Grow Guide | March 1, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, March 1, 2026
Series Theme: That They May All Be One
Reading: John 10:1-16
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Tell about a time when someone led you somewhere.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Merciful God, accompany our journey through these forty days. Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may provide for those who are poor, pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence, and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.
CONTEXT
Our series, That They May All Be One, we will focus on Jesus's life and ministry as he journeys to the cross. Easter people, we are also on a journey! A journey for Easter church to settle into one building together. A journey to rediscover Christianity that prioritizes care for our neighbor and discipleship that mirrors the transformative love of Jesus. A journey to notice Jesus in unexpected ways and as he unites us all in his life, death and resurrection. John 17:20-21 “I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus does not let anyone remain in suffering or without community. Jesus calls us together! What will you do this Lent to come to closer to Jesus and to everyone in our community? How will we share God’s love in Jesus together, as one people?
From Dr Craig Koester at EntertheBible.org:
Earlier in John 10, Jesus describes a sheepfold, which was a circular enclosure, often made of stones. In ordinary practice, sheep were brought into the fold at night so that they would be protected from predators and thieves. During the day, the sheep were taken out of the fold to graze in the pasture. The sheepfold is a metaphor for the people of God. By identifying himself as the gate or door, Jesus indicates that those who believe in him belong to a wider community. This imagery functions to interpret the healing of the man born blind as Jesus does not stop talking in 9:41. The meaning of the healing of the man born blind carries over into the imagery of Jesus as the gate and the shepherd. By believing in Jesus, people become sheep of Jesus’ fold. The pattern of going in and out of the sheepfold emphasizes the abundant life Jesus provides (10:10). Jesus as the gate both protects the sheep and enables them to go out and find pasture.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
How does Ash Wednesday speak to you? Was it different for you this year? Why?
Open to John 10. In verses 1-3, what images does Jesus use to describe our relationship with God?
In verse four, what is essential for following Jesus?
Verse six is very curious. What is John saying that Jesus does?
In verse 7 and 11, Jesus uses two “I am” statements. What are they and which one resonates more with you? Why?
Verse 16 is powerful! What is Jesus talking about it? Who might we say is “other sheep” today?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church embody being a place where people can hear God’s voice?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
Pick up the book “Stranger God” by Richard Beck this Lent! Find more resources at Easter.org. In the introduction, Richard contends that “God is strange” while telling the story about an incarcerated man. What do you know about people in prison? They all have a story—and need a “good shepherd” like Jesus. Visit elca.org and search PRAN to learn more.
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.