Easter 04: The Good Shepherd
Community Group Questions
1. In his sermon, Tim talked about the radical nature of Jesus’ statement that he has other sheep who do not belong to [ancient Israel’s] fold. He went on to discuss the congruence between this statement and the countless examples in Jesus’ life that worked against the paradigm of an in-crowd and an out-crowd (regardless of how you define the boundaries).
Tim then said that, “Jesus had a deep trust in relationship — as a great teacher … He knew that Love & fidelity are among the only things powerful enough to make us change & grow.”
What relationships in your life have asked you to forgo a little bit of your own truth for the sake of the relationship? How has that come to be? What decisions have you made in response to the ask? How do you feel about the outcomes of those choices?
Tim also said, “Jesus had a habit of leading his followers — into situations where they had to choose between their privilege as insiders — & some person who was being excluded.”
What relationships have you nurtured and committed to at the expense of your own status and privilege? What has that looked like? What’s happened as a result? How do you feel about that?
2. Tim said that we have a sacred obligation to learn, to study the voice of Jesus.
What does it mean to recognize Jesus’ voice as the good shepherd? What might that look like?
Is that something with which you’ve had experience? If so, how have you known/do you know when you’re hearing Jesus’ voice? What are you listening for to help you to know?
3. Tim taught that, for Jesus, it was very simple to figure out who you’re following & what path you’re on:
If you feed the hungry — offer a cup of cold water to the thirsty.
If you care for the homeless — & work to make sure they’ve got a place to live — in your community, and that they’ve got clothes on their backs.
If you’re helping to ensure that the sick & those in chains are being cared for, and if you’re involved in their lives — that’s how you tell who’s following his voice.
Tim was careful to say that these ideas aren’t concerned with a personal checklist, but rather with the slow patient trajectory of our community.
Getting distracted by “should” and guilt isn’t necessary or helpful. So please try to mindfully avoid self reproach or shame as you consider the following:
In which ways does your life feel in alignment with these priorities? Are they priorities? What does that mean for mean for you? What does it look like?
What does it mean to you to be a part of a community (if you feel that you are) that is committed to the priorities for justice and care that Jesus spoke about?
