Dig Deeper:
CONTEXT, CONTEXT, CONTEXT: It's important that you read Jesus' words here in chapter 10 with the right inflection. Jesus is not speaking here with a cute toddler bouncing on His knee and butterflies flitting about the blue sky above as they pat a fluffy little lamb on its head. This is a continuation of the conversation - argument - that began with the Pharisees after Jesus healed the blind man on the Sabbath in chapter nine. These words were not necessarily spoken in anger, but certainly with a focused intensity as Jesus likely leaned forward and looked these Pharisees right in the eye while speaking.
FALSE SHEPHERDS, TAKE TWO: The first time Jesus accuses the Pharisees of being false shepherds of God's people (v1-5), it sails right over their heads (v6). So He launches into a longer version in v7-18, but then He doesn't stick around for follow up questions. His opponents track Him down walking in the temple courtyard (v23), and then Jesus picks up right where He left off.
MASSIVE CLAIMS: Jesus makes several massive theological claims in John 10:
The Shepherd's (Jesus') sheep (people) know His voice and follow Him (v3-4)
Jesus came that His sheep may have life, and have it abundantly (v10)
Jesus has more sheep than just the people of Israel (v16)
Jesus lays down His life for the sheep (v18)
Not all sheep belong to Jesus (v26)
Jesus gives His sheep eternal life (v28)
Last, but certainly not least: I AND THE FATHER ARE ONE (v30, 38)
Jesus' opponents knew exactly what He claimed in this exchange, as evidenced by their picking up stones to execute Him on the spot for blasphemy (v31, 33).
MASSIVE PROMISE: As one of Jesus' sheep, chapter 10 gives you one of the biggest promises in the entire Bible in v27-28:
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Jesus and the Father are one, and you are the sheep of God's pasture.
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will clearly hear and respond to the Good Shepherd's voice.
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
