Tag: John 10
“I and the Father are One.”
Scripture reading for April 18: John 10
“So the Jews gathered around Him and said to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe.” The works that I do in My Father’s Name bear witness about Me, but you do not believe because you are not among My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are One.”” John 10:24-30
Jesus spoke plainly to the Jewish religious leaders about Who He was and His mission as the Good Shepherd gathering the lost sheep. His powerful statement declaring “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11,14) and declaring Himself the ‘Door’ for the sheep would have spoken powerfully to these who knew the Scriptures of their day. He stated plainly that as the Good Shepherd, He would lay His life down for the sheep. They, as shepherds of God’s flock, were acting as hirelings who did not love the sheep or care for them. Jesus would lay down His life and take it up again because of authority granted by His Father. These statements caused great discussion and division, some accusing Jesus of being demon possessed or insane.
Jesus told the Jews that they had made a choice not to believe. He had told them He was the Good Shepherd promised by Scripture. He had demonstrated this by amazing miracles, recently healing the man blind from birth. He told them that they did not hear His voice as the Good Shepherd or believe because they were not His sheep. Jesus’ sheep know His voice and follow. Jesus gives them eternal life and they will never perish. No one can snatch them from Jesus’ hand because the Father had given them to Him. Jesus and the Father are one!
Have you struggled to hear Jesus’ teaching that He is the Good Shepherd Who calls His sheep to follow Him? From this passage, what steps could you take to hear Him better? What does Jesus mean when He declares that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand? Is this comforting to you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for allowing me to hear the call of Jesus as my Good Shepherd. I am comforted by His protection and strong hand to hold onto me. Use me to share this Good News of Jesus as our Good Shepherd by sending me out among the wolves to gather Your sheep. Amen.
Secure in Father’s Hand!
Scripture reading for April 19th: John 10
Key Scriptures for over-comers: John 10:27-30 “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are One.”.
Jesus wanted His disciples to know security in their relationship with the Father through faith in Him. His disciples would hear His voice and understand His words and they would follow Him. As they followed, no one would snatch them out of the Father’s hand! God is more powerful than any man or force of hell! They were secure and would never perish! We can have confidence in our Good Shepherd’s voice and eternal word!
Observations for over-comers: Overcomers don’t live in fear and doubt about their salvation. They know the Master’s voice and trust fully in His promise! “My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to My words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.” (Proverbs 4:20-22)
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
Scripture reading for April 20th: John 10
Tending sheep and caring for them is an occupation that is common in most places around the world. Sheep are very docile animals that cannot defend themselves and sometimes they wander off. They need someone to care for them and protect them. They will willingly follow a shepherd and get to know his voice. The shepherd also knows his sheep and calls them by name. Jesus took this very common job and applied it to His own life and ministry.
The Jews who saw the healing of the man blind from birth asked Jesus if He thought they were blind too. In response to this question, Jesus told them about sheep and shepherds and gates, making some strong statements to help them understand who He was.
“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:7-10)
“I am the good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me–just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father–and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)
At these statements, the Jews were divided. Some said Jesus was demon-possessed or mad, but others recognized the miracle and were wondering. Jesus had said that only “His sheep” would recognize His voice and follow Him! Have you heard the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for “His sheep?”