Dedication

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During the Feast of Dedication, Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd: the One who fulfils God’s ancient promise to lead, protect and care for his people.

When you think of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, what images or feelings come to mind?
Has there ever been a time in your life when Jesus guided, protected or comforted you in a clear way? What happened?
How easy or difficult is it for you to trust his voice when things feel uncertain?

Throughout Scripture, the image of God as a shepherd appears again and again: from Psalm 23, where David sings, “The Lord is my shepherd,” to Jesus’ own words in John 10, where he calls himself “the Good Shepherd”.

In this passage, Jesus explains what it means for him to be the Good Shepherd, and what it means for us to be his sheep who know his voice and follow his lead. Let’s read John 10:1-39.

John 10:1-39

1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.

2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.

8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.

9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.

13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.

18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided.

20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”

21 But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,

23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.

24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me,

26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and the Father are one.”

31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,

32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”

33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”

34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’?

35 If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—

36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?

37 Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father.

38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”

39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.

How does Jesus describe himself in this passage (verses 9-11, 14, 36-38)?
What are the main characteristics of the Good Shepherd (verses 11, 14-15, 17-18, 27-28)? Which one stands out most to you? Why?
What does it mean that the sheep “know his voice”?
How do you recognise the Shepherd’s voice in your own life today?
What do you learn from Jesus’ example about how to lead, serve and care for others?

Later in the episode, while walking through an open field and observing a shepherd with his sheep, Jesus tells Judas, “I’ve got sheep and shepherds on my mind” [36:29-37:00 min].

This short phrase captures some of the heart of his mission: to lead and protect, and to equip his followers to do the same for others.

Have you ever had sheep and shepherds on your mind—moments when you felt called to guide or care for someone? What did you learn?
What does it look like in your daily life to live as one of Jesus’ sheep: listening to, trusting him and following his lead?
What does it look like to live as a shepherd: caring for others while staying close to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd?

While everyone is busy preparing for the celebration, the disciples decide to buy a gift for Thomas. To keep it a surprise, Peter takes Thomas with him to the market to buy soap. On the way, Peter asks Thomas how he’s really doing. Thomas answers, “We’re celebrating the Feast of Dedication. I’m supposed to feel grateful, I think.” Peter encourages him to be honest, and Thomas admits, “I feel horrible.” Peter responds, “Thank you for telling the truth. It’s always the best place to start” [22:50-23:32 min].

Has there ever been a time when you felt like you should be grateful, but deep down you weren’t? What happened?
When do you feel free to tell the truth about how you’re really doing?
What helps you open up, and what sometimes keeps you from being honest?

The Bible encourages us to support one another through difficult seasons, to carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Those burdens might look like sin, grief, pain or struggles we can’t carry alone.

This kind of love is not always easy. It requires humility, compassion and a willingness to step into someone else’s shoes. It calls for wisdom: knowing what to say, when to speak and when to simply listen. Proverbs and James give us some helpful insights into this kind of wisdom. Let’s read Proverbs 25:11, 15:4, 16:24 and 25:12. Then, let’s read James 3:17-18.

Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 15:4

Proverbs 16:24

Proverbs 25:12

James 3:17-18

What do the passages teach us about the power of our words?
What does it mean to speak with “wisdom from above” (James 3)?
How can your conversations bring peace and understanding, even when things are difficult?
Why does timing matter when it comes to having honest and helpful conversations?

Thomas is still grieving the loss of Ramah and wonders when his mourning will end. Peter tries to comfort him with Scripture, reminding him that God’s plans are higher than ours, that trials refine our faith and that it’s okay to question as long as we accept God’s answers.

But Thomas is honest: those words don’t help him right now. He says, “Don’t throw scraps of the prophets around, Peter. I know all the same words. Were they any help to you?” [23:35-26-30 min].

This moment shows that friendship isn’t just about sharing truth. It’s also about sharing presence. Sometimes comfort is not found in the perfect Scripture verses, but in simply being with someone and listening with empathy.

How can you learn to listen first before offering advice or Scripture?
When have you experienced someone giving you the right word at the right time?
Who in your life might need your presence more than your answers right now?
How can you grow this week in having honest, compassionate conversations with others?

