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
The followers of Jesus were a little confused by Jesus’ figure of speech (v. 6) about sheep gates, shepherds, and sheep. We may also share their puzzlement. At least this is being said: The only way in and out of the sheepfold is through the gate. Jesus is in charge of the gate and decides who can come in and out. He knows all the sheep by name. In turn, they know his voice and will follow him and not be led astray by any stranger who does not know them or have their best interests at heart.
Probably the most reassuring word here is that Jesus knows each sheep by name. All sheep do not look, feel, or think alike. Jesus has a relationship with each of us in our own unique selves.
Prayer
O God, keep us safe in the sheepfold. Protect us from enemies who mean to hurt us. Assure us that trusting in your Son, Jesus Christ, we will be safe from the attraction of false shepherds. Amen.