Sermon Study Guide

“The Good Shepherd: Finding Hope in the Shepherd of Our Souls”

Based on John 10:11 and Psalm 23

About This Guide

This study guide is designed for small groups, Bible study classes, or individual reflection. It follows the structure of the sermon and includes discussion questions, Scripture exploration, and practical application. Each section can be used as a standalone study or combined for a comprehensive multi-week series.

Sermon Overview

Main Text: John 10:11; Psalm 23:1; John 9:1-41

Central Theme: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks, saves, and secures His sheep—in contrast to the bad shepherds who exploit and abandon the flock.

Key Points:

The Wonder of “The Lord is My Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)
The Bad Shepherds (Ezekiel 34; John 9)
The Beloved Sheep (John 9)
The Good Shepherd (John 10)
Our Response: Testimony and Multiplication

Opening the Study

Icebreaker Question:
When you hear the phrase “The Lord is my shepherd,” what emotions or images come to mind? Is it a familiar comfort or have you become so used to it that you “glance over it like a stone skipping across water”?

Read Aloud: Psalm 23:1-6

Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are not a distant God but a personal Shepherd. As we study Your Word today, open our eyes to see the wonder of Your care for us. Help us to recognize Your voice amid the noise of the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Part 1: The Wonder of “The Lord is My Shepherd”

Scripture Focus

Psalm 23:1 (Hebrew: Yahweh Rohi)
John 10:11 (Greek: Ego eimi ho poimen ho kalos)

Sermon Highlights

The sermon opens with a powerful observation: when people face the end of life, they don’t worry about finances—they long for restored relationships. The 23rd Psalm becomes precious because it speaks of a personal Shepherd.

The Hebrew phrase Yahweh Rohi is astonishing. The Creator of the universe—who spoke galaxies into existence—chooses to be your personal Shepherd. The sermon illustrates this with a modern analogy: Imagine if the world’s greatest soccer player, Lionel Messi, signed with a small-town club. The world would be shocked. Yet we often recite “The Lord is my shepherd” with funeral-like solemnity rather than joyful wonder.

Sheep Facts from the Sermon:

Sheep cannot care for themselves
They need daily inspection for parasites
They will destroy their own pasture if not led to new ground
A sheep on its back (“cast down”) will die within hours if not rescued
The shepherd anoints the sheep’s head with oil to prevent nasal infestations

Discussion Questions

The Messi Analogy: The sermon compares having God as your Shepherd to a small-town soccer club signing Lionel Messi. How does this analogy help you grasp the wonder of Psalm 23:1? How might your daily attitude change if you truly believed the Creator of the universe is personally invested in your life?
Sheep Vulnerability: The sermon describes sheep as helpless creatures requiring constant care. In what ways are we like sheep? Why is it difficult for modern, self-sufficient people to accept this dependency?
Familiarity vs. Wonder: Have you become so familiar with certain Scriptures that they’ve lost their power? Which passages, and how can you recapture the wonder?
The Shepherd’s Daily Care: The sermon emphasizes that shepherds inspect their sheep daily. What does it mean to you that God “inspects” you daily? How does Psalm 139:1-4 connect with this?

Deeper Dive: The Rod and Staff

The sermon explains the shepherd’s tools:

The Rod (like a knobkierie): Used to throw at sheep to correct them, to drive off predators, and to assert authority. Parallel: The Bible as God’s revealed will, correcting and guiding us.
The Staff (with crook): Used to lift lambs without touching them (so mothers won’t reject them), and the sharp end to part wool for skin inspection. The shepherd also rests it on a sick sheep—a living connection. Parallel: The Holy Spirit, our daily Comforter and Guide.

Reflection: How have you experienced both the “rod” (correction/guidance through Scripture) and the “staff” (comfort/connection through the Spirit) in your spiritual journey?

Part 2: The Bad Shepherds

Scripture Focus

Ezekiel 34:1-10
John 9:13-34

Sermon Highlights

To understand the Good Shepherd, we must recognize the bad shepherds. Ezekiel prophesied against Israel’s leaders who “feed themselves” rather than the flock. They use the sheep for wool, fat, and meat—but never strengthen the weak, heal the sick, or seek the lost.

In John 9, we see these bad shepherds in action. When Jesus heals a man born blind, the Pharisees don’t celebrate—they investigate. Why? Because Jesus broke their Sabbath rules:

He made mud (work)
He applied the mud (healing)
He healed a non-emergency case

They valued their interpretation of the law (the “oral Torah”—their church manual) more than a transformed life.

Three Interviews in John 9:

The Man Himself (vv. 13-17): Pharisees are divided—some say Jesus is a sinner, others ask how a sinner could do such signs.
The Parents (vv. 18-23): They’re terrified. The Pharisees had already decided to excommunicate anyone who confessed Jesus. The parents deflect: “He’s of age, ask him.”
The Man Again (vv. 24-34): They pressure him to denounce Jesus. His response becomes more bold:
- “One thing I know: though I was blind, now I see”
- “Do you also want to become His disciples?”
- “If this man were not from God, He could do nothing”

Result: They “drove him out”—excommunicated, cancelled, cut off from community and livelihood.

