 11 The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. 12 This happens because he is a hired man and doesn t care about the sheep. 13 14 I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep. 15 27 My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. 28 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father s hand. 29 30 The Setting The Hebrew people understood sheep, shepherds, and shepherding. Their great king, David, had been a shepherd, like many before and since. Their Scripture, our Old Testament, used the imagery of sheep and shepherd to depict the chosen people and God Himself. Religious leadership liked to fancy themselves as shepherds to their people, as well. Jesus understood, and set out to demonstrate, that many of the religious leaders of His were really strangers, not shepherds who cared for the sheep. The Father and I are one. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 29
ENGAGE (15 MINUTES) GET INTO THE STUDY ENGAGE: Begin the session with one or more of the Engage Options on the next page. (This is optional. If you d rather skip the Engage Options, just begin with the first discussion question.) SAY: We all know the feeling of vulnerability is disconcerting, to say the least. Jesus knows life can be overwhelming, but He has not left us alone. He protects us and assures our ultimate safety with Him. When fear arises, remember your security is in Jesus. Nothing can pluck you from His hands. DISCUSS: Ask students, When have you felt protected during a scary situation? GUIDE: Call attention to The Point. Only Jesus can offer us ultimate protection. Explain that this is the key to keep in mind throughout the session. ITEM 4 Leader Pack: Consider showing students the Shield poster at this time. READ: Read and summarize The Bible Meets Life for your group (p.26). One of the scariest moments of my life happened when I was in college on an international study trip to Italy. We had a weekend free of classes, so my friend and I decided to travel to Pompeii to see the legendary volcano town. We traveled by train, bought our tickets, and went inside. Soon after, my friend realized that his phone was dead and he didn t have his charger. Unfortunately, we became separated in the crowd soon after his realization. At first, I was fine, but after a few hours or searching, waiting around, and sightseeing, I began to panic. I looked everywhere and even sat at the front gate, but my friend, who had my ticket home, seemed lost for good. I was lost, alone, helpless, and thousands of miles away from home. I made the most expensive cell phone call of my life to hear my dad s voice assure me it was going to be all right. His voice made me realize that being half way around the world wouldn t stop him from protecting me. Soon after, I found my friend asleep on a bench, waiting for me. The feeling of losing control is disturbing to say the least. We often feel alone, fearful, and helpless in the face of threats. We want to be in control, but as soon as the water rises, we begin to panic. In those situations, we realize how little we control in life. God knows life can be overwhelming, but thankfully He has not left us alone. He s there to help us no matter what. PRAY: Transition into the session by praying that students would realize the protection that we have in Christ against anything. 30 SESSION 3
Engage Options YY Lead with Action Split students into four teams, and inform them that they are going to play a game of Four-Square Dodge ball. Create four squares connected to one another, and place one team per square. Assign one student per team to for the team to protect. The team s goal is to protect their designated player at all cost. Allow a designated time of 10 minutes for this to take place. Say, There are times in life where we ll feel the need to be protected. Protection is important. What we must understand is that God is there to protect us at all times; He is willing to go the distance to protect us. OPTION: Guide students to create a list of the top ten items they would need to pack in a survival kit. After they have made their lists, lead them to look up an official survival pack list. See how their lists match up. Say, It s amazing how little we think about things we use everyday, which protect us. YY Lead with Atmosphere Before this session begins, reset the chairs in your room. Create a warm and inviting area for students to sit and be engaged in discussion. Create the lighting to feel relaxing. Begin the session by asking students how they feel in this setting. Ask them if they feel comfortable and safe in this setting. After students have shared, say, When we fully understand the love of Jesus, we are able to see Him as our Protector. As John 10 shows us, Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He is always willing to go the distance to protect us. YY Lead with Media Guide students to search for pictures of things that provide protection against dangerous situations everyday. Encourage them to think outside the box and come up with creative ideas. Allow them to share the images they found and why those things provide protection. Say, Many things offer us protection, but we cannot trust in those things. God alone offers us His perfect protection. We can trust that He is taking care of us and is with us through every situation. OPTION: Guide students to design their ideal safe house. Say, When we fully understand the love of Jesus, we are able to see Him as our Protector. As John 10 shows us, Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He is always willing to go the distance to protect us. NOTE: Always make sure you preview any clip you show students and ensure that it is appropriate for your church and ministry. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 31
