Lesson 4528

 Lesson 4528)(06-26-24) John 10:7-18 

“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” 

In today’s lesson, Jesus continued to use the metaphor of the shepherd to explain His relationship with His followers. He identified Himself as the door of the sheep, stating that those who enter through Him will be saved and that their lives will be blessed. Jesus contrasted Himself with the thieves and robbers who come to steal, kill, and destroy, declaring that He came to give abundant life. He then described Himself as the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, unlike a hired hand who abandons the sheep at the sight of danger. Jesus emphasized His willingness to sacrifice His life for His sheep and His unique relationship with them, as they know His voice and follow Him. He also speaks of other sheep (the Gentiles) not of the current fold, indicating His mission to unite all His followers. Finally, Jesus highlighted His authority to lay down His life and take it up again, given to Him by God the Father, underscoring His divine mission and the depth of His love and commitment to His followers. What a wonderful Savior we serve! ~