John 10 reminds me of door locks. The old adage is that they put locks on doors to keep honest people out. Crooks will break in and steal unless they fear the consequences. Today’s chapter is about recognizing our vulnerabilities. We begin with Jesus teaching the religious leaders. He used the image of a sheep pen, which was basically a circular wall of stones with a single opening. The shepherd would lay down at the opening, literally becoming the door. “Anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate… is a thief and a robber… The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep”. He continued with some basic information about the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. “The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice”. I imagine the Jewish leaders were insulted by the comparison to dumb sheep. Jesus made His purpose clear, “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved”. He is promising His personal protection for everyone that enters His flock. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest”. Sadly, we do not usually recognize the thief until it is too late. It is only after loss we see our exposure. Is something missing in your life?
Jesus continued, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep”. In contrast, the hired-hand “sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks”. The hired-hand does not care about the sheep; he takes, but gives nothing of himself. The hired-hand is not willing to fight to keep them safe. Jesus said, “I know My sheep and My sheep know Me… and I lay down My life for the sheep”. Some do not have anyone willing to fight for them. They are emotionally, spiritually and physically alone. Jesus added, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also”. Very few people like to admit they are weak. Instead they develop a tough persona to hide behind. “They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd”. Salvation through Christ was first for the Jew, and only then for the Gentile. Is there anyone that would protect you with their life?
The chapter closes with a debate we also see today. Jesus is either God, or a deceiver. We cannot conclude He was just a good man. “I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me… I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again”. God alone has authority over life and death. The Jewish leaders thought He was “possessed and raving mad”. Observers asked, “Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” Jesus was inside the Temple courts when He was surrounded and asked point blank, “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly”. He answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe… you do not believe because you are not My sheep”. These Jewish leaders considered themselves to be above the flock. Many today pretend there is no evil and there is no enemy. They create their own standard of good, and then they trust the flimsy locks of their own creation. I put my trust in the Savior’s promise, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand”. Then Jesus answered their question directly, “I and the Father are One”. At this, “His Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone Him”. Just the mention of the name “Jesus” will enrage some people today. They deadbolt the door of their heart; and turn around, only to find themselves on the outside alone. My friend, God does not lock the door to abundant life. You can enter the gate by faith today. Is He calling your name?