Knowledge Seekers

The Good Shepherd

 John 10

 

"I'm telling you the solemn truth,' said Jesus. 'Anyone who doesn't come into the sheepfold by the gate, but gets in by some other way, is a thief and a brigand.  But the one who comes in through the gate is the sheep's own shepherd.  The doorkeeper will open up 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 that belong to him, he goes on ahead of them.  The sheep follow him, because they know his voice."  (John 10:1-4) 

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep.
[...] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:14, 15, 27)

In biblical times, local shepherds could bring their flocks to a community sheepfold that was guarded by a gatekeeper.  The gatekeeper actually stayed in the doorway to prevent robbers, animals etc., away from the sheep.  Shepherds could then retreat to their homes or tents for a good night's sleep.  In the morning, the shepherd would present to the gatekeeper, who would open the door and the shepherd would call to his sheep.  He would walk away from the sheepfold talking to his sheep and they would recognize his voice and follow.  The other sheep stayed put til their shepherd came for them.  Isn't this amazing!

Today Shelley Winkler will be with us to bring this chapter to life as we strive to be more in tune with what God is saying to us.  Click HERE for our handout.