Table Talk | May 09 & 10
Growth Group Guide: ""I Am the Good Shepherd"
John 10:11-18
OPENING PRAYER & Ice Breaker
Icebreaker Question: Share about a time when someone protected you or came through for you in a significant way. How did that make you feel about that person?
Key Takeaways from the Sermon
(Review Together)
When Yahweh is your shepherd, He:
- Protects You - He laid down His life for the sheep and took it up again
- Owns You - You were bought at a price; your life is not your own
- Knows You - He knows you intimately and experientially, not just facts about you
- Leads You - His sheep listen to and obey His voice
Central Truth: Jesus is not a ticket to be acquired; He is the Master who acquires us.
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text
Section 1: The Good Shepherd Protects You
What struck you most about Jesus willingly choosing the cross rather than being forced into it? How does this change your perspective on His sacrifice?
Pastor Jackson said, "If He was able to lay down His life to take down the big, bad, scary wolf of sin and death...then I'm pretty sure He can help you with the parenting season you're going through." What current struggle in your life do you need to trust the Good Shepherd's protection over?
When things go wrong in your life, what do you typically run to for protection? (finances, control, people, etc.) What does this reveal about where you're placing your trust?
SECTION 2: THE GOOD SHEPHERD OWNS YOU
How does it make you feel to hear "You are not your own; you were bought at a price"? Be honest—is this comforting, challenging, or both?
Pastor Jackson challenged the idea that "it's not a religion, it's a relationship" can sometimes mean "Jesus is my homeboy" rather than recognizing His lordship. Where in your life are you treating Jesus like a passenger rather than the driver?
"There is nothing He cannot ask of you." What area of your life have you kept off-limits from God's ownership? What would it look like to surrender that area this week?
How does it make you feel to hear "You are not your own; you were bought at a price"? Be honest—is this comforting, challenging, or both?
Pastor Jackson challenged the idea that "it's not a religion, it's a relationship" can sometimes mean "Jesus is my homeboy" rather than recognizing His lordship. Where in your life are you treating Jesus like a passenger rather than the driver?
"There is nothing He cannot ask of you." What area of your life have you kept off-limits from God's ownership? What would it look like to surrender that area this week?
Section 3: The Good Shepherd Knows You
Read Isaiah 40:11 together. How does knowing that the Shepherd "carries lambs close to His heart" change your understanding of what it means that He owns you?
The Bluey illustration showed our deep longing to be seen and delighted in by someone we respect. How have you been looking to others to fill this need instead of resting in the Shepherd's intimate knowledge and delight in you?
Read Isaiah 40:11 together. How does knowing that the Shepherd "carries lambs close to His heart" change your understanding of what it means that He owns you?
The Bluey illustration showed our deep longing to be seen and delighted in by someone we respect. How have you been looking to others to fill this need instead of resting in the Shepherd's intimate knowledge and delight in you?
Section 4: The Good Shepherd Leads You
"How simple would your life be if He wrote it and you did it?" What makes it hard for you to simply obey God's voice? What other voices are competing for your attention?
Pastor Jackson gave a litmus test: "Are you anxious? Are you insecure? Are you exhausted?" Which of these three describes you right now? How might this reveal an area where you're not trusting the Shepherd's leadership?
"How simple would your life be if He wrote it and you did it?" What makes it hard for you to simply obey God's voice? What other voices are competing for your attention?
Pastor Jackson gave a litmus test: "Are you anxious? Are you insecure? Are you exhausted?" Which of these three describes you right now? How might this reveal an area where you're not trusting the Shepherd's leadership?
Personal Reflection
Take a few minutes of silence for each person to consider:
- Which of the four aspects of the Good Shepherd (protects, owns, knows, leads) do you struggle most to trust?
- Complete this prayer: "Jesus, I believe You are my Good Shepherd, but help my unbelief in the area of..."
Practical Application
Daily Declaration: Read Psalm 23 aloud each morning this week, personalizing it ("The LORD is MY shepherd..."). Ask God to help you believe and experience what you're reading.
Identify Your "Other Voices": Make a list of the influencers, podcasts, friends, or media you're listening to for guidance. Are these voices pointing you toward the Shepherd or away from Him? What needs to change?
Surrender Exercise: Write down one specific area you've been withholding from God's ownership (your finances, your schedule, your body, your relationships, your career). Pray a prayer of surrender, acknowledging that you were bought at a price.
Obedience Challenge: Identify one clear command from Scripture you've been avoiding or rationalizing. Commit to obeying it this week, trusting that the Good Shepherd truly has your best interest in mind.
Replace Anxiety with Truth: When you notice anxiety, insecurity, or exhaustion this week, pause and ask: "What would change if I really believed my Good Shepherd is protecting me, knows me, and is leading me right now?"
Closing prayer
Go around the circle and have each person complete this sentence prayer:
"Good Shepherd, help me trust You more with..."
Close by reading Psalm 23 together as a group declaration.