2019-5-9

John 10:1-42

Jesus revealed Himself as a shepherd because Israel, especially Judah, understood the life of a shepherd.
An Israelite shepherd had a difficult life.  Shepherds have been described as sleepless, farsighted, weather-beaten, skilled with a staff and cared for the sheep almost like a father cares for his child.
The sheep knew the voice of their shepherd and would not follow a false shepherd, but would flee from him.
In this scripture, the Pharisees represent the false shepherds and those who knew Jesus responded to His teaching, not the false teaching of the Jewish leaders.  Jesus’ own have a special personal relationship with Him – knowing and following His voice – through God’s teachings in the Bible and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also revealed Himself as the gate.
He is our ONLY way to salvation – any way to God besides Jesus is a false one.
He had the authority to lay down His life for us – His sheep – and on Calvary, He did.  When Jesus spoke these words, the Jews became divided.

Jesus revealed He and the Father are one.
This caused a crisis in the temple and His Jewish opponents set about stoning and seizing Him, but He escaped their grasp. He crossed back over the Jordan river and many people listened and believed in Him.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd and our Gate.
Will you turn to Him with your struggles and fears?
There are so many things to turn to besides Jesus, but none can meet the deepest need of our soul.  He is our Creator, our Good Shepherd, the true source of Joy and our Healer.
Jesus promises that “whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”  Thank you Jesus.            —- Mary Mauderer