This is an interesting piece of tile, thought to date to the fourth century. Despite the presence of relatively high art by the fourth century, both of Christian and pagan themes, the folk art style is predominant in this inscribed tile. I chose this illustration partly due to the peaceful nature of the scene and partly as a reminder that people of all sorts of artistic abilities have depicted the Savior in various settings. Jesus, described in John 10 as the good shepherd, is depicted with two sheep in a pastoral setting. Notice that the sheep are looking to him as the one who provides their needs and guards them. The tile is in the collection of the museum at the Baths of Diocletian in Rome. The baths themselves were commissioned at the very end of the third century, but have since been converted into a church complex and then a museum.
John 10 Questions for Reflection and Discussion
Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 10. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. Jesus presents himself in this chapter as a shepherd, and his followers as a flock of sheep. What does this imply about Jesus' view of himself and of his followers?
2. The religious leaders who surrounded Jesus in the temple wanted Jesus to show a sign which would defend his claims to be the Messiah. What claims was he making? How had his claims been demonstrated or not demonstrated?
3. What is the fundamental difference in Jesus' estimation between being part of his flock and being a "thief," "robber," or "wolf"?
4. How would you describe yourself in light of John chapter 10?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!
Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 10. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. Jesus presents himself in this chapter as a shepherd, and his followers as a flock of sheep. What does this imply about Jesus' view of himself and of his followers?
2. The religious leaders who surrounded Jesus in the temple wanted Jesus to show a sign which would defend his claims to be the Messiah. What claims was he making? How had his claims been demonstrated or not demonstrated?
3. What is the fundamental difference in Jesus' estimation between being part of his flock and being a "thief," "robber," or "wolf"?
4. How would you describe yourself in light of John chapter 10?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!
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