[Jesus explained his statements about the gate and the sheep:] "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them."
—John 10:7-8 NLT
People were constantly looking for a messiah, and many false messiahs had come and gone. Many religious leaders were ready to claim the role of messiah. But only one was sent by God. Only one did the will of God completely. Only one was willing to lay down his life for the sheep of God. This kind of shepherd not only entered through the gate but he was also willing to lay down his own body to be the gate in the pens set up in the open fields to protect the sheep and to calm their restlessness and fears. Jesus was not seeking his own good or glory; he came to serve God's sheep — including us. Why? He did it because of his love for us and because that is what God wanted him to do and that is what a real shepherd does!
Lord God, help me not to listen to the false voices of self-appointed religious leaders who are unwilling to sacrifice for your sheep and instead want to fleece them for their own benefit. Thank you, Jesus, for being the one real shepherd that I can follow. By the authority of your name, I offer my prayer and thanksgiving. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—John 10:7-8 NLT
Key Thought
People were constantly looking for a messiah, and many false messiahs had come and gone. Many religious leaders were ready to claim the role of messiah. But only one was sent by God. Only one did the will of God completely. Only one was willing to lay down his life for the sheep of God. This kind of shepherd not only entered through the gate but he was also willing to lay down his own body to be the gate in the pens set up in the open fields to protect the sheep and to calm their restlessness and fears. Jesus was not seeking his own good or glory; he came to serve God's sheep — including us. Why? He did it because of his love for us and because that is what God wanted him to do and that is what a real shepherd does!
Today's Prayer
Lord God, help me not to listen to the false voices of self-appointed religious leaders who are unwilling to sacrifice for your sheep and instead want to fleece them for their own benefit. Thank you, Jesus, for being the one real shepherd that I can follow. By the authority of your name, I offer my prayer and thanksgiving. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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