Images of Christ

By Dale Larsen and Sandy Larsen

Good Shepherd. Branch. Bridegroom. Cornerstone. There are many images of Christ in Scripture. Some of these word-portraits are easier for us to grasp than others, but each reveals an important aspect of who Christ is. By helping us understand the different images, these ten session LifeGuide® Bible Study by Dale and Sandy Larsen lead us to know and respond to the reality behind the images--Christ himself--in new and deeper ways. This LifeGuide Bible Study in IVP Connect's revised format features questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, as well as a "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions—making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IVP Bible Studies
• Release date: Jul 14, 2006
• ISBN: 9780830862788

Dale Larsen

Dale Larsen is a writer living in Rochester, Minnesota. He and his wife, Sandy, have written more than forty books and Bible studies together including Living Your Legacy and more than ten LifeGuide Bible studies. They have also coauthored eight N.T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides with Wright.

Book preview

1

Good Shepherd

John 10:1-18

Our culture puts a high value on independence. The self-made man or woman wins far more respect than one who inherits a fortune or who rises to the top through family connections. Everyone wants to be seen as self-reliant and self-sufficient. Dependence is weakness; independence is strength.

If we are honest, however, there are times when we get tired of running our own lives and would gladly hand over control to someone else.

GROUP DISCUSSION. In what areas of life is it good to be dependent, and why? Use examples from your own experience as well as what you have observed in other people’s lives.

PERSONAL REFLECTION. When you think of letting someone else take care of you, how do you respond?

The Jewish religious leaders were becoming increasingly hostile toward Jesus. They called him demon-possessed and tried to stone him for blasphemy. In such an atmosphere of conflict, Jesus drew a word-picture of himself that still brings peace and comfort to his followers. Read John 10:1-18.

1. In what ways is the good shepherd different from all others who might show an interest in the sheep?

2. Suppose you stood in the crowd and heard Jesus say all this. Do you think you would immediately want to be one of the sheep, or would you have reservations? Why or why