Notes based on 6:30 pm sermon series
4 I am the good shepherd

As a child, what was your favourite pet? How did this pet respond when it heard your voice?

Sing The Lord's my Shepherd or Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me or any song based on Psalm 23 to any tune. You could perhaps get people to suggest songs then sing them. With the psalm open before you pray short prayers based on the words as you look through it.

1. Read Ezekiel 34:1-10
What are the characteristics of a bad shepherd or leader? If we are in Christian leadership we are called to pastor or shepherd people. How can we try to care for people without encroaching on their privacy? Do we need to build up trust first before we give advice?

2. Read Ezekiel 34:11-31
In what ways has Jesus already fulfilled this prophecy? Are there parts of the prophecy still to be fulfilled when he comes again? (See also Isaiah 25:6-9)

3. Read John 10:7-22
In verse 16 we read that the sheep hear his voice. In what ways can we hear the voice of the good shepherd today?

4. Jesus is the gate of the sheep and he protects them. What dangers are we in when we wander off. Is it possible to be lost for ever after entering the sheep fold (John 10:28)? This is a big question that has been asked many times before and you may be better off treating it as optional.

Pray for those you know who once came to church but have wandered away. Begin your prayers with the words Good shepherd of the sheep. Finish with the same phrase followed by hear our prayer.