John 10:39-42

John 10:39-42 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.

Two days ago we saw Jesus go back across the Jordan and stay a while to minister to people's needs. We discussed that believers should be available to those in our own sphere of influence, those we meet each day and not simply when we make time or when we feel spiritual enough for ministry or equipped for the task set before us. Yesterday, we decided to just stop and ponder for a while and to consider what we have seen and heard thus far in our study of John. In our nearly fifty years of serving God as a couple, we find that when people wait for a convenient time to serve God, the enemy makes sure to place enough roadblocks and troubles in their way that they do not ever have time or sufficient resources or the right giftings to fulfill a consistent role in the body of Christ. The excuses are endless: "Let someone else do that job. As for me, I am just not the right kind of person. I am too busy, and I have to work too hard at my job. My kids are too naughty. Our family is always sick or something just seems to interfere. I would just mess it up anyway. You know me: I just wasn't cut out for this servant stuff. I'm not talented like other people are."

Yet we are without excuse before the Lord who gave everything for us and promises that He makes his strength perfect in our weakness when we yield control to him. We do whatever IS MOST IMPORTANT to us. When Jesus said that we should bear good fruit, He asked: Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46) Jesus went on to say, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (Luke 10:2) Paul did not depend upon his natural abilities, his education, or his standing as a Pharisee among Pharisees. He knew

the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this are? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:18-21 & 31)

Below are more comments from some of you since we began the study of John last November. If you missed yesterday's breakfast, go back and read those remarks as well. They reflect hearts hungry for daily manna and thirsty for living water. Such faith from men and women desiring to take up the cross and to follow Jesus humbles, encourages, and strengthens us to listen to God's voice, to get into the "kitchen" and to discover what He has in mind for his dearly loved sons and daughters, including us. A blessing on your heads! Love, Dad and Mom

1. A good word. Our hope does rest in Christ alone. So many times I feel a desperateness to numb the pain inside me. Quick! Call someone, eat, watch a movie, drink coffee, get out of my house, don't sleep, take meds. These are all things I will do to try and escape pain. Not even to feel joy. Just not to hurt. I know that in Jesus is a better answer. The only real answer. Thank you for the reminder. I love you very very much.

2. Finally, I get to graze in the pasture (the right pasture). Amen & Hallelujah. I have always said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If the truth be known (and the TRUTH will set you FREE, right?) I LOVE to EAT ALL the TIME, especially the True Word of God. And the way He breathes it into you guys, so you then can lovingly fix a meal or a snack with it, to feed His sheep! It is a WOW from me & a Thank You, Thank You, Thank You from the bottom of my heart! I'm a SHEEP! Baa! Baa!

3. I love the "I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone." What a powerful expression of His authority and surrender. These words He is speaking, are the words of the Father. It is not Jesus judging, it is the Father Judging the world through Jesus. Because God judges the world through Jesus, we see the power of the cross. This is not Jesus saving us only. The Cross is the Father and the Son saving us! Jesus is following the Father's lead, laying down his life as a testimony of the Father's will. Therefore, his sacrifice has the authority of the Son, and the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

4. I’m cutting these sentences and pasting them on my wall to remind me of your breakfast today. "The affliction occurred so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. The story confirms God's desire to change lives regardless of the situation, in spite of the circumstances." Thanks for the sustenance.

5. Wow again a very powerful breakfast!!!! If I was sitting in the pew of a Southern Church, I would be yelling, “preach it”. Human beings are scary. We can be savagely evil beyond reason or understanding, and that ability is rooted within ALL of us. Born into the wrong family or situation, we see that generational sin can destroy even the most innocent of God’s creation, and instead a foul mouthed, angry, murderous being can arise into adulthood. Evil waits to devour all who are willing to stray but there is also a Shepherd who goes after each wayward sheep and offers us this gate to His pasture. We must hear His voice and also help others to find His way. We need to remain in His pasture and call out to those He calls. Come join us for truth is in this place. As His people we will be able to go in and out of this gate and remain in Him, but we must hear his voice and listen to His spirit to find and keep to His way. Thanks again for sharing another great word from God.

6. Thank you for again drawing my eyes back to what is needed, back to the true life Jesus purchased at the Cross. _____ and I are quite busy here in So. California conducting the ministry of _____, and it is so easy to allow the 'urgent' to trump the 'expedient.' Doing stuff FOR God can never replicate or replace intimacy WITH Him. Reminders such as yours are SO timely, not because we have walked away from God, but we seem to forget we are His home, where He has chosen to reside. Ephesians 3:17 says, "I pray that Christ will be more and more 'at home' in your hearts as you trust in Him." I do love that picture: that my heart would be homey, comfortable, and inviting to Jesus. Have a blessed day!

John 10:39-42

John 10:39-42 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.

Yes, we looked at this yesterday as we asked God to direct us away from inappropriate choices and unprofitable worldly activities to help us become more like his Son that we might touch the lives of others who look for light in the darkness and help to find their way. We would pray as Paul, that you might, Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. (Philippians 2:14-15) As believers we have a powerful message from Christ who declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

That is our mission in serving these breakfasts. Yesterday, several responded with encouraging remarks that fed us: provided food for our souls, added insights that amplified the message. As we near the halfway mark in John, the point where Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure and prepares himself for complete surrender to his Father's will, this seems a good point to share some of the precious words that come our way. We selected a variety of remarks, revealing attitudes of the heart and a spiritual readiness to receive the Word with gladness and to act upon it. These are all in response to the gospel of John. We are sharing some today and will include some more tomorrow. These comments should encourage you as they did us. Blessings to each of you in Jesus our Lord and Savior! Love Dad and Mom

1. (In response to yesterday's message) Thank you for this word. I needed to step