Lesson 4529

 Lesson 4529)(06-27-24) John 10:19-21 

There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” 

 

In today’s quote, Jesus' words about being the good shepherd and laying down His life caused division among the Jews. Some accused Him of being demon-possessed and mad, questioning why anyone would listen to Him. Others, however, defended Jesus, pointing out that His teachings and miraculous healing of the blind man were not actions of a demon-possessed person. This disagreement highlighted the differing opinions about Jesus' identity and authority. ~

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! ~ 

Lesson 4527

 Lesson 4527)(06-25-24) John 10:1-6 

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.” 

 

 

In today’s quote, Jesus used the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate His relationship with His followers. He described how a true shepherd enters the sheepfold through the door, while a thief or robber climbs in another way. The shepherd is recognized by the gatekeeper and the sheep, who know his voice and follow him. Strangers, however, the sheep will not follow, as they do not recognize the voices of strangers. This parable confused the listeners, as they do not understand what Jesus was saying. ~ 

Lesson 4526

 Lesson 4526)(06-24-24) John 9:35-41 

“Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” 

 

In today’s quote, Jesus sought out the man who was cast out by the Pharisees after being healed of his blindness. Jesus revealed Himself as the Son of God, and the man believed and worshiped Him. Jesus then spoke about spiritual blindness, explaining that those who recognize their own blindness can see, while those who claim to see are blind. The Pharisees, overhearing that, asked if they too were blind, and Jesus responded by stating that if they were blind, they would be without sin, but since they claim to see, their sin remained. ~