Dear Friends,

Following Jesus is the essence of what being in Christ means. We often sing “I have decided to follow Jesus”, but our ideas about following keep us from ever following the shepherd of our souls.

We on an emotional level don’t like the idea at all. “he’s a follower, “they are just sheep “that person is weak and dumb like sheep on the way to the slaughter”. We are so soaked in this negative thinking about following we don’t respect or connect with being sheep in Christ’s pasture.  We are actually much more impressed with the aggressive wolf-like behavior of the heroes of our world.

Yet Jesus said of his true followers….

Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
In fact, Jesus Himself was described as a lamb to the slaughter.

Acts 8:32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: “HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER; AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT, SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.

John 1:29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
This lamb-like willingness to follow Jesus into strong selfless sacrifice is the offense of the cross.

This Sunday can help us relearn the true meaning of strength. We can relearn how to be sheep following the presence of the Shepherd without the fear of not acting wolf-like enough to fit in.

We can refocus on recognizing the shepherd’s voice and leading rather than trying to fit into an aggressive self-directing culture. Please plan to come on Sunday and take a few moments to invite someone to come and sit with you.

I can’t wait to see you.

Blessings,
Joe

 

Preparing for Sunday In Christ Week 5

Sunday, November 3, 2019

 

 

Please read the following verses and consider the questions. plan to attend a small group. Take some time at home discussing this material.

 

 

Generally, when someone is called a sheep is that a compliment?

Why or why not?

 

 

What are the differences between a sheep and a wolf?

 

 

In what ways are we to be like sheep?

 

 

In what ways are we warned to watch out for wolf-like behavior?

Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

 

 

Why do many “Christians” justify and practice wolf-like behavior?

 

 

Why are we often made to be ashamed of being the sheep of His pasture?

Psalms 100:3 Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

 

 

What is a sheep’s total focus to be?

John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

Psalms 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 

 

In what ways did Jesus model being a sheep for us?

John 1:29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

 

 

What kind of shepherd is Jesus?

John 10:11-15 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.