I AM – The Good Shepherd
March 23, 2025
Description:
Two words that spoke volumes. They echoed the narratives of the Old Testament, angered Jesus’ opponents, and breathed life into His disciples. In the Gospel of John, seven bold and remarkable statements begin with these exact words, offering profound insight into Jesus’ identity—and showing us how to truly find ours.
Our cries of “I am empty” are met with “I am the bread of life.”
Our pleas of “I am lost” are countered with “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
These two simple words speak directly to our fears, doubts, and pain: I AM.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What’s one of the most memorable experiences you’ve ever had with animals (good or bad)?
- Have you ever known someone really good at taking care of others? What stood out about them?
- If you could describe a “good leader” in one word, what would it be?
Opening Prayer
Invite the group to open with a simple prayer asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word.
Scripture Reading
- Psalm 23:1-6 — The Lord is my Shepherd
- Ezekiel 34:11-16 — God promises to shepherd His people
- Hebrews 13:20-21 — Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep
- 1 Peter 5:2-4 — Leaders called to shepherd God’s flock
- Matthew 18:12-14 — Parable of the lost sheep
Discussion
Digging into the Passage:
- What does Jesus mean by calling Himself the “Good Shepherd”? How is He different from the “hired hand”?
- In what ways do you see the theme of sacrifice in this passage?
- How does it make you feel knowing Jesus knows you by name and willingly lays down His life for you?
- What is the significance of Jesus saying He has “other sheep” (John 10:16)? Who might He be referring to?
Connecting Scripture to Life:
- What are some modern-day “wolves” that threaten our faith or distract us from following the Shepherd?
- How do you recognize the Shepherd’s voice in your life? What does that practically look like?
- How does Psalm 23 deepen your understanding of Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
- Read Ezekiel 34. How is Jesus fulfilling God’s promise to be our Shepherd?
Action Steps
Personal Reflection: Set aside 15 minutes this week to pray Psalm 23 slowly, meditating on each line. Journal anything the Holy Spirit reveals to you.
Community: Identify someone in your life who feels “lost” or disconnected from God. Pray for them daily this week and reach out with encouragement.
Shepherding Others: How can you reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd this week — in your family, work, or community? Share one specific way you’ll try.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our Good Shepherd — for knowing us, loving us, and laying down Your life so we could have life to the full. Help us to know Your voice, to trust Your leading, and to follow You more closely each day. Empower us to love and care for others as You care for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I AM – The Resurrection and the Life
March 16, 2025
Description:
Two words that spoke volumes. They echoed the narratives of the Old Testament, angered Jesus’ opponents, and breathed life into His disciples. In the Gospel of John, seven bold and remarkable statements begin with these exact words, offering profound insight into Jesus’ identity—and showing us how to truly find ours.
Our cries of “I am empty” are met with “I am the bread of life.”
Our pleas of “I am lost” are countered with “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
These two simple words speak directly to our fears, doubts, and pain: I AM.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- Have you ever quit something too soon that you wish you would have stuck with longer?
- Can you share a time when you thought something was over or lost, but it was restored in an unexpected way?
- What is something in your life that gives you hope, even when things seem difficult?
Scripture Reading
Read John 11:1-7, 14-44 (NLT) together.
Discussion
1. Jesus’ Delays Are Not Denials
- Why do you think Jesus waited to go to Lazarus?
- Have you ever felt like God was delaying an answer to your prayers? How did you respond?
- How can we trust God’s timing even when we don’t understand it?
2. Don’t Define as Dead What Jesus Calls Dormant
- Martha thought Lazarus’ story was over. What areas of your life have you considered ‘dead’ that God might still be working on?
- How does Jesus’ response to Lazarus’ death change our perspective on hopeless situations?
- What is something in your life that you need to surrender to Jesus, trusting that He can bring new life?
3. Resurrection is a Person, Not Just a Promise
- Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.” How does this statement impact the way we view our faith?
- What does it mean to experience Jesus as our resurrection today, not just in eternity?
- How does this truth give us confidence in difficult circumstances?
