Thursday, 23 April 2020 John 10:1-21
"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” -John 10:14
The most descriptive image painted by John in his Gospel is that of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The verses portray the heart of Jesus and His great love for sinners. In the East, every evening shepherds brought their flocks into one central locked sheepfold guarded by a gatekeeper. In the morning, the shepherds returned and called out to their sheep and they followed the voice even though they had been mingled together. Here Jesus Himself teaches us how to know and recognize the marks of a True Shepherd that qualifies Him as the “Good Shepherd.”
He Came Properly – John 10:2 says, “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.” Jesus revealed that thieves and robbers enter by other means besides the door. The shepherd always comes in the right way! Jesus proves He is the Shepherd by coming into the world in the right manner. He entered according to plan and presented His credentials to His people. Born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14); Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); Came in the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4); Brought out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1). He was the right person, in the right place, at the right time. He possesses all the credentials to prove that He is the Good Shepherd! When Jesus came, John the Baptist openly declared His identity – "Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
He Calls Properly – John 10:3 says “…he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” Out of the mingled flocks, the call of the shepherd draws out his sheep because it is instantly recognized. Many worldly voices compete for our attention, but the special call of the Lord changes everything - John 6:44. Only the Good Shepherd’s voice can awaken a dead heart. It gives hope so it sounds right to a desperate soul. All other calls sound empty and frightening compared to His call.
He Commands Properly – John 10:4 says, “…He goes before them; and the sheep follow him.” The sheep instinctively follow the shepherd who calls forth and goes before them. He ony has to lead them out and they follow close behind. A soul that is saved by the grace of God, will desire to follow the Good Shepherd. There is no need to force them to come to worship, to share their faith etc. Being called by the Shepherd gives a burning burden to worship Him.
His Concern Is Proven – John 10:14 says, “...I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” Sheep in a flock look alike to the untrained eye. A good shepherd, however, can tell them apart, often with their defects and peculiar traits. Our Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ knows the individual weaknesses and failings of His flock and watches over them with discerning love and sympathetic understanding. With great concern He understands the doubts, fears, trials, conflicts, and defeats that disturb their peace, and comes to their aid. He knows everything there is to know about you - every strength, weakness, joy, burden, mountain and valley. He knows every victory and battle and He stands ready to help you in your times of need.
Ask yourself this question, "Do I really know the Shepherd?" Knowing the Shepherd makes your life more abundant. How you answer that question determines where you can expect to spend eternity. Your answer to that question will make all the difference between Heaven and Hell. If you know the Shepherd, then you can rejoice in the fact that He will ever be with you and that He will ever watch over you. If you do not know Him, then I invite you to come to Him right now.
Think on: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4)
Listen: ‘Saviour like a Shepherd lead us’