MESSAGE: The Good Shepherd Date: 11/9/2025
SERIES: I Am
COMMUNICATOR: Pastor Kevin Geer
CHECK-IN & SHARE WINS: What was one highlight from your week? Where have you seen Jesus at work—in your life or in the world around you? Celebrating wins helps fuel God’s mission and inspire others to join in.
________________________________________________________________________________________
WORDS THAT IGNITE: Shepherd
- The Greek word: A (poimēn) is a shepherd or pastor—someone who feeds, nurtures, guards, guides, provides care and lays down their life for the flock.
- How will you put this word into action and let it ignite your life this week?
________________________________________________________________________________________
THINK, DISCUSS, LIVE: These questions are great for personal reflection, group discussion, or both. They’re meant to help you grow in your faith, deepen your connection with your Jesus friends, and live it out in the world around you.
- If you had to care for a flock of sheep for a day, what do you think would be the hardest part—and be honest, would you stay calm or run for it if wolves showed up?
John 20:31. Why do you think John emphasized “continuing to believe” rather than just believing once? What helps you keep your faith alive and growing instead of letting it fade over time?
- Read John 10:9–10. What are some “thieves” in today’s world that try to steal, kill, or destroy our joy and faith? What does a “rich and satisfying life” in Jesus look like to you? What qualities or characteristics would describe that kind of life?
- John 10:11. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” What does it mean to you that Jesus gave His life for you? How does that shape the way you see His love and your own worth?
- John 10:12–13. Jesus contrasts Himself with a “hired hand” who runs away when things get tough. What modern examples might represent a “hired hand” in your life? How can we guard ourselves from trusting voices that don’t truly care for us?
- John 10:3–4. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… and they follow him because they know his voice.” How have you learned to recognize the voice of Jesus in your life? What helps you discern His voice from all the other noise competing for your attention?
- Ezekiel 34:11–12. “I myself will search and find my sheep… I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.” When have you experienced God seeking you out in a “dark and cloudy” season? How did He guide you back and or bring peace in the middle of it?
- John 10:14–15. “I know my own sheep, and they know me… so I sacrifice my life for the sheep.” Jesus describes a deeply personal and sacrificial relationship with His followers. What helps you grow in that kind of closeness and trust with Him? What sometimes gets in the way?
- If a friend just started following Jesus, what advice would you give them? If a mature believer sat down with you, what do you think they’d say? Based on that, what areas in your own faith do you think you need to grow or sharpen?
________________________________________________________________________________________
TAKING NEW GROUND: This week a “good shepherd” takes new ground by leading with presence, protecting with courage, and pursuing with love—just like Jesus.
Here are some ideas:
- Taking new ground starts with showing up consistently, guiding with example, and earning trust. People (and flocks) follow presence before they follow position.
- Fighting for purity, truth, and community health. Taking new ground often requires standing firm where others would run.
- Pursue those who’ve wandered while continuing to feed those who are strong. Growth happens when we combine mission and care—seeking our lost friends and strengthening our Jesus friends.
________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER OPTIONS:
- Prayer Partnership: What’s on your heart that we can partner with you and bring it to the Lord?
- 1 & 1: One thing to celebrate, one thing to bring to God.
- Praise Sentences: Short prayers thanking God, then pray for shared needs.
- Prayer Clusters: Groups of 2–3, share requests, pray together, and encourage each other during the week.
________________________________________________________________________________________
HUNGRY FOR SOME HOPE? THE BIBLE’S SERVING IT FRESH DAILY.
- Read through the New Testament in one year – 1 chapter a day, 5 days a week, plus a bonus passage.
Find it on the Canvas Church app (“Bible Reading Plan”). Listening option available. - Read it. Think about it. Live it out.
________________________________________________________________________________________
CANVAS + Looking for some great content to help you grow in your faith?
Check out Canvas Plus, a totally FREE content streaming platform found exclusively in the Canvas App.
________________________________________________________________________________________