God’s Three Promises in Ezekiel 34:

God will judge the bad shepherds (v. 10)
God will seek out and restore His scattered flock (vv. 11-12)
God will appoint a new, faithful Shepherd (vv. 23-24)

Discussion Questions

Identifying Bad Shepherds: The sermon defines bad shepherds as those who “care not for the flock, only for the fleece.” Have you ever experienced spiritual leadership that felt more like control or exploitation than care? How did that affect your faith?
Rules vs. Relationship: The Pharisees valued their interpretation of Scripture (oral Torah) over a man’s healing. In what ways might we today prioritize church rules, traditions, or manuals over genuine transformation and God’s work?
The Cost of Following Jesus: The healed man lost his community, his livelihood, and his social safety net. Why do we often expect following Jesus to be cost-free? What costs have you experienced (or seen others experience) for faith?
Cancel Culture Then and Now: The sermon draws parallels between the Pharisees’ excommunication and modern “cancel culture.” How should the church handle dissent and disagreement? When is discipline appropriate, and when does it become abusive?
The Parents’ Fear: The man’s parents were terrified of being “thrown out of the synagogue.” What fears keep people from speaking openly about their faith today? How can our church be a safe place for honest seeking?

Part 3: The Beloved Sheep

Scripture Focus

John 9:1-7, 35-38
John 9:11-38 (the man’s growing faith)

Sermon Highlights

The man born blind represents all of us—born into spiritual darkness with limited perception. His suffering wasn’t punishment but opportunity: “that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).

The Man’s Journey of Faith:

Verse	What He Says	Stage of Faith
v. 11	“The man called Jesus made mud”	Jesus is just a man
v. 17	“He is a prophet”	Jesus is a prophet
v. 30	“He opened my eyes” (identifies as disciple)	Jesus has divine power
v. 33	“If this man were not from God”	Jesus is sent from God
v. 38	“Lord, I believe” (worships)	Jesus is divine

Key Insight: Jesus was active in this man’s life before the man knew Him (vv. 1, 6). The healing happened first; understanding came gradually. This is “prevenient grace”—God’s grace at work before we respond.

The E-Scale (from the sermon):

For Muslim background believers, the journey often follows this pattern:

Encounter with Jesus (dream, vision, healing)
Evaluation of what it means to follow Him
Entrance into the body of Christ (often secret)
Embracing the teachings of Jesus
Embodiment—living out faith fully

Discussion Questions

The Journey Metaphor: The man’s understanding of Jesus grew in stages. Where are you on this journey today? Is it okay to have questions and not have everything figured out?
Prevenient Grace: The sermon emphasizes that “we don’t go looking for God; God comes looking for us.” How have you seen God at work in your life before you recognized Him? For those with loved ones far from God, how does this truth encourage you?
Suffering and Purpose: Jesus said the man was born blind “so that God’s works might be revealed.” How do you respond to the idea that some suffering exists not as punishment but as an opportunity for God’s glory? Does this comfort or challenge you?
Patience with Growth: The sermon challenges: “We want people to come to church the finished product, saying Jesus is God, without giving them time and space to make the same spiritual journey.” Are you patient with others’ spiritual growth? With your own?
The Price of Belief: This man paid a terrible price for his faith—family rejection, excommunication, loss of income. Why does following Jesus sometimes cost us dearly? Have you experienced any cost for your faith?

Part 4: The Good Shepherd

Scripture Focus

John 10:1-18, 27-30
John 14:6
Isaiah 43:1-4

Sermon Highlights

After the Pharisees cast out the healed man, Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd who comes to seek and save His lost sheep.

Five Characteristics of the Good Shepherd (John 10):

He Enters Properly (vv. 1-2) — Sent by the Father, not self-appointed like the Pharisees or like Barabbas (whose name means “son of the father”—a false messiah).
He Calls His Sheep by Name (v. 3) — Not just a number. Isaiah 43: “I have called you by name; you are Mine.” The sermon shares a vivid story of tagging water buffalo in Sri Lanka—messy, personal, unforgettable.
He Leads Them Out (v. 3) — Not about following rules, but following the Master in loving obedience.
The Sheep Know His Voice (v. 4) — In a world of competing voices (media, politics, celebrity preachers), we must learn to discern the Shepherd’s voice.
He Lays Down His Life (vv. 11, 15) — The ultimate proof of love. Unlike the hired hand who runs, the Good Shepherd faces the wolf.

Three Blessings of Following the Good Shepherd:

Salvation (vv. 9) — “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved.” No other way to the Father (John 14:6).
Abundant Life (v. 10) — Not just eternal life someday, but rich, meaningful life now. The Shepherd leads to green pastures and still waters—even the dew provides safe hydration, avoiding disease-ridden puddles.
One Flock (v. 16) — Not “one fold” (denominational boundary), but “one flock” (all who hear His voice). The flock transcends human divisions.

