1: The Shepherd’s Crucible – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: Psalm 23 talks about a path. The path takes us through the highs and lows in our lives. Do we know and trust the Shepherd as we move along this path.
July 2, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 23:1-3.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
How can trials alter our paths so that our lives change to better reflect the character of Christ?
Personal Application: What does it mean to you to know that there is Someone this caring for you? Share your thoughts..
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t know if God cares for me that much. I’ve seen so much pain, sorrow, and disappointment in my life that I have a hard time recognizing His presence, direction, or protection.’” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Psalm 23:4.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
How do God’s rod and staff provide comfort in times of trouble?
Personal Application: Have you ever faced a valley of the shadow of death? Did you have any fear, even knowing God is there? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “How can I not help being fearful when I am facing death – whether by war, or assault, or cancer, or accident, or old age? Isn’t it natural to fear death?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Psalm 23:5.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What does it mean to anoint us with oil and have a full cup in the face of our enemies?
Personal Application: What types of enemies have you had in your life? How have you responded to those who have tried to hurt you or those you love? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “I haven’t chosen very good paths in my life. But now that I have chosen to become a Christian and follow Jesus, I find that path to be very difficult because of my past. How do I not do what is normal and seek revenge and react in kind when threatened? That’s what I was taught to do.” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Psalm 23:6..

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What two things did David say here that he is certain of?
Personal Application: What evidence from your life or from the Bible could you share with someone who questions the certainty of God’s care? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!