John 10:1–42

October 26, 2012

The Shepherd and His sheep:

• They are HIS sheep
• They know HIS voice
• HE leads them
• HE protects them
• HE gives HIS life for them
• HE saves them
• HE knows them
• No one can take them away from HIM
• The sheep follow HIM

Jesus (the Shepherd) and the Father are One. When you learn to know Jesus you are learning about God the Father as well. John 10:10a - "A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy." That is the purpose and mission of the devil. But Jesus' mission is entirely different. John 10:10b - "But I came to give life—life in all its fullness." Satan seeks to destroy, but if you are following the Shepherd he cannot be successful because Jesus said, "No one can steal them out of my hand."

Some were still refusing to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. To them He said, "If I don't do what my Father does, then don't believe me. But if I do what my Father does, even though you don't believe in me, believe what I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." (John 10:37–38)

Then you will know! Absolutely, positively KNOW that HE is God. Without a doubt. Without hesitation. Complete confidence. Complete assurance. You will know His voice and you will follow Him. No turning back. No listening to a stranger's voice. Complete surrender. Total dependence. The

God

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Man

Shepherd

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Sheep

relationship understood and embraced. John 10:27–28 - "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die, and no one can steal them out of my hand."  

Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV Bible divides the description of shepherd into three aspects:

1. "Good" Shepherd—he gave his life for the sheep and is the "door" by which you must enter to be saved
2. "Great" Shepherd—raised from the dead to care for and perfect the sheep
3. "Chief" Shepherd—coming again in glory to give crowns of rewards to the faithful shepherds

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name. Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me. You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head; you fill my cup to overflowing. Surely you goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Next Entry: John 11:1–57