The Good Shepherd Discourse — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on the good shepherd discourse, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · John 10:10 (KJV)
What does the thief do?
Answer: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy
Study note. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
Lesson 2 · John 10:11 (KJV)
Who did Jesus say He was?
Answer: I am the good shepherd
Study note. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
Lesson 3 · John 10:11 (KJV)
What does the good shepherd do for the sheep?
Answer: Giveth his life
Study note. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
Lesson 4 · John 10:12 (KJV)
What does the hireling do when he sees the wolf?
Answer: Leaveth the sheep, and fleeth
Study note. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth. (John 10:12)
Lesson 5 · John 10:7 (KJV)
What does Jesus call himself besides the shepherd?
Answer: The door of the sheep
Study note. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (John 10:7)
Lesson 6 · John 10:4 (KJV)
How do the sheep know the shepherd?
Answer: The sheep hear his voice... and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice
Study note. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (John 10:4)
Lesson 7 · John 10:16 (KJV)
What other sheep does Jesus have?
Answer: Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold
Study note. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:16)
Lesson 8 · John 10:28 (KJV)
What does Jesus give to His sheep?
Answer: Eternal life; and they shall never perish
Study note. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)
Lesson 9 · John 10:29 (KJV)
Who is greater than all, that gave the sheep to Christ?
Answer: My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all
Study note. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (John 10:29)
Lesson 10 · John 10:30 (KJV)
What did Jesus claim that caused the Jews to take up stones?
Answer: I and my Father are one
Study note. I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. (John 10:30-31)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does the good shepherd discourse point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?