“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:1-21 ESV)
Meditation
In John 10:1-21, Jesus presents Himself as both the Good Shepherd and the Door of the sheep. This imagery invites us to contemplate His deep, personal care for us. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus knows each of His sheep by name and leads them with a voice they recognize and trust. This passage speaks to the intimate relationship we can have with Jesus, where He is not a distant deity but a personal guide and protector. The shepherd’s voice is familiar to the sheep, indicating that our relationship with Jesus is built on recognition and trust. Just as sheep rely on their shepherd for safety and sustenance, we are called to rely on Jesus for our spiritual well-being. This shepherd imagery reassures us that we are not anonymous in the crowd; we are known and loved individually by Jesus.
Furthermore, Jesus as the Door of the sheepfold underscores His role as the exclusive pathway to salvation. He contrasts His shepherding with the destructive intentions of thieves and robbers, highlighting His mission to bring us abundant life. This passage challenges us to reflect on whom we are following. Are we attuned to the voice of our Good Shepherd, or are we distracted by the voices of strangers that lead us astray? Jesus’ declaration that He lays down His life for the sheep reveals the sacrificial nature of His love. Unlike the hired hand who abandons the sheep in danger, Jesus willingly faces peril for our sake. This ultimate act of love should evoke a sense of gratitude and security in us, knowing that our Shepherd’s commitment to us is unwavering and eternal.
Prayer to the Heavenly Father
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the revelation of Your love through Jesus, our Good Shepherd. I am in awe of Your divine plan that appointed Jesus to be the door through which we enter into Your eternal pasture. You, who created the heavens and the earth, have provided a way for us to be known intimately and to be led by Your voice. Father, thank You for Your protection and for the abundant life that You offer through Jesus. You have shown us that true life is found not in the fleeting pleasures of this world but in the security and peace of Your fold. Help me, Father, to always listen for Your voice and to follow Your lead with trust and obedience. Amen.
Prayer to the Son
Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I thank You for Your unwavering love and the sacrifice You made for me. You know me by name and have called me into a relationship that is personal and . I am grateful that You are not a distant figure but a shepherd who walks before me, guiding my steps and protecting me from harm. Thank You for laying down Your life for me, demonstrating the depths of Your love and commitment. I pray that I may always recognize Your voice amidst the noise of this world and follow You faithfully. Help me to trust in Your leadership and to find comfort in Your presence, knowing that You lead me to green pastures and still waters. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, I invite You to move within me, opening my ears to hear the voice of Jesus, my Good Shepherd. Fill my heart with the assurance of His presence and the peace that comes from knowing I am His. Guide me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, and help me to discern the true voice of my Shepherd from the deceitful voices that seek to lead me astray. Empower me to live a life that reflects the abundant life Jesus offers, and to share this good news with others who are lost and searching. Holy Spirit, renew my mind and spirit daily, that I may walk closely with my Shepherd and experience the fullness of life in Him. Amen.
Thought for the Day
As you go through your day, remember the voice of your Good Shepherd. Trust that He knows you by name, leads you with love, and has laid down His life for you. Listen for His guidance and follow where He leads, finding peace and abundance in His care.
Intentional Faith 