1. This past weekend at North Park, we celebrated baptisms. Take some time to reflect on this together.

a. Why is baptism important and what does it symbolize in the life of the believer? (hint: read the following scripture passage together and then reflect on them.)

· Matthew 28:18-20

· Acts 2:36-41

· Romans 6:1-11

· 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

b. As you think about the baptism testimonies that were shared Sunday morning, does anything stand out? What impression did these stories of people’s walk with the Lord leave with you?

c. For those who have been baptised: In what ways did it impact you to witness these baptisms, and to be invited to remember your own baptism?

d. For those who have not been baptised: Have you ever thought about taking this step of faith? What holds you back?

2. Read John 10:1-21 together

a. Does anything stand out to you from this passage? What encourages you? Is anything confusing or challenging?

b. How is this metaphor of sheep and shepherding helpful in understanding our relationship with the Lord (who He is to us, and who we are to him)?

c. What does this passage reveal about Jesus? (ie: what is the Good Shepherd like?)

3. Read Ezekial 34:1-16 together.

a. Reflect on the connection between Ezekiel 34 and John 10. In what ways does this Ezekiel passage, written over 500 years before Christ’s birth, add profound meaning to Jesus’ revelation in John 10 - “I am the Good Shepherd”

b. This passage in Ezekiel also talks about bad shepherds. In Ezekiel’s time, these bad shepherds were the corrupt leaders of Israel. But still today, we have many examples of ‘shepherds’ who would lead us the wrong way. Can you think of any examples? To put it another way, who or what tends to lead us in the wrong direction?

c. What do Ezekiel’s words about the Good Shepherd reveal about God’s character? What do they reveal about his plans?

4. Read and reflect on Psalm 23 together

a. What more does this Psalm reveal about our Good Shepherd?

5. As you continue to think about the Good Shepherd described in Psalm 23, as well as in Ezekiel 34 and John 10, where do you most deeply feel your need for this Good Shepherd in your life today?

For your prayer time, begin by slowly reading Psalm 23 again. Take time to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for his goodness and care, revealed through the passages you have been studying today. Then, pray for each other out of the needs that have been shared. Have someone close with some words of blessing, that each one of you would experience the tender care of Jesus in the week ahead.