In this episode, Judas has many honest and legitimate questions about what it means to follow Jesus. He’s creative, thoughtful and genuinely wants to contribute, even sharing a funding idea to support Jesus’ ministry.

Judas’ intentions are good. He’s trying to help. He wants to make things work better for Jesus’ ministry, but not everyone, including Jesus, seems to understand or appreciate his idea.

What do you think about Judas’ plan?
Are you someone who often comes up with new or creative ideas? What do you usually do when you have one?
How do you respond when nobody seems to listen or take your idea seriously?

Judas came with honest questions and sincere ideas. But there was also a lot he didn’t yet understand about Jesus’ priorities and ways of working. He meant well, but he started forming his own plans rather than seeking Jesus’ direction first.

God made us creative and thoughtful: able to plan, imagine and build. There’s nothing wrong with great ideas. The Bible encourages us to bring both our questions and our ideas to God. When we ask sincerely for wisdom, he doesn’t reject or judge us. Instead, he invites us to work alongside him as he brings his kingdom here on earth. Let’s read 1 Corinthians 3:1-15.

1 Corinthians 3:1-15

1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.

2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.

3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.

6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.

9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,

13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.

14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.

15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

What does this passage teach about working together in God’s kingdom?
What does it mean to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ?
What does it mean to be a co-worker with God?
How can we make sure our work and ideas stay rooted in Jesus, the true foundation?

At one moment, John sits beside Judas and shares how he once had a great idea too—but later realised it wasn’t Jesus’ idea. He encourages Judas to bring his ideas and questions directly to Jesus and to listen first before acting.

That’s a beautiful reminder for us as well. God invites us to dream, create and plan but always in close relationship with Jesus and others around us.

How do you make sure your ideas align with God’s ideas?
What role do others play in helping you to test, shape and refine your ideas?
What could it look like for you to bring your plans to Jesus first and wait for his direction?
How can your creativity become a way of serving and partnering with God and others?

During this episode, you can feel the atmosphere of celebration: candles being lit, psalms being sung, families gathering, gifts being shared and visits to the Temple.

In the second century B.C., Jewish people were forbidden to practise their faith for years under Greek rule. When they reclaimed the Temple, they rededicated it to God. According to tradition, only a small amount of oil remained to light the great lampstand in the Temple; enough for one day. But miraculously, the light burned for eight days, long enough to prepare new oil. That miracle is still celebrated today during Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication.

As you watched these moments of celebration, what stood out to you most?
What comes to mind when you hear the word “dedication”?

In the Bible, “dedication” means setting something or someone apart for God’s service. In the Old Testament, we see this in the dedication of the Temple and its offerings. In the New Testament, this idea becomes personal: believers are called to offer themselves to God as living sacrifices through faith, obedience and worship. Let’s read 1 Peter 2:1-10.

1 Peter 2:1-10

What do these verses teach about what it means to belong to God?
What does it mean to be “a holy priesthood”?
What does it mean to be a living stone in God’s house?
How do these verses help us understand what dedication looks like today?
How does remembering that you are chosen and set apart influence the way you live?

The Feast of Dedication reminded God’s people of his faithfulness and their calling to remain faithful to him, even when it was costly. It celebrated deliverance, renewal and recommitment to God.

That same invitation is open to us today. Dedication isn’t just one grand moment or ceremony. It’s about the daily rhythm of choosing to belong to God and reflect his light wherever we go. Simple habits can help us get into this rhythm: a candle you light during prayer, a verse posted on your mirror, a quiet moment each morning to say, “Lord, my life is yours today.”

What spiritual habits help you dedicate your life to God on a daily basis?
Are there areas in your life where you sense God inviting you to rededicate yourself or realign your focus?
Who can you ask to hold you accountable in your dedication to God—someone to encourage you, pray with you or grow together with you?
What is one practical step you could take this week to live out your dedication—not just alone but together with others?

SEASON 4 - EPISODE 6

Dedication

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

John 10:1-39

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 15:4

Proverbs 16:24

Proverbs 25:12

James 3:17-18

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

1 Corinthians 3:1-15

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

1 Peter 2:1-10

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