John 10

Posted on Apr 19, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Wednesday

In our reading today, we see one of the “I Am” statements of Jesus.

When Moses first encounter God in the burning bush, he asked God to tell him His name. God told Moses his name is Yahweh, which when translated means “I Am”. (Exodus 3:14).  It is a beautiful illustration of who just who God is. He is not just from the past (although He was there), He is not just of the future (although He is there too) but rather He is present. Present in all times, without beginning, without end. “He Is” – “I Am that I Am”, he said to Moses.

Jesus in this passage uses that name to align Himself with God. To show that they are one and the same. There are several “I Am” statements of Jesus found in John’s gospel.

  1. I am the bread of life 6:35, 48, 51
  2. I am the light of the world 8:12; 9:5
  3. I am the door of the sheep 10:7, 9
  4. I am the good shepherd 10:11, 14
  5. I am the resurrection and the life 11:25
  6. I am the way, the truth, and the life 14:6
  7. I am the true vine 15:1

In our reading today, there are two. I am the door (or gate) of the sheep and I am the good shepherd.  Jesus is also using (as he does numerous times) familiar objects – sheep and shepherds, at other times we see him using objects like trees and grapevines, bread, fish, light. For people like me who learn better using visuals this is a great way for us to remember a lesson.

So Jesus uses the illustration of a Shepherd. Reminds me of the great psalm – The Lord is my Shepherd. When we think of Jesus in this way, we see a person who is gentle yet powerful. Someone who loves so deeply that they are willing to sacrifice for their flock (vs 11).

Jesus then says that the flock know their shepherd’s voice. How do we know when we hear our Shepherd’s voice?

The answer in found in this passage. The sheep won’t follow a stranger, they will follow someone they know. So do you know Jesus? Do you find ways to know Him better, ie, Bible study, worship, serving, prayer? You only get to know someone better by spending more time with them. The same is true with Jesus. The more time you spend communing with Him, the easier it will be to recognize His voice.

My prayer is that you will spend more time listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Blessings on the Day!

Pastor Kathy