Following the True Shepherd
“Truly, truly I say to you, the one who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. But the one who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
In John 10:1-5, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to convey profound truths about His relationship with believers. He begins by contrasting the true shepherd with thieves and robbers who try to enter the sheepfold unlawfully, contrasting their intentions and actions.
The passage starts with Jesus saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber" John 10:1. Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of entering through the proper way, highlighting the authenticity and integrity of His role as the shepherd.
Jesus continues, "But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" John 10:2-3. This illustrates the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. The sheep recognize and respond to the shepherd's voice, symbolizing the close connection and trust between believers and Jesus.
Moreover, Jesus explains, "When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers" John 10:4-5. This emphasizes the discernment and loyalty of the sheep towards their shepherd. Believers, like sheep, are guided by the voice of Jesus and discern between His genuine leading and the false guidance of others.
This passage teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, Jesus is the true shepherd who leads His followers with love, care, and authority. Secondly, believers are called to recognize and respond to His voice, discerning His leading from other deceptive influences. Lastly, the shepherd-sheep relationship signifies the intimate connection and trust we have with Jesus, relying on His guidance and protection.
As we reflect on John 10:1-5, we should remember that Jesus is our faithful shepherd who leads us on the path of righteousness, protects us from harm, and calls us by name. Let us listen attentively to His voice, discerning His leading in our lives, and following Him with unwavering trust and devotion.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, and Ephesians 3:7-8. In my retirement, I focus on studying and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. Besides writing this Blog, I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com