Today's passage: John 10:7-21
Helpful thoughts:
- Because His hearers struggled to understand what was said in verses 1-6, Jesus elaborated in verses 7-21.
- There are two “I am” statements in this passage:
- I am the door
- Jesus is the only way into the “sheepfold.”
- And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – Acts 4:12
- Jesus is the only way into the “sheepfold.”
- I am the good shepherd
- Christ's people “hear the voice” of their shepherd and they follow Him.
- A hired hand would never die for someone else's sheep. Christ died for His own people.
- I am the door
- Christ makes two further promises in these verses:
- After He willingly laid down His life, He would rise from the dead!
- There would be “sheep” who follow Him who were not of that fold.
- This is referring to the inclusion of the Gentile people into the church.
Questions to consider:
- Is there more than one way to be saved? Are there other doors that lead to the kingdom of God? Is following Jesus optional?
- What was the result of Jesus' teaching in this passage? How do verses 19-21 illustrate what Jesus just taught? Who heard the voice of their Shepherd?
- What awaits those who remain in the possession of the “thief” or under the watch-care of a hired hand (Verses 10 & 12)? What awaits those who enter the sheepfold by the Door (Verses 9-10)? What reason do we have to give the Lord thanks, praise and worship?