Experiencing God - Day 18
Day 18 - Wednesday, February 28
Read John 10
Highlight
Jesus declared himself to be the Good Shepherd (v 11). In our urban coastal setting here in the low country, the importance of this declaration does not reach us like it would have to the original audience. Jesus had been speaking to a divided audience, the Pharisees, or teachers of the law and prophets, and to the everyday rural Jew, who often were shepherds or knew many shepherds. Both of these groups would have immediately known what Jesus was speaking about, but even to them they would have received it differently.
The Pharisees would have noticed that Jesus was referring to the Old Testament prophet Ezekial who compares the bad shepherds - Israel and Judah’s idol worshiping kings - to the good shepherd - future Messiah - God promised to provide (Ezekial 34). To the Pharisees, Jesus’ claim was ridiculous. He could not be the Messiah they were waiting for, because he did not look the way they were expecting.
The rural audience would have known that sheep only follow the voice of their shepherd. Sheep, which are notoriously dimwitted, are smart enough to know that you only follow the voice of the one who cares for you. Your shepherd, no one else. So Jesus claiming to be the True voice of God would have been intriguing. His audience of everyday Jews would have felt - like we often do - that they could not keep up with all the rules. And here was Jesus saying there was a different way. There was a Good Shepherd that they could follow. They just needed to begin to be intune to His voice.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read John 10
Highlight
Jesus declared himself to be the Good Shepherd (v 11). In our urban coastal setting here in the low country, the importance of this declaration does not reach us like it would have to the original audience. Jesus had been speaking to a divided audience, the Pharisees, or teachers of the law and prophets, and to the everyday rural Jew, who often were shepherds or knew many shepherds. Both of these groups would have immediately known what Jesus was speaking about, but even to them they would have received it differently.
The Pharisees would have noticed that Jesus was referring to the Old Testament prophet Ezekial who compares the bad shepherds - Israel and Judah’s idol worshiping kings - to the good shepherd - future Messiah - God promised to provide (Ezekial 34). To the Pharisees, Jesus’ claim was ridiculous. He could not be the Messiah they were waiting for, because he did not look the way they were expecting.
The rural audience would have known that sheep only follow the voice of their shepherd. Sheep, which are notoriously dimwitted, are smart enough to know that you only follow the voice of the one who cares for you. Your shepherd, no one else. So Jesus claiming to be the True voice of God would have been intriguing. His audience of everyday Jews would have felt - like we often do - that they could not keep up with all the rules. And here was Jesus saying there was a different way. There was a Good Shepherd that they could follow. They just needed to begin to be intune to His voice.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Experiencing God