In John chapter 10, the conversation continues between Jesus and the Pharisees from chapter 9.
I know that there are numerous points to consider in the few verses we are covering.
However, let’s take a moment and look at these few points of the conversation from a higher level:
1. At the latter part of John chapter 9, the Pharisees are upset with Jesus. Because, He healed a blind man on the Sabbath.
− They disregarded the Deity of Jesus because of their shallow understanding of the Law.
− Exodus 20:8, instructs the Israelites to keep the Sabbath day Holy. How holy of an experience is a miracle?
− They considered the healing of the blind man equivalent to “labor.”
2. There was no community or a healthy relationship with their own people. They ruled with fear.
Jesus knew that many of the Pharisees held their positions because of their love for power or recognition. Many who listened to Him that day were self-appointed, not God appointed. They didn’t have the Faith of Abraham.
He confronts them, like the True Shepherd and speaks His wealth of God knowledge. His words like a weapon strikes against the lions and bears. Cuts at their foundation of clay!
He begins with a lesson on the attitude and intention of a bad shepherd.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” v.1
A sheepfold is an enclosure where sheep were sheltered when not out roaming the valleys and/ or pastures. There was only one way in and one way out, and that was the main door or gate.
If anyone entered any other way, he was considered a thief or a robber:
− Someone who comes to steal and rob souls
− Someone who comes to steal and rob for their own profit
− Someone who comes to steal and rob for their own pleasure
The “sheepfold” that Jesus refers to is the Jewish Nation.
Many individuals and groups, who came prior to Jesus, appointed themselves to be their guides, their rulers or messiahs.
Jesus never appointed Himself. God the Father appointed Him and there was revelation in the Word that supported His appointment as Messiah.
We have heard of countless explanations on how being a shepherd was not an easy life-career. Talk about an occupation that required sleepless nights, alone most of the time, dangerous treks, wild animals to fend off and fight, and so on…
Whenever shepherds met out in the valleys or wilderness, etc. It was an embracing moment, a welcome time for fellowship! They would share a meal and talk all night about their adventures. It didn’t worry the shepherds that their sheep would mix-in with all the other sheep. In the early morning when it was time to continue their journeys, each shepherd would find a location or find a rock that was large enough to stand on. In the stillness of the morning an interruption of unique sounds erupted out of each of the shepherds’ mouths. Immediately, there is a rumble among the sheep as they run towards their shepherd!
As we read on, “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” v. 3
I love the song “He Knows My Name.” Because He knows our names! Every person Jesus called or calls – He knows.
He knows our history, our perfections and imperfections, what we look like before we wash our faces, what we smell like before we bathe. He knows everything and still LOVES US!
The Holy Spirit calls out to us to come to Christ. Is He calling your name? “Jeannie, Ray, Bobby, Liz, Shelly, or Mike” do you hear the Spirit calling?
Maybe you are already a believer. Do you recall when you knew He was calling you? The amazing feeling you felt in your heart and soul. How you couldn’t believe how much He knew about you – and STILL LOVED YOU?
“ And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” v. 4
I want to be like this everyday. Following Him and letting Him lead. Hearing His Voice, discovering what an amazing Shepherd I have!
Our command is to follow. When we follow, this action reflects that we Trust. When we Obey, then we exhibit our Love for Him. When we are Still and Listen, we are honored to be in His presence and the outcome is an amazing relationship!
“Yet they will by no means follow a stranger; but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” v. 5
Do you know what “flee” means? Think of it as SCAT – faster than fast!
Jesus, help me to flee from the strangeness of the enemy, those strange thoughts, unbelief, unholy anger, jealousy, etc. I want to be like the sheep that follow YOU! Traveling behind my Jesus – My Good Shepherd!
What about you? Who are you following today? Take a moment to read Psalm 23 and meditate on how He wants to lead you.
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