On the heels of Jesus healing someone as well as in the midst of another showdown with the Pharisees, we have today’s passage. Jesus just made a bold statement about coming into the world to identify and eradicate spiritual blindness for those that believe in Him (John 9:39). Jesus then scolded the Pharisees for their prideful demeanor, telling them that they remained ignorant of true revelation – that Jesus is the Messiah.
Our story begins in chapter 10, with Jesus introducing a parable – a story – to a group of his followers. However, before we jump in, let’s take a moment to reflect on His interaction with the Pharisees:
- In what way(s), if any, have we acted like the Pharisees?
- Have you ever felt so sure about something that you failed to seek God about it? What was the outcome?
If you’re feeling any level of conviction, know that this is a good sign and you remain in the loving presence of God. Should you be experiencing guilt or shame, bring that to God. Ask for His forgiveness and help to restore you to a state of peace. Never give into the enemy’s attempts to label you according to your faults (for more encouragement, consider reading the posts “You Are Not The Mistake,” “Break Through So You Can Show Up” and “Use Your Weapons“).
Okay, now back to today’s story.
Jesus introduces an analogy about sheep, shepherds and a gatekeeper in order to discuss leadership traits as well as what one who seeks the Messiah should expect to receive. This example may seem odd in our time but it is right at home in this agrarian society.
[1] “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! [2] But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. [5] They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”
In the analogy, entering through the gate requires specific authority. Jesus points out that those “leaders” who attempt to exercise authority which they do not have expose themselves as fraudulent (i.e. it is rejected by followers seeking the truth). Jesus makes this distinction from the one who holds the true authority, the shepherd. Shepherds have a unique relationship with their sheep. Their voices become familiar to the sheep in their care. This is essential to the shepherd maintaining authority over the sheep.
If this analogy isn’t quite landing with you, don’t fret, you’re not the only one who needed clarification:
[6] Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, [7] so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. [8] All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. [9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. [10] The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Jesus is using this story to present His claim of legitimate leadership while warning His listeners of others with ulterior motives concerning their well-being. Jesus is the One who provides safety and well-being. True deliverance comes to us when we trust God and entrust ourselves to His Son, Jesus. His path to freedom is where true joy can be found.
I hope you found some encouragement in today’s post.
Until next time,
Be well.
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