Discussion Questions

Called by Name: The Shepherd knows each sheep individually—their history, wounds, personality. What does it mean to you that God knows you by name? How does Isaiah 43:1-4 personalize this truth?
Whose Voice? The sermon asks pointedly: “Whose voice are you following? Fox or CNN? Twitter or YouTube? Political pundits or celebrity preachers?” How can you better discern the Shepherd’s voice amid today’s noise?
Rules vs. Relationship: The Pharisees’ religion was about following rules; the Good Shepherd invites us into relationship. Are there areas where you’ve slipped into rule-following rather than relationship? How can you return to loving obedience?
The Hired Hand vs. The Shepherd: The hired hand runs when danger comes. Where have you seen spiritual leaders abandon the flock? Where have you seen true shepherd hearts?
One Flock: Jesus says He has “other sheep not of this fold” and that there will be “one flock and one Shepherd.” How does this challenge denominational exclusivity? What does it mean to be part of His flock beyond church labels?

Part 5: Our Response—Testimony and Multiplication

Scripture Focus

John 9:25 (“One thing I know…”)
1 Peter 3:15
Mark 5:19 (“Go home to your friends and tell them…”)

Sermon Highlights

The healed man’s testimony was simple and powerful: “One thing I know: though I was blind, now I see.” He didn’t have all the answers, but he had his story.

The Simple Testimony Template:

“There was a time in my life when I was ______, ______, and ______.”
(Three adjectives describing life before Christ)

“But then I met Jesus, and He forgave me, and I chose to follow Him.”
(The two Fs: Forgiven and Following)

“Now my life is ______, ______, and ______.”
(Three adjectives describing life with Christ)

“Do you have a story like that?”

The Call to Multiply

The sermon concludes with a challenge: “Only sheep can breed. The shepherd can’t make more lambs—the sheep have to breed.” If we’re going to be a multiplying church, we must:

Share our stories
Give people time and space to grow (like the blind man’s journey)
Let our enthusiasm for the Shepherd be visible

A Sobering Observation: “Sometimes the only witness to the fact you’re an Adventist is your dog, because they know on Sabbath morning they’re not going for a walk.”

Discussion Questions

Your “One Thing”: What is your “one thing I know”—the undeniable evidence of God’s work in your life? If you had to summarize your testimony in 15 seconds, what would you say?
The Testimony Template: Using the three-part template, write out your testimony:
- Before: ___________________________
- The turning point (forgiven/following): ________________
- Now: ______________________________
The Invitation Question: “Do you have a story like that?” is a gentle way to invite spiritual conversation. Who in your life needs to hear that question this week?
Enthusiasm Check: The sermon contrasts our excitement for political candidates (bumper stickers, rallies, discussions) with our muted enthusiasm for Christ. What would it look like to be visibly, joyfully proud of our Shepherd?
Multiplication Mindset: “Only sheep can breed.” How can you intentionally invest in someone who is earlier in their faith journey? Who is your “one” to encourage?
The Dog Witness: The humorous observation about pets being the only witness to our faith is also convicting. If your neighbors were asked, “What does that person believe?”—what would they say based on your life?

Conclusion and Call to Action

Summary

Yahweh is my Shepherd—the Creator of the universe cares for me personally. This should fill us with wonder, not dull familiarity.
There are bad shepherds—those who use the flock for their own benefit. We must learn to discern and follow only the Good Shepherd.
The blind man’s journey shows us that faith grows in stages. Give grace to yourself and others.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd—He calls us by name, leads us, knows us, and laid down His life for us.
Our response is to share our story and multiply disciples.

Final Reflection

The sermon ends where it began: with the wonder of Psalm 23. “The Lord is my Shepherd” isn’t a funeral dirge—it’s a victory shout. The Creator of the universe, the One who speaks galaxies into existence, knows your name, searches your heart, binds your wounds, and leads you home.

Hallelujah! What other shepherd can compare?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Thank You that You don’t wait for us to find You—You come looking for us. Thank You that You call us by name and lead us beside still waters. Help us to recognize Your voice amid the noise of this world. Give us courage to share our stories and multiply Your flock. May we be sheep who breed—who bring others into the safety of Your fold. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Amen.

Additional Resources

Key Scriptures for Further Study

Psalm 23 (the complete psalm)
Ezekiel 34 (the bad shepherds prophecy)
John 9 (the man born blind)
John 10:1-18 (the Good Shepherd discourse)
Isaiah 43:1-4 (called by name)
1 Peter 2:21-25 (the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls)
Hebrews 13:20-21 (the great Shepherd of the sheep)

Quotes to Remember

“They care not for the flock, only for the fleece.” — Waldensian creed

“Theologians call it prevenient grace—grace given us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world.” — 2 Timothy 1:9

“Sometimes the only witness to the fact you’re a Christian is your dog.” — Sermon observation

“Only sheep can breed.” — The call to multiplication

Personal Application Challenge

This week:

Memorize your 15-second testimony using the template
Share it with at least one person and ask, “Do you have a story like that?”
Identify one “voice” you need to turn down to hear the Shepherd better
Thank the Shepherd daily for knowing you by name