That They May Have Life

 John 10: 1-10

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. ² The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” ⁶ Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

⁷ Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸ All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. ⁹ I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

It's no wonder that the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd) are so popular and provide so much spiritual support.  Those who heard Jesus knew from their own experience the qualities of a good shepherd and the bond that exists between the shepherd and his sheep. Even if we, in our present day circumstances, don't have this experience, the tenderness Jesus describes touches us and comforts us.  When we feel "lost" Jesus assures us that he is there with his rod and staff to protect us and guide us to the green pastures of "life to the full." Dear Jesus, may I never wander from your welcoming gate, and if I do, remind me that you have not wandered away from me.

Bro. Rene