Message Notes for December 22, 2024

Series: Unwrapped

Title: The Shepherd King

Luke 2:8-20 ^– The story of the Shepherds

Micah 5:2-3 

Matthew 2:6 ESV “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Isaiah 40: 10-11 NLT Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. ¹¹ He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

The qualities of a Shepherd:

∙ sacrificial, protective, caring, trustworthy, provisional, dedicated, strong, seeking, secure, loving, gentle, powerful, authority, majestic.

Jesus as the Good Shepherd – John 10:1-18

In Jesus the Good Shepherd we will experience:

Unwrap the gift of Shepherd King

Let Him fight for you

Let Him comfort you

Let Him carry you

Let Him protect you

Let Him lead you

Let Him be your King

1 Peter 2:24-25 ESV He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵ For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of December 22, 2024

Series: Unwrapped

Title: The Shepherd King

• Share with others in your family or group about your favorite Christmas tradition.  How did this tradition begin?
• Read Micah 5:2-5, Matthew 2:6 and Isaiah 40:10-11. What shepherd attributes are described in these passages as the prophecies leading to the birth of Jesus?  How do these attributes impact your life as a follower of Jesus? 
• Read John 10:1-30.  What are the key characteristics of a good shepherd? How does Jesus contrast Himself as the Good Shepherd with the hired hands? In what ways does Jesus demonstrate sacrificial love for His sheep (followers)? How does the Good Shepherd metaphor reflect Jesus’ role in our spiritual lives?
• Continuing in John 10:1-30, what does Jesus say about His relationship with His sheep?  What does it mean that Jesus “knows His sheep” (John 10:14)? How is this different from other leaders or teachers? How do Jesus’ followers respond to His voice? What does this imply about our relationship with Him (John 10:27)? What does it mean that Jesus “calls His own sheep by name” (John 10:3)? How does this reflect His intimate care for us?
•  In John 10:10-15, What does it mean when Jesus says He is willing to lay down His life for the sheep? Why is Jesus’ sacrificial death described as a key part of His role as the Good Shepherd? In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice differ from that of other leaders or sacrificial figures in history? How does Jesus’ death and resurrection demonstrate His power over death and His commitment to His sheep? What does it mean that Jesus has the power to lay down His life and take it up again? How does this point to His divine authority?
•  What does it mean to experience “abundant life” in the context of following the Good Shepherd? How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to hear and follow His voice more clearly? What are the practical ways we can demonstrate sacrificial love to others as Jesus did for us? How can we find peace and security in Jesus’ protection, even in difficult circumstances?
• Gather with each other for specific prayer needs.