Feb 6 - John 10:6-7

Jesus used

this figure of speech with them,

but they did not understand

what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said ...

John 10:6-7

John 10 is full of great verses. Great analogies. But as a person who likes to speak in analogies, though, it's comforting that even Jesus was occasionally misunderstood!

Misunderstandings aside, in this chapter Jesus made several critical points that we dare not miss ...

First, he was predicting his own crucifixion: "11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Second, by calling himself a "good shepherd" and by showing his willingness to give his life, he was reflecting his committed care and compassion for each of us, his sheep. 

Third, he wanted us to know that we are vulnerable -- "12 wolf coming."

Fourth, he wanted us to know that there are forces in and around us that can do us harm.

• Some are inattentive "12 hired hands." (What worldly "shepherds" do you know that are inattentive?).
• Some are "1 bandits" who intentionally -- or even unintentionally -- preach a false gospel and as a result rob us measures of hope and joy.
• One -- Satan -- is an outright "10 thief [who] comes only to steal and kill and destroy."

Fifth, Jesus is teaching us that he is "the [one] way" to heaven, saying, "9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved."

Sixth, Jesus invites us to give our lives to him by becoming his sheep. In fact, how do we know if we're living as sheep? Jesus says, "4 [His] sheep follow him because they know his voice." Nowadays, we know his voice best when he know his word.

Seventh, once we're Christ's sheep, we can quit worrying so much, because Jesus says, "27 My sheep ... 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand."

Which of those did you need to hear most today?

In Christ's Love,

Baaaah