Session 2
The Shepherd in the New Testament
Is it surprising that the first people, other than Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, who come into the presence of ‘The Lamb who would take away the sins of the world’, were earthly shepherds? Read the shepherd’s response recorded in Luke 2:8-20.
Read about the two different situations of The Shepherd’s time on earth, which should help us to understand what the Shepherd was doing at this time.
The first story is recorded in Luke 15:3-7. The shepherd does three things for His sheep: First, he searches, Secondly, he finds, and Thirdly, he brings the sheep home.
The second story is seen in Luke 19:1-10. Jesus came to Zacchaeus and even though He knew everything there was to know about him, both good and bad, He still loved him and had compassion on him, and then finally, He called him.
What was this call like? Firstly, it was an urgent call and secondly, it was an unmistakable call. In the two stories we clearly see the mercy of Jesus, and we see the mission of Jesus.
There are many amazing stories like this in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and we are encouraged to look at them in a way that helps us understand more fully, the mercy and mission of the Shepherd. If we hear the call of the Shepherd, just as Mary instructed, we must do what He tells us to do.
Questions:
1) Do you feel lost? If so, know that the Shepherd is searching for you, and that He will find you.
When He does, it is then up to you. Would you choose to go your own way, or would you choose to let the Shepherd take you home?
2) Are you a seeker? If so, know that the Shepherd is also seeking – He is seeking you right now.
How do you think you would respond if He made Himself known to you?
3) If you are a follower of The Shepherd, how could you help Him bring your family, friends and neighbours into His glorious kingdom?
The Shepherd Speaks 