John 10:22-30 (NRSV)
Read John 10:22-30 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, Verse 23and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. Verse 24So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Verse 25Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; Verse 26but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. Verse 27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. Verse 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. Verse 29What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. Verse 30The Father and I are one."
Devotion
As we heard in Psalm 23 earlier this week, when Jesus talks about his sheep, he recognizes that their life isn't all green pastures and still waters. There are threats to his sheep from the outside, including those who would try to "snatch them out of [his] hand." But Jesus won't let that happen. He is intimately connected to his sheep because they hear his voice. He knows them. They trust in their shepherd and follow him.
Jesus offers another promise to his sheep when he says that belonging to his flock isn't for this life only. Jesus tells those who are challenging him, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish." This gift of life comes from Jesus' relationship with his Father. They are one. Jesus' gifts to his sheep flow from that relationship. The sheep are safe from danger and secure in Jesus' flock, now and forever.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of belonging to your Son and to his flock. Thank you for the gift of eternal life and the promise of salvation that comes through Jesus alone. Guide us to share the gift of your grace and to invite others into a relationship with our Good Shepherd. Amen.