The Good Shepherd: A Study of Psalm 23 and John 10
Finding hope and help thorough the loving care, compassion and leadership of Jesus; the one who promises to be our Good Shepherd. What would it look like for you to let Jesus be your Good Shepherd? Join us for the next 6 weeks as we explore Psalm 23 and John 10 together.
Week 1: The Good Shepherd– Psalm 23:1 and John 10:11
Who or what is shepherding you in life? What does it mean for Jesus to be your good shepherd?
LIVE OAK CONNECTION POINT:
Don’t forget we are helping to restock the Snack and Hygiene Pantry at Lubbock Impact, that serves Lubbockites in need. A full list of needed items can be found in Sign Up and Events on App and Website. Final turn-in day will be April 26th!
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- ICE BREAKER: HIGH, LOW, BUFFALO? Take turns & everyone shares each of the these:
A HIGH (something great from the past 2 weeks),
A LOW (something that was challenging from the past few weeks),
And a BUFFALO (something random from the past 2 weeks…it can be anything…the more random the better).
- As we start this new series, The Good Shepherd, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the opening line to Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd…”?
- As you look back on your life, how has God shepherded you well? Give an example.
- The focus question for this series is: “What would it look like for Jesus to be your Good Shepherd?” How do the following verses help you think about that question?
- READ: Matthew 9:36.
What stands out to you about this verse?
- READ: John 10:11.
What stands out to you about this verse?
- READ: Psalm 23:1.
What stands out to you about this verse?
- Sheep are often seen as helpless or prone to wandering. How does acknowledging your need for a shepherd change your approach to life?
- In what specific areas of your life (e.g., finances, relationships, future) do you struggle to trust God’s provision, and how does this verse speak to that?
- What are some practical ways you can cultivate contentment in your life, knowing that “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want”?
- Doug said that “When I trust that Jesus is a Good Shepherd, we ask questions like…”
- Do I TRUST God to lead me as my good Shepherd?
- What keeps me from trusting Him in some areas or in some seasons of life?
- How have I trusted Him to lead me lately? How?What areas do I need to trust Him right now?
- Do I trust God CAN lead me? Do I truly believe God is competent as a Good Shepherd? Why do I believe that?
- Do I believe God WANTS to lead me? Why do I believe that?
- But Doug said the key question is “Do I want to be led? Or just fed?”. Where might you find yourself wanting to self-shepherd and lead your life on your own?
- How can you apply the assurance of God’s presence and provision in Psalm 23:1 to a current challenge you are facing?
- Doug gave us these specific takeaways:
- Something to BELIEVE: Jesus is THE Good Shepherd & wants to be YOUR Good Shepherd.
- 3 Questions to ASK: Who or what is your shepherd? How is that going? What would it look like for Jesus be your Good Shepherd
- Something to DO: Read and Reflect on Psalm 23 and John 10 this week. Declare: “I am a sheep and I need the Good Shepherd.”
- What else stood out from this week’s sermon?
APPLICATION:
What is your big takeaway from this week’s sermon? Be specific.
NEXT STEPS:
Everyone has a next step to apply what we’ve learned. What’s your next step? Be specific.
MEMORY VERSE: *Challenge yourself or your group to commit this verse to memory:
Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
PRAYER: Encourage your group to pray this prayer often in 2026 & use to close your group time.
A 2026 Prayer for MORE: Ephesians 3:14-21 “Heavenly Father, Help me to engage with you MORE. Work in me to make me MORE like you. Use me to help MORE people know you. Make my story about your glory! Amen.”
Scripture References:
Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 9:36; John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4; Psalm 23:1; 1 Samuel 17:34-37; Isaiah 40:11; 2 Samuel 5:2; Psalm 95:7; Micah 4:4-5