Learning DAILY

 

John 10:9, “I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”  Jesus

 

John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”  Jesus

 

John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and I am known by own.”  Jesus

 

These are some bold statements by Jesus.  But He was the Son of God, sent to save the lost sheep of Israel.  What did He mean by these statements?

 

The sheepfold was an enclosure with an opening for the sheep to enter into it.  The shepherd would herd the sheep into it at night and then lie down in the opening so the sheep could not get out and nothing could get in.  Sheep have a tendency to wander off (no wonder we are compared to them!); the shepherd kept them where they were safe and protected.  Verse 9 above is a statement by Jesus that He is the door to the sheepfold (eternal life).  Those who enter God’s sheepfold must enter through Jesus.  Notice the three benefits He mentions by entering through Him.  They will be saved!  Acts 4:12, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven, given among men by which we must be saved.” Through Jesus, we have all we need to be delivered from sin, guilt, and condemnation.  No other “door” exists!  Secondly, the sheep go in and out; they are able to move freely about in the security of the Shepherd.  He watches intently over His sheep, correcting them when needed.  If one does wander off or gets lost, the Shepherd leaves the rest to go find the one that is lost (Luke 15:3-7).  And the third thing Jesus mentions is the pasture.  The good shepherd makes sure there is provision for his sheep; the Good Shepherd provides constant provision for the soul of His sheep!

 

The statement Jesus made about being the Good Shepherd is a “metaphor that describes His tender and devoted care for His people.  It is as if He is saying, ‘I am toward all who believes in me, as a good shepherd is toward his sheep – caring, watchful, and loving.’” (from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible).  Notice the second part of the verse.  Jesus as the Good Shepherd is willing to die for His sheep.  This points the way to His death on the cross; His death on the cross provides salvation for His sheep.  (Just a quick side note: true pastors care for their “sheep”, while false pastors first of all of themselves and their position!)

 

Then Jesus said I know My sheep.  You have to know that right now Jesus Christ knows you and knows you by name!  He loves you so much, more that you know!  His love is unconditional – no strings attached – because you have placed your faith in Him.  You have to do nothing else to earn it.  His love involves His personal affection and His constant care.  Think about the time(s) that accident might have happened or that time __________ could have happened but didn’t.  Was it God’s intervention?  All I know is we, as His sheep, are never out of His mind and never out of His sight.  That is for our own good!

 

Oh what a Shepherd we have that watches over us, guides us, and does what is best for us.  Take a few minutes to reflect on what He has done for you.   Think about the object of your love, how much your love is extended to that person and know that God loves you so much more.  He knows your coming and going, your every thought and action and He still loves you.  He desires an intimate relationship with you, to be in constant fellowship with you.  Go ahead – right now, in your own way, thank Him for being the Good Shepherd to you.

 

 

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