John 10:1-10 (NRSV)
Read John 10:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 10"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. Verse 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Verse 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Verse 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. Verse 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Verse 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. Verse 7So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. Verse 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. Verse 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. Verse 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Devotion
I once served a congregation in Nebraska where one of the members was a shepherd. A few years after leaving, we returned for a visit along with our almost two-year-old daughter. I thought it would be a delight for her to see the sheep, so I contacted the shepherd and he invited us to come over. When we drove into the yard, I was pleased to see that the sheep were all gathered near the fence. I got my daughter out of our van and as we approached the fence the sheep ran in every direction and were soon out of sight. When their shepherd came out of the house and neared the fence, they all returned. I thought of Jesus’ imagery in John’s gospel. We know the voice of this Good Shepherd, we recognize his presence among us, and we are not fooled by others who might lead us astray. This one is the very embodiment of God’s steadfast love and grace.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep us as sheep of your own fold, lambs of your own flock, for you are the great Shepherd of the sheep. May your voice be our guide and security throughout this life. Amen.
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