A SHEPHERD PLUS


JESUS THE SAVIOR

Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines

Lesson 9
A SHEPHERD PLUS

Aim: That the learners will trust Jesus as their guide.
Scripture: John 10:1-16; Psalm 23, Isaiah 53:6
Memory Verse: Psalm 23:3 – He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (NIV)

In Advance
1.      Pray
2.      Memorize Psalm 23:3
3.      Study John 10:1-15
Background of the Scripture passage used:
      The Bible dictionary refers to two kinds of shepherds. First, those who have care of sheep, and second, those who have care of human being.
      A literal shepherd must find grass and water in a dry and stony land (Psalm 23:2).  He must guide the flock of sheep into the pastureland.  Ideally, a shepherd should be strong, devoted, and selfless.
      The Scripture earnestly stresses the serious responsibility of shepherds.  They have to do proper pastoral care.  The New Testament shows Christ as the Shepherd.
4.      Prepare: Write or type the hymn Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us on sheets of paper.

SAVIOR LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US
Savior like a shepherd, lead us,
Much we need Thy tenderest care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For out use They folds prepare.


Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us if we go stray.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, oh, hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus
Hear, oh, hear us when we pray.


CLASS SESSION
ENTRANCE
Tell a short story:
            In the Manila Zoo, a female veterinarian has a flock of ducks.  One specially trained duck keeps following her wherever she goes inside the zoo. She calls her special duck “Saddam.” In response to this name, Saddam immediately quacks.  Even from a distance when Saddam hears his name uttered by his guide he quacks to indicate he is used to his name.  He recognizes the voice of his guide.  He does not respond to others.

Transition Sentences:  Our lesson today introduces us to the best guide in the world.

SUBSTANCE
1.      Give time for silent reading of the passage.
2.      Write the following on the board for class discussion:

John 10:1-16
1.      Describe or characterize the following:
a.      Thief and robber (vv. 1,8,10a)
Answer: Motivated by self-interest; comes to steal and will destroy.
b.      Hired man (vv. 12,13)
Answer: He is interested in wages, not sheep.  He would not risk his life for the sheep.  He abandons the sheep during danger.
c.      Good shepherd (vv. 10b,11,14-15)
Answer: He gives life abundant; He does not only risk his life for the sheep but would lay down his life for the sheep.  (Jesus in this case was uniquely the Good Shepherd.)
2.      Describe the relationship between sheep and their and their shepherd (vv.3, 4, 8, 14)
Answer:         a.  The shepherd knows his own sheep and the sheep recognizes his voice. (vv. 3,4,8).
                        b.  The shepherd goes ahead of the sheep, not driving them from behind. (vv.3-4)

OPTIONAL COMMENT (in case it is asked):
Question: Who are the other sheep? (v.16)
Answer: Those not of Judaism. This intimates the worldwide view of the church.  There are those who belong to Christ but are not yet brought to Him.  No denomination has exclusive claim of Christ as Shepherd.  The universal church has only one Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.

General Truth: We can trust Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to guide us all the way.
SIGNIFICANCE
Oral Questions and sharing of answers:
1.      In what instances of our lives do we need a guide?
Possible answers: decision-making, problems, struggles, etc.
2.      What are other voices that seem to rival God’s leading in our lives?
(accept all answers)
Answer should include:
a.      Advice from well-meaning people, books, and other forms of media (advertisements).
b.      Demands of society, career, ambitions.
c.      People with selfish intentions.
3.      How do we discern the voice of our Shepherd from those of so many others that vie for our attention?  (Affirm all answers)
Answer should include:
a.      Regular study and meditation of God’s Word.
b.      Prayer.
c.      Fellowship and counsel of mature believers.

PERFORMANCE
1.         Remind them to often sing the hymn Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us during the week.  Distribute the typewritten or handwritten copies of the hymn to learners who do not have hymnals at home.
2.         Lead in singing the hymn before the learners depart for home to familiarize them with the song.
3.         Lead in closing prayer.