This chapter continues to depict the polarizing teachings of Jesus – many believed His words, yet many more disbelieved and sought to kill / arrest Him (sometimes in that order). There was a clear division among the Jews, Jesus’ own people who saw and heard Him – how much clearer a division is there among people today, who don’t physically see/hear Him?
“…’Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep… If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd… He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father… And I have other sheep that are not of this fold… and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.’ ” (v7, 9-16 abr)
Jesus calls Himself ‘the door to eternal life’ (it is only through faith in His divinity, death, and resurrection that we can be saved), and also “the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep’ (for us, mankind). He and the Father love us so much that they willingly gave Jesus’ earthly life for the salvation of all people, for all time.
Another critical note is that we need to learn and obey our Good Shepherd’s voice, just as literal sheep know and obey the voice of their shepherd. If we don’t learn His voice, obedience is much more difficult. How do we learn His voice? The simplest way is to spend time with Him in prayer, scripture, and service.
Let’s ask for God’s help in making sure we’re staying close to Jesus, obeying His every command, and only striving to enter the Father’s presence through the Doorway He provided (not by any worldly means or works).
Father God, our Compassionate King and Sovereign Creator, all honor, glory and praise be unto You. Holy Spirit please teach us to know the Good Shepherd’s voice, so our every word and action can be in obedience to Him. Once we learn Jesus’ voice, please help us to disciple / teach others so they too may know Him and obey Him. In the name of Jesus we seek to worship and obey You Father, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training