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Only Jesus can offer us ultimate protection. JOHN 10:7-10 So Jesus said again, I assure you: I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn t listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. JOHN 10:7-10 READ: Enlist a volunteer to read John 10:7-10 for the group. DISCUSS: Ask students, Where do you find thieves and robbers in your life? READ: Direct a few volunteers to read the following (p.28): When Jesus said that He was the door, it meant He was the only door for the sheep. Jesus is telling the world that He is the only way to be saved (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Many find this truth offensive, but Jesus words are clear. He is not one way to God; He is the only way. The sheep pen represents our relationship with God, and Jesus is the only way to enter into that relationship. Trusting in anything else (good works, religious tradition, family and friends) will never bring us into a true and active relationship with God. It is wonderful and serious news all at once Christ alone that can save us. Jesus warned about people who would distract His sheep from following Him. He called them thieves and robbers. Jesus was talking about the religious leaders, like the Scribes and Pharisees, who were more interested in personal gain than truly leading people to God. Some of Jesus harshest language is for anyone who keeps people from coming to Him. SAY: Jesus gave two incredible promises: His followers will find pasture and He came so we can have abundant life. Jesus followers move through life enjoying His blessings. We are promised abundant life. That means life connected to purpose, protection, fulfillment, provision, and more. Jesus didn t promise us an easy, pain-free life; He promised us a purpose-filled life. Abundant life. The world tells us that popularity, accomplishments, morality, or even religious systems can build us a relationship with God, but Jesus made it clear that a relationship with God is through Him alone. DO: Invite students to respond to the question, What is the difference between trusting in Christ alone for salvation and trusting religion, accomplishes, or the world s promises for salvation? 32 SESSION 3
Commentary JOHN 10:7-10 The immediate context for these verses is the story of the blind man healed on the Sabbath (John 9). This displeased the Pharisees, who made threats against both the healed man and his parents. Ultimately, the synagogue leaders insisted about Jesus, We know that this man is a sinner! (9:24). [Verses 7-8] Jesus used the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep. His hearers did not understand His illustration (10:6). Jesus said, I am the door of the sheep. Tending sheep required securing the flock at night from predators. A temporary sheepfold would use either a natural formation that had only one entrance, such as a cave or narrow ravine, or be constructed by the shepherd using branches topped with thorns in a lean-to construction to build a pen with only one entrance. The shepherd would either build a movable lattice-branch door, or station himself blocking the entrance. Access to the sheep without the shepherd knowing would be impossible. Thus, Jesus being the door of the sheep presents a powerful picture of ultimate protection, like a shepherd for his sheep. All who came before Me sounds universal, but the topic is false shepherds. Those not behaving according to the selflessness of Jesus and in actual communion with God are thieves and robbers. The good news is that genuine sheep following the voice of the true Shepherd, like His own disciples, didn t listen to them. [Verses 9 10] Jesus reiterated the imagery, I am the door. He then played on the flexible meaning of the verb saved. Within the illustration itself of shepherd/sheep, it means secure and protected, preserved from harm or damage. Thus, the sheep would come in to the sheepfold in the evening to be protected by the shepherd throughout the dangerous night. The next morning, the sheep would go out and find pasture, perfectly safe. Given John s penchant for double meaning, this protection probably points to the deeper reality of the salvation Jesus provides in eternal life. TIP: If you sense that the students would benefit from specific information in the commentary, highlight those sections and come back to them during the session. The occupation of a thief is to steal and to kill and to destroy. Unfortunately, some religious leaders in Israel were thieves. We already know Jewish leaders intended to kill Jesus (7:1). They thereby intended to destroy His mission and to steal His sheep. Jesus, however, came to bring not just life, but life in abundance. He will protect His sheep. They will find pasture even now. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 33
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Only Jesus can offer us ultimate protection. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired man and doesn t care about the sheep. JOHN 10:11-13 JOHN 10:11-13 DISCUSS: Examine the following question, When have you had to make a choice between your self interest and something God was calling you to do? READ: Direct a student to read John 10:11-13. SAY: Read the following: Jesus made another critical statement when He said that He is the Good Shepherd. Shepherds deeply care for their sheep. They lead them to food, protect them from predators, tend to them in sickness, and more. Jesus listeners knew this well, but He took it further. He described the Good Shepherd as one who lays down His life for the sheep. Jesus does more than care for His sheep; He died for them. GUIDE: Help students understand the importance of the hired man and the wolf. Jesus mentions two kinds of enemies that keep others from following Him. YY The hired man. The hired man doesn t own the sheep. When danger comes, he puts his own safety first, leaving the sheep defenseless to attack. YY The wolf. The wolf snatches and scatters the sheep. READ: Guide a volunteer to read the following section (p.29): One enemy abandons the sheep when trouble comes; the other one is the trouble. The Pharisees who heard this would have cringed at the comparison. Earlier, Jesus compared them to thieves and robbers (v. 8), and now He compared them to hired hands and wolves. Jesus was clear in describing the damage religious leaders do when they are more concerned on preserving themselves than helping people find life in Christ. Jesus words extend to any person, even the most faithful church member who puts religious traditions and preferences above helping people find their way to Jesus. The Pharisees confused religious preferences and personal opinions with God s grace. If we are not careful, it can happen to us as well. God calls us to a greater purpose than to be a hired hand. We belong to the Good Shepherd. 34 SESSION 3
Commentary JOHN 10:11-13 [Verse 11] Here, Jesus gave His illustration a further application. Jesus said He was much more than a mere door of a sheep pen. Whereas some religious leaders were thieves and robbers (10:7), Jesus, in stark contrast, is the good shepherd. Thieves and robbers sought personal gain at the expense of the sheep and their security. A good shepherd, on the other hand, was prepared to experience personal loss for the benefit and protection of the sheep. Jesus reminded His hearers that The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. This role is the most dramatic a shepherd can play. The situation envisioned was one of mortal danger, both for the sheep and for the shepherd. In the face of grave danger, the shepherd put himself directly between the threat and his sheep. When David sought to represent God and Israel before the giant Goliath, he reminded King Saul of this role David himself had played as shepherd to his father s sheep confronting lions and bears (1 Sam. 17:34-36). Such experience, common to life in ancient Israel, easily lent itself to describing Christ as a shepherd to God s people. TIP: Quiet students may feel intimidated to share. Stress that everyone s questions and ideas are worth hearing. Encourage, but don t push every student to get involved in the discussion. [Verses 12-13] Sometimes the one who tended the flock was not the owner of the sheep or a member of the owner s family. They were just hired guns, more likely to run from danger than confront it. The hired man, Jesus explained, lacked proper motivation. He had no vested interest in the sheep, since he doesn t own the sheep. It was just a job to him. So, the hired man simply runs away, and the wolf snatches and scatters the flock. If the door was breached, the sheep were left defenseless and at the mercy of a merciless adversary. Jesus asserted such a hired man doesn t care about the sheep. For all their protest about taking care of the people by insisting they strictly follow the priestly requirements of the law of Moses and in trying to eliminate sinners from the congregation of Israel, the Pharisees really did not care about the sheep they supposedly were tending. Quick to condemn, slow to forgive, rarely redemptive, the Pharisees in a previous setting were pictured as wolves threatening the flock (Matt. 7:15), or, as in this setting, hired men who would rather see the flock destroyed than imperil their own skin. The shepherd did care for the sheep. He named them, knew each one by name, tended to their wounds, often sang to them to calm and reassure them in situations likely to create anxiety for the sheep, and made it a point to seek out and retrieve any sheep that slipped from his watchful eye. The sheep were more than a job to the true shepherd. John s point is clear Jesus is the good shepherd who gave His life because He cares for us. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 35
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Only Jesus can offer us ultimate protection. I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep. My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father s hand. The Father and I are one. JOHN 10:14-15,27-30 JOHN 10:14-15,27-30 DISCUSS: Answer the following question, How can you tell the difference between Jesus voice from others? READ: Lead a student to read John 10:14-15,27-30. SAY: Read the following: Again, Jesus says that He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:14), and He explains why He is so good. YY His sacrifice. Jesus says three times that He lays down his life for His sheep. YY His care. Notice the care in Jesus description of His relationship with His sheep (vv. 14,27). READ: Guide a couple of volunteers to read the following (p.30): Jesus care is complete and unchanging. He promises that when He gives eternal life, His people will never perish ever! He used His fist as an example to show what He meant. Jesus said that no one would snatch them out of His hand. He also said that no one would snatch them out of His Father s hand. The people wanted the grace, hope, and truth Jesus was showing them. They also faced a world of uncertainty, danger, and fear, just like we do today. Jesus solidified His promise by saying that He and the Father are one. Putting our faith in Christ means that we are in God s hands, because Jesus and the Father are one. Again, Jesus made it clear that He was God. Having a relationship with Jesus through faith means that you belong to Him completely and permanently. No attack can defeat you, no sin can disqualify you, and no person can steal you away from Jesus (Rom. 8:31-39). Are you ready to trust Him? SAY: What is the most difficult thing about genuinely trusting Jesus? DO: Direct students to complete the Action Point. 36 SESSION 3
Commentary JOHN 10:14-15,27-30 [Verse 14] Jesus repeated Himself for emphasis. In doing so, He added a new dimension to what that goodness entails. I know My own sheep, He said. This knowledge goes beyond intellectual propositions. This knowledge is personal. Note carefully that Jesus said My own sheep (emphasis added). Jesus knows His own sheep every single one. We belong to Him. [Verse 15] Jesus has brought the beauty of His own communion with the heavenly Father down to earth. He shared this communion with His own disciples, teaching them how to walk in this fellowship and to live out their own lives from within this relationship. A communion that deep and that enriching is laying down a life: I lay down My life for the sheep. For the second time in only a few verses we find this theme of laying down a life (10:11). John had a laser focus on the reality that all of Jesus life and mission culminated in the cross. [Verse 27] John 10:27-30 shifts context. John 10:22 says, Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. The festival also is known as Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights. It s not found in the law of Moses, but arose out of the history of the Maccabean revolt centuries before Christ. During this festival, Jesus was again teaching in the temple complex. Jewish leaders tried to provoke a confrontation with Him, but Jesus would not take the bait. He had already performed great signs among them. The demand for another one had nothing to do with genuine seeking. Instead, their unbelief revealed they were not Jesus sheep (10:22-26). In contrast to these unbelieving Jewish leaders, My sheep hear My voice, Jesus insisted. Jesus knows them, and they follow Me. Those confronting Him did not really care to follow Him. Eternal life was not found in the temple ritual. Instead, eternal life was (and is) found on the altar of Jesus own life that He would sacrifice (see 10:17-18). TIP: Inform students that the Live It Out activities are there to help them grow and put their faith into action. If they ever feel like they are just going through the motions to complete them, they may need to take a break. [Verses 28-30] Jesus self-sacrifice is why He could promise, I give them eternal life, and they will never perish ever! Not even these deceiving teachers of Israel confronting Him could snatch them out of My hand. The security of the believer is due to the power of the Father: My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. The security of the believer is in God, not the believer. The steps of a believer may stumble along the way, but the destination never is in doubt: No one is able to snatch them out of the Father s hand. This word of eternal security for eternal life can be believed because The Father and I are one. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 37
IMPACT (10 MINUTES) APPLY IT TIP: Spend time helping students connect the Apply It section to real life situations they are facing on a daily basis. SAY: When fear arises, remember your protection is in Jesus. He and the Father have you in their hand of protection. To help you live that reality, do the following: YY Identify: Ask God to show you the fears that control your life. As you begin to uncover your fears, ask yourself why you are afraid to let God protect you. YY Listen: Jesus said that His sheep know His voice. The greatest way to hear His voice is to spend time in His Word. The more you spend time in God s Word, the more you will hear His voice. As you evaluate fears in your life, let God s Word show you His truth. YY Share: Let your life be a mirror for others to see Christ in you. When you struggle with fear, post Scripture on social media. Share with others how Jesus has shown His faithfulness in your life. GUIDE: Lead students to consider how they need to respond to what they have learned in this study. SAY: Which response do you need to focus on this week? WRAP UP PRAY: Ask God to make students confident in His protection so they can live in boldness. Guide students to write down their prayer requests on pieces of paper, so you can pray for them throughout the week. ASK: Ask each student how they plan on living for Christ this week. GUIDE: Encourage students to use the Daily Bible Reading plan this week. Help develop an accountability plan for each student. For free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife 38 SESSION 3
To find the One Conversation for all ages, visit www.biblestudiesforlife.com. LEADER LIVE IT OUT Before the session, challenge yourself to grow with your students through this Live It Out. Fear Inspection 2 Timothy 1:17 Notes: What scares you the most? Being alone in the dark, public speaking, sharing your faith, everyone seeing your problems? We all have fears. We often bury them so deep in our hearts that they control us and we don t even realize it. We plan our daily routines around what people think, push ourselves to exhaustion for fear of letting others down, and fail to live in the power that God has given us. When you received the gospel, you received the power, love, and wisdom of God. YY Take a minute to list your three biggest fears. Then, write down what God s Word says about each one of them. It s time to stop living in fear. ONE CONVERSATION Scripture: John 10:7-15,27-30 Topic: Our Need for Protection Use these discussion starters to help foster a spiritual conversation with your family. THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: The feeling of losing control is disturbing to say the least. We often feel alone, fearful, and helpless in the face of threats. We want to be in control, but as soon as the water rises, we begin to panic. In those situations, we realize how little we control in life. God knows life can be overwhelming, but thankfully He has not left us alone. He s there to help us no matter what. STUDENTS THE POINT: Only Jesus can offer us ultimate protection. When have you felt protected during a scary situation? What makes Christians question their security in Christ? Have a conversation around this quote: Everything that a man leans upon but God, will be a dart that will certainly pierce his heart through and through. He, who leans only upon Christ, lives the highest, choicest, safest, and sweetest life. 1 Thomas Brooks 1. Leaning on God, Great Quotes for Quoting [online], [cited 16 July 2015]. Available from the Internet: https://thequotes.wordpress.com/category/satisfaction-in-christ/ LIVE IT OUT If you choose to do Fear Inspection: When have you had to trust Christ s protection and not give into fear? Pray for God to show you how small your fear is compared with His protection. Ask God to give you the courage to lean on Christ this week instead of giving in to fear. If you choose to do Daily Reading: Take time to discuss your daily Scripture readings from this week. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 39