Bible Study: Life Is Better With Jesus

This past year, the world has been focused not only on Israel seeking to destroy Hamas, or Putin continuing to pummel Ukraine, or Iran funding terrorists, or the Houthis bombarding vessels in the Persian Gulf, or China’s threatening posture toward Taiwan—all eyes have been glued to the southern border of the United States.

There are no confirmed numbers, but we know that millions of people from all over the globe have crossed the border illegally. While some seem to have a suspicious purpose, others are truly looking for a better life. But instead, they have been dispersed across our nation, with many of them sex-trafficked, enslaved in sweat shops, living on the streets, or in overcrowded, filthy conditions. The rapes, robberies and murders among the people who live on the border are beyond belief. Ranchers and farmers as well as home and business owners are being subjected to unspeakable dangers and atrocities, leading to a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness on both sides of the border.

So I know your spirit has been lifted, as mine has, by the reports that have come in from Franklin’s Frontera Tour. The Gospel has been clearly presented to tens of thousands of people along the border who now know with certainty that they can truly have a better life because Jesus saves us, Jesus satisfies us, and Jesus secures us.

Read John 10:7-10, 28-30

I. BECAUSE JESUS SAVES

John 10:7-9

In Jesus’ day, the summer sheepfold was located in the highland pasture. It had stones from the pasture itself piled on top of one another until they formed a circular wall. The walls had one gap that served as a gate through which the sheep could enter and leave. The shepherd would lie down in the gap as a physical door to the fold. Keep in mind that the fold in this parable is a picture of a relationship with God that includes forgiveness of sin, salvation and eternal life.

Who did Jesus say is the Gate to the sheepfold in verse 7? Put what this means into your own words.

How is the fact that there was just one way into the “fold” confirmed by Genesis 3:24? Genesis 6:16? Exodus 26:33?

Explain how John 10:7 helps to illustrate John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19-22; John 17:2-3; Acts 4:12.

Who are the thieves and robbers in John 10:8? Give phrases from 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 7:15; Luke 20:46-47; Luke 21:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9. Name types of people today who would fit into these categories.

What is in the sheepfold that the thieves and robbers are trying to steal? How do they do this?

What can you do to recognize and guard against a thief or robber? Romans 16:17; Matthew 7:16-18, 21-24; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:16.

Describe an experience you’ve had with a thief or robber.

How far has Jesus gone to protect and secure your place in the fold? John 10:11, 14-15. Give phrases also from Ephesians 1:13; 1 Thessa-lonians 5:9; Revelation 7:10; 19:1.

II. BECAUSE JESUS SATISFIES

John 10:10

How and what does God promise to satisfy in Jeremiah 31:25? Isaiah 58:11? Psalm 103:1-5? Psalm 107:8-9? Which promise is most meaningful to you? Which ones will you claim?

Who do each of these promises point to? 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Describe a life without Jesus according to Acts 26:18; Ephesians 3:12; 5:8.

Give as many characteristics of a life without Jesus as you can from Romans 1:18-32.

Before Jesus came into your life, what was your life like?

In verse 10, what does Jesus say He will do for you?

How does Jesus satisfy your life, making it better according to John 4:13-14 with 7:38? John 8:12? 1 Corinthians 2:16? 2 Corinthians 4:6? Romans 12:2? 1 Corinthians 6:9-11? 2 Corinthians 3:18? Colossians 1:13? Ephesians 5:13-14?

How complete is this change for the better, according to John 1:12? John 3:3-8? 2 Corinthians 5:17? Ephesians 2:19?

What difference has Jesus made in your life?

What changes in your life have your spouse, neighbor, children, church or co-workers seen?

If you have not changed or are not satisfied, what are you missing? Whom are you missing?

And if your life is better with Jesus, whom do you know who is dissatisfied and looking for a better life? What will you do to share Jesus with that person?

III. BECAUSE JESUS SECURES

John 10:28-30

While physical safety has become an increasingly important issue in our world, what does Jesus say He will give His followers? John 10:28; John 17:2.

How long does eternal life last? 1 John 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

If Jesus calls His gift “eternal,” yet you could lose it by something you say or do or anything else, why wouldn’t He call it “temporary”?

What phrase does Jesus use twice to underscore that His gift is eternal and can never be lost once it’s received? John 10:28-29.

Who is responsible for your eternal safety? 1 John 5:18; 2 Timothy 4:18.

Who or what do you think could destroy your eternal life once you have received it? 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Romans 8:33-39.

Anne Graham Lotz has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 40 years. Her newest book, which she co-authored with her daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright, is Preparing to Meet Jesus—Moving From Salvation to Transformation. It can be ordered from major booksellers online.