Study Guide for

Tunes for the Road

Feeling Sheepish Psalm 23

August 2, 2009

Open Up

Discuss with your group some stereotypes about sheep – which are positive, which are negative? Do any of these “sheepish” qualities accurately describe you? OPTIONAL: How well do these qualities describe some people groups, for example adolescents? TRANSITION: King David wrote many of the Psalms, including the most famous of them all, Psalm 23. In this study, we’ll learn about how our Good Shepherd takes care of us.

Dig In

1) Read Psalm 23 – if possible ask several group members to read aloud, even if their translations are different. What are some times when people turn to Psalm 23? The description in verse one of God as my personal shepherd is the key to understanding the entire psalm, but each verse and word picture of the psalm is important. Which description of how God cares for you is the most meaningful to you? BACKGROUND: Of the many roles David had (warrior-general, king, father, husband, musician) he chose shepherd to describe God’s relationship to us.  Read 1 Samuel 16: 15-23 and 1 Samuel 17:32-50. How did David’s other life experiences connect with what he learned while taking care of sheep?

2) Read John 10:1-16. Jesus expands on Psalm 23 by emphasizing more aspects of the shepherd-sheep relationship. What are sheep supposed to do? What does the shepherd do for the sheep? OPTIONAL: Read John 21:15-17. As we become better disciples of Jesus, He asks us to shepherd those around us - to be a discipler to newer Christ followers and reach those who are not yet Christians. Who is shepherding you? Is there someone in your life you can shepherd?

3) Read Psalm 27 and Psalm 46. Though these Psalms use different figurative language to describe God’s relationship to us, which themes are similar to those of Psalm 23?

Work On

1) We discussed sheepish qualities earlier. Why might people resist being described as sheep? OPTIONAL: Read Luke 15:1-7. What does Jesus feel about those who don’t want to be sheep?

2) What are some examples of how God has shepherded you in ways like those described in Psalm 23, 27, or 46?

Lift Up

To prepare for group prayer time, read Revelation 7:16-17. Focus on thanking God for one specific way He shepherded you or someone you know: restoring quiet to your soul, comforting you in shadowy valleys, providing for you, etc.

Another Step – Advanced Study

Read Proverbs 1:1-5 and Proverbs 22:3. Solomon, son of David, gathered many wise sayings in Proverbs, including these verses on prudence and foresight. What are some examples of Christian groups acting like short-sighted sheep? How should these Christians follow the shepherd’s voice to avoid “sheepish” mistakes?