John 10:22-30
Prior to this Scripture, Jesus has been stirring up quite a
fuss among the Pharisees and now the Jews.
He began this description of the sheep and shepherd relationship earlier
and continues that in this portion of Scripture we are reading here.
First, the Jews want Jesus to come right out and answer
their question…are You the Messiah? They
want Him to be clear about it. They
surround Him during a feast that the Jews had made up…one to celebrate the
rededication of the temple after it has been defiled. It is noted that it was winter…probably cold
and dark – like their hearts at that time.
Jesus answers their question with more than they bargained
for. He has a lot to say to this.
He answers their question by continuing the sheep/shepherd relationship.
Here are some things that are noted about the sheep:
-They know their Shepherd
-They hear His voice
-They follow the Shepherd
-They are protected by the Shepherd
These are important to note.
Because Jesus continues by showing them that they don't know He is the
Shepherd because they are not of His sheep.
This had to really shake them up because they have always
been privileged…of the right lineage…chosen because they were Jews. He is opening doors that they weren't really
prepared to be opened.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He and the Father are
One. We know that more than the Jews
heard Him and followed. The Shepherd has
more sheep than just the Jews. In fact,
many of the Jews are rejecting Him.
They refuse to listen.
They want it their way. They
don't want to believe what He is saying.
This must have been a scary thought…and must have brought much fear for
them…as we see if the following verses where they sought to stone Him.
This Scripture can also be a very comforting one for those
who hear and follow…
Those who hear the Shepherd follow and are
protected…eternally.
No one can separate them from the Lord. Which reminds me of 2 other scriptures…
Romans 8:38-39 –
NOTHING separates
But, Paul was also quick to address that this doesn't give
us a reason to act like we want and do what we want. Romans 6:1-2…Just
because you have received grace doesn't mean you sin knowing you are covered…
Remember…sheep know the Shepherd…Hear the Shepherd…Follow
the Shepherd…
