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
In ancient times, kings, generals and gods were regularly described as the "shepherds" of the people, for better or worse. World War I historians coined the expression "chateau generals" to describe those high officers on both sides who lived the lives of country gentlemen a safe distance from the horror of the trenches, far from their flocks of young soldiers who went like sheep to the slaughter. Scripture tells us Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is no "chateau general." As we come to know that, may we hear our Lord calling us to follow on a path he himself travels, the path of weakness and vulnerability, of service and openness to others. It is a dangerous path, but it is one that leads to abundant life. It is He who offers this abundant life with these words, "I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and will find pasture."
Prayer
Faithful keeper of the flock, may we hear your call, enter the open gate for sustenance and go out for service. Amen