Caregiving requires such energy, especially for a long time. Fatigue is real, as is frustration. Jesus calls himself your perfect caregiver. Never fatigued or frustrated. The Good Shepherd.

Notes And Next Steps

John 10:11-21 + Part 9 of the series “I Am"

I am Jesus’ little lamb, Ever glad at heart I am ...
Who so happy as I am, Even now the Shepherd’s lamb?

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep … and cares nothing for the sheep.” (John 10:11-13)

What makes you happy?

“I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” (John 10:17-18)

For my Shepherd gently guides me, Knows my need, and well provides me.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14,15)

Loves me every day the same, Even calls me by my name.

“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEPS

1. 1. Who you are = whose you are. You are not “what is happening to me” or “what others think of me.” Why are those lies about identity so easy to believe? What is one thing you can do to pay more attention to your true identity in Jesus this week?
   2. Listen to the song “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb.” Copy down, or find online, the lyrics. Print them out. Keep them close this week so you can look at them often. Take short moments of meditation. Share encouragement with others. Make at least 10 of these touches this week.
   3. Jesus announced his authority over all things in declaring he is the Good Shepherd. How does Jesus’ authority over death impact your life? His authority over circumstances? Over fear?
   4. In what ways do you complicate happiness in your life? How can you more consistently find happiness in being Jesus’ little lamb?