Sermon

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing in this message that you found particularly encouraging, beneficial, or challenging?
2. What does it mean to be a “shepherd”? What are the qualifications or requirements for someone in that role?
3. In what ways have you experienced the failure of shepherds? How have you failed in your own role as shepherd?
4. Read and discuss Ezekiel 34:11-24 and Psalm 23. What is God’s desire for how shepherds should care for those under their care?  How does it go beyond just making sure they have food?  What is God’s core promise from these verses?  How do you see God as the primary mover or actor in these verses?  How does this give us hope?
5. How do you experience the Lord shepherding you through life?  How do you feel like your parents, pastors, and politicians have done at shepherding you?  How do you feel like you have done shepherding those God has put under your care?  
6.  Aaron’s main point from Ezekiel 34 was, “When my earthly shepherds fail, the Lord is my Shepherd.” However, we are still supposed to submit to human authorities (Romans 13:1-7) and are responsible to shepherd well.  What is the difference between submitting to human authority and putting my hope in those authorities?  Where do you feel you may be putting too much hope in human authorities and not the Lord?  
7. Walking through Psalm 23, Aaron gave four points on how we follow the good shepherd: (1) Allow God to shepherd; (2) Obey the Shepherd; (3) Release worries outside of my control; (4) Look to heaven for everything to be right.  Which of these stuck out to you most?  What do you think it practically looks like to allow God to shepherd you?  Where do you think you need to grow in following God as your shepherd?
8.  Read John 10:11-15.  What is the difference between a good shepherd and a hired hand?  How should this change our confidence and trust in the Lord?  Why is trust so critical to allowing God to shepherd?   
9. Consider closing with a time of meditation on Psalm 23 on how the Lord desires to shepherd and care for us. Spend some time praying that God would teach you how to be a more faithful shepherd, and that He would help you grow in your love and adoration of the Good Shepherd.