Image from angusday.org
Jesus' Claims for our Lives
From the Gospel of John 10:1-10: "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. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go 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.
This passage could be called "The Summary of Life" and it would include "Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep. He gave His all for us. Know your enemy, for he is a thief whose main purpose in your life is 'to steal, and kill and destroy.' I, on the other hand, Jesus says, "Came that you might have light and that in abundance." Any more questions?
Jesus knew the spiritual needs of the people of His time. They were like lost sheep. Those entrusted to be their shepherd instead became only gate-keepers trying to keep people out. They missed the point about God's love and God's constant care and concern for us. Meanwhile, Jesus knew that many of His flock were being stolen away by the thief, who ensnares his prey with promises, temptations, and easy answers for an easy life. Jesus warns this thief's only motive is to destroy the work of God and ultimately try to destroy God. Jesus shares what has to be my favorite verse in the Bible, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." This promise has more meaning during this season of Easter. Jesus' death and resurrection was all about us and how we should live life. He came in a mighty way to give us victory over sin and death; but while we're alive His promise is that our life would move beyond mere existence to fullness of life. Notice nowhere does Jesus say it would be easy, but it would a life lived in and with Him.
If you were plotting your life on a course, where would you be? That course should include when you met Jesus and when you started walking with Him. The ups and downs, highs and lows should all reflect on that course, the presence and love of Jesus. Yes, illnesses come. Yes, the death of loved ones come. Yes, financial worries and troubles. But through it all, the presence and love of Jesus, comforting us and giving us hope and motivation to keep walking forward and moving upward. Our faithfulness to this walk will result in fruitfulness in the lives around us, for they will see and know the power of He Who lives within us, Jesus the Christ.
As the cartoon above shows, we are sheep. Sometimes we tend to motivate to being goats, but remember the separation that will come when Jesus comes to judge the nations. Goats over here (not a good place) and sheep over here (where you and I want to be!). So, get over your goat-ness and be the sheep that loves the Shepherd!
PRAYER: Loving God, no better promises for today than those found in this Gospel lesson. I repent for those times I thought I was goat-y enough to follow my own path, and confess that I need to be a good sheep for the Good Shepherd. Bless those around me and in my life who are struggling with all kinds of worries and challenges and bring healing and peace to their lives. This I pray in faith in the Name of He who provides all things, Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
