John 10:1-21
Our world is inundated with the idea that there are many paths to god or enlightenment or happiness. In this we are like John’s first readers. They lived in a Roman world filled with many competing gods and philosophies. Then, as now, Jesus’ claims about himself stood in stark contrast to the world.
Jesus not only claims exclusive authority over the souls of all people he compares any competing claim to thievery. The Pharisees considered themselves to be shepherds of God’s people but Jesus’ words to them echo Ezekiel 34, “Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves!” Also read Jeremiah 23:1-6.
Jesus compares himself to the gate that secures the sheep. In Matthew 7:13-14 He said, “Enter through the narrow gate.” Remember, the earliest reflection of the cross was given in Exodus 12:5-7 when the blood of a spotless lamb was put on the side and top of the doorway. The cross is our way through, Jesus himself is our gate.
Romans 8:10-11, “But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives lifebecause of righteousness.And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because ofhis Spirit who lives in you.”
Jesus compares himself to a good shepherd. David wrote about his good shepherd in Psalm 23. Jesus shows the great contrast between himself and every other claim. Jesus literally laid down his life for everyone who belongs to him. Many other systems require from the sheep, only Jesus gives all for the sheep. Revelation 7:17, “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Jesus claimed to have power to lay down his life and power to take it up again. Who could say a thing like this? Many have laid down their life but only Jesus took it up again of his own power. Hebrews 13:20-21,” Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
These were emphatic statements, unmistakable claims to deity and to being the messiah. These words spoken while the man healed from blindness was standing right there as witness to Jesus’ power ought to have set the world ablaze with faith. That only some believed is testament to the unfeeling nature of those who have no real spiritual life no matter how much religion they may have. That some did believe proves God’s mercy in healing us from blindness when He grants us wisdom enough to recognize our need.
brotherpayne 