Jesus uses the familiar picture of sheep, a shepherd, and a sheepfold to describe our relationship with God. But the picture also contains a warning: not everyone who claims to lead people can be trusted. Jesus makes a striking claim about where genuine safety, freedom, and life are found.
1. Connect
We are surrounded by people and voices telling us how to find a good and meaningful life.
How do you decide which voices are worth trusting?
2. Read
Read together.
As you read, notice the different people in Jesus' illustration and what Jesus says about himself.
(NET2)
1 “I tell you the solemn truth, the one who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The doorkeeper opens the door for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought all his own sheep out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. 5 They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him because they do not recognize the stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus told them this parable, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So Jesus said again, “I tell you the solemn truth, I am the door for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
NET Bible, Second Edition. © 2017 Biblical Studies Press. Used by permission.
What caught your attention?
3. Explore
Look back at the passage as you discuss these questions.
- In verses 1–5, what differences do you notice between the shepherd and the strangers or thieves?
- How do the sheep respond differently to the shepherd and to strangers? Why?
- In verses 7–9, Jesus explains the illustration by saying, “I am the door for the sheep.” What do you think he means?
- What does Jesus promise to the person who “enters through” him in verse 9?
- What contrast does Jesus make in verse 10 between what the thief wants and what Jesus came to give?
4. Consider
Jesus doesn't merely claim to show people an entrance to life with God. He says:
“I am the door.”
- What does this claim suggest about Jesus' view of himself?
- Why do you think Jesus describes himself as the entrance to being saved and finding pasture?
- Jesus says that he came so that people “may have life, and may have it abundantly.” What do you think he means by that?
- What do you find attractive, surprising, difficult, or hard to believe about Jesus' claim?
5. Respond
Jesus presents himself as the one through whom people find salvation and life.
If Jesus really is the Door, what would it mean for you personally to “enter through” him rather than simply admire what he teaches?
As we continue investigating Jesus, consider our central question:
Who is this Jesus who claims that life with God is found through him?
Explore More
Continue with . Jesus changes the picture slightly. He is not only the Door through which the sheep enter—he is also the Shepherd who knows them and gives his life for them.
Next Conversation: Known by the Shepherd — “I Am the Good Shepherd.”