4. Life Isn’t Just for Eternity—It’s for Here and Now
- How does knowing that we are alive in Christ change the way we live daily?
- What does it look like to walk in resurrection power in our relationships, struggles, and faith journey?
- How can we encourage each other to live in the victory Jesus has already given us?
Action Steps
- Trust the pause – What’s an area where you need to trust God’s timing?
- Look with faith – Identify something in your life that seems ‘dead’ and pray for Jesus to work in it.
- Follow Jesus daily – Commit to seeking Jesus as your source of life, not just a future hope.
- Live in victory – Share one way you can walk in Christ’s resurrection power this week.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus as the resurrection and the life. We trust You in the waiting, believing that Your delays are not denials. Help us to see with faith, not defining as dead what You call dormant. Jesus, You are our resurrection—not just a promise for the future but our life today. Help us to live in the power and victory You have given us. Strengthen our faith and guide us to walk in hope, knowing that with You, nothing is impossible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I AM – The Door
March 9, 2025
Description:
Two words that spoke volumes. They echoed the narratives of the Old Testament, angered Jesus’ opponents, and breathed life into His disciples. In the Gospel of John, seven bold and remarkable statements begin with these exact words, offering profound insight into Jesus’ identity—and showing us how to truly find ours.
Our cries of “I am empty” are met with “I am the bread of life.”
Our pleas of “I am lost” are countered with “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
These two simple words speak directly to our fears, doubts, and pain: I AM.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- Have you ever been caught in a literal storm? What was that experience like?
- Can you recall a time when you felt stuck in a difficult situation? How did you get through it?
- If you had to describe your spiritual journey as a door, what kind of door would it be (open, closed, locked, revolving, etc.)?
Scripture
- John 10:1-10 (ESV)
- Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)
- Psalm 23:1-4 (NLT)
- Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
The BIG Idea: Jesus is the door to salvation, security, and satisfaction. He invites us to enter through Him to experience abundant life.
Discussion
1. “I Am the Door” – Salvation
- Read John 10:9 and Matthew 7:13-14. What do these verses teach about how we enter God’s kingdom?
- Why do you think Jesus describes the way to life as a “narrow gate”?
- Have you ever struggled with trusting Jesus as the only way? Why or why not?
2. “I Am the Door” – Security
- Read John 10:9b and Psalm 23:1-4. What does it mean to “find pasture” in Christ?
- How does knowing Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring peace in life’s “storms”?
- Can you share a time when you felt God’s security in a tough situation?
3. “I Am the Door” – Satisfaction
- Read John 10:10 and Revelation 3:20. What does Jesus mean when He says He came to give “abundant life”?
- What are some ways people try to find satisfaction apart from Jesus?
- How can we practically experience the fullness of life Jesus offers?
Action Steps
- Personal Reflection: Take time this week to reflect on whether you have fully entered through the “door” of Jesus. Are there areas where you are still hesitant?
- Daily Trust: Memorize Psalm 23:1 and meditate on how Jesus provides all you need.
- Share the Door: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus as the door to life. Pray for an opportunity to share with them.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus as the door to salvation, security, and satisfaction. Help us to recognize His voice, follow His leading, and trust in His provision. When storms come, remind us that You are near, guiding and protecting us. Give us the boldness to share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I AM – The Light of the World
March 2, 2025
Description:
Two words that spoke volumes. They echoed the narratives of the Old Testament, angered Jesus’ opponents, and breathed life into His disciples. In the Gospel of John, seven bold and remarkable statements begin with these exact words, offering profound insight into Jesus’ identity—and showing us how to truly find ours.
Our cries of “I am empty” are met with “I am the bread of life.”
Our pleas of “I am lost” are countered with “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
These two simple words speak directly to our fears, doubts, and pain: I AM.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- Have you ever looked into a magnifying vanity mirror? What was your reaction?
- What does the phrase “ignorance is bliss” mean to you? Can you think of a time when ignorance felt easier than knowing the truth?
- Share about a time when light (literal or metaphorical) revealed something you didn’t initially see.
Scripture
- John 8:12 – “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
- John 8:58 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’”
- John 3:19-20 – “And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.”
- Isaiah 42:6-7 – “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.”
- Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- John 12:46 – “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
- John 8:31-32 – “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Discussion
- What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “I am the light of the world”?
- How does light reveal truth in our spiritual lives, just as it does in the physical world?
- Why do you think some people resist stepping into the light of Christ?
- How does understanding Jesus as the light impact your daily decisions and interactions?
- In what ways can we actively shine the light of Christ in our families, workplaces, and communities?
- Share a time when you experienced God’s light exposing something in your life. How did it change you?
Action Steps
- Personal Reflection – Take time this week to identify an area where you might resist God’s light. Pray for courage to bring it into the open.
- Shine the Light – Find one intentional way to shine the light of Jesus this week—through an act of kindness, speaking truth in love, or sharing your faith with someone.
- Memorization Challenge – Memorize John 8:12 and meditate on what it means in your life.
- Prayer Partner – Pair up with someone in the group and commit to praying for each other to walk in the light.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus as the light of the world. We confess that we have sometimes chosen darkness over light, hiding from truth rather than stepping into Your grace. Help us to walk as children of light, to reflect Your love, and to boldly shine in a world that so desperately needs You. Give us the courage to expose sin, bring healing where there is brokenness, and illuminate Your truth in our daily lives. May we never take Your light for granted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I AM – The Bread
February 23, 2025
Description:
Two words that spoke volumes. They echoed the narratives of the Old Testament, angered Jesus’ opponents, and breathed life into His disciples. In the Gospel of John, seven bold and remarkable statements begin with these exact words, offering profound insight into Jesus’ identity—and showing us how to truly find ours.
Our cries of “I am empty” are met with “I am the bread of life.”
Our pleas of “I am lost” are countered with “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
These two simple words speak directly to our fears, doubts, and pain: I AM.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What is your favorite comfort food and why?
- Share a time when you felt truly satisfied—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
- Have you ever been in a situation where you felt completely empty or in need? How did you handle it?
Opening Prayer:
“Father God, thank You for bringing us together today. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand Your Word deeply. Help us recognize the areas where we feel empty and guide us to Your truth, where You offer us the Bread of Life. Fill us with Your grace as we study together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Scripture
- Primary Passage:
- Supporting Scriptures:
- Exodus 16:1-36 (Manna from Heaven)
- Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer)
- Deuteronomy 8:3 (Man does not live by bread alone)
- Isaiah 55:2 (Why spend money on what is not bread?)
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (God’s grace is sufficient)
- Colossians 3:13 (Forgive as the Lord forgave you)
Discussion
1. Understanding the Text:
- In John 6:35, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” What did He mean by this statement?
- Why do you think Jesus chose bread as the symbol for Himself?
- How did the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14) point to a deeper spiritual truth?
2. Digging Deeper:
- Reflecting on Exodus 16, how does the provision of manna in the wilderness parallel Jesus’ claim?
- In John 6:26-27, Jesus tells the crowd not to work for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life. What are ways we sometimes focus on temporary “bread” instead of the eternal?
- How does the Lord’s Prayer (“Give us this day our daily bread”) connect to Jesus being the Bread of Life?
3. Showing Grace to One Another:
- John 6 reveals the crowd’s misunderstanding and even rejection of Jesus. How does this challenge us to show grace to those who don’t fully understand or accept the gospel?
- Reflect on Colossians 3:13. How can we extend grace to others in our small group, church, or community?
- What does 2 Corinthians 12:9 teach us about receiving grace in our own emptiness?
Action Steps
- Personal Reflection: Spend time this week identifying areas in your life where you feel spiritually empty. Bring these before God in prayer, asking Him to fill you with His “Bread of Life.”
- Community Challenge: Find one tangible way to show grace to someone in your life who might be struggling or feeling empty.
- Scripture Memorization: Commit John 6:35 to memory: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life who satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst. We confess the times we’ve sought fulfillment in things that cannot truly satisfy. Fill us with Your presence, strengthen our faith, and teach us to show grace as You have shown grace to us. May we leave here nourished by Your truth and ready to share that with others. In Your holy name, Amen.”