Objective
Students will recognize that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows them personally, calls them by name, and lays down His life for them. They will reflect on what voices they’re listening to and how they can tune in to Jesus’ voice in the middle of the noise.
Warm Up
Which Voice? – One student stands blindfolded in the middle. Pick 3-4 others to call out their name at the same time. One of the voices should be a close friend of the blindfolded student.
The blindfolded student has to guess which voice belongs to their friend.
Discuss:
- How did it feel to have a bunch of voices calling at once?
- What made it easier to recognize the voice you knew?
- When in your life does it feel like tons of voices are competing for your attention?
- How do you try to hear God’s voice in the middle of all that noise?
Transition
Jesus said His followers are like sheep. They know His voice and follow it. In this clip from The Chosen, He explains what it means for Him to be the Good Shepherd and how He’s different from people who only pretend to care.
The Clip
Play “The Good Shepherd” from Season 4, Episode 6 of The Chosen.
Discuss:
- If you were in the crowd listening to Jesus, how would you be feeling—confused, hopeful, skeptical, challenged? Why?
- Jesus compares us to sheep. Do you like or dislike that comparison? Why?
- He says the sheep “know His voice.” What do you think that means in real life?
- The Sanhedrin were the religious leaders of the time, and Jesus’ words were a direct challenge to them. Why do you think His teaching made them so angry? How is His leadership different from theirs?
- Who in your life has shown you the kind of love Jesus describes—the kind that sacrifices instead of just using people?
- What are some ways we can learn to better hear the voice of Jesus today—through Scripture, prayer, people, or something else?
Transition
The clip gave us a powerful visual of Jesus calling out to us as the Good Shepherd. But His words in Scripture go even deeper. Let’s read what He actually said and reflect on what it means to be known and led by Him.
Bible Study
Read John 10:1-18
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep personally and lays down His life for them, unlike others who are only in it for themselves.
Discuss:
- What’s the main difference between the Good Shepherd and a thief or a fake leader?
- Why does Jesus say He knows His sheep by name?
- What does it show about Him that He would lay down His life for the sheep?
- If Jesus is the Shepherd, what does it mean for you to be one of His sheep?
- What makes it hard to believe that Jesus truly knows you and wants to lead you?
Read Psalm 23:1-6
God is a faithful Shepherd who provides, guides, protects, and stays with us through every part of life—both peaceful and painful.
Discuss:
- Which line feels like it’s speaking to you most right now?
- If you rewrote this Psalm in your own words, what would your version sound like?
- Where do you need Jesus to “lead you beside still waters” in your life right now?
- How does this passage strengthen your trust that Jesus is with you in hard seasons?
- How do Psalm 23 and John 10 together give you a fuller picture of who Jesus is?
Wrap Up
Jesus isn’t just a leader—He is the Good Shepherd. He knows your name. He calls you to follow Him. He laid down His life for you. When you feel overwhelmed by all the noise in your life, remember: His voice brings peace, clarity, and purpose.
Encourage students to memorize John 10:27 this week:
“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”
Close in prayer. Thank Jesus for being the Shepherd, ask Him to help students tune in to His voice, and give them courage to follow wherever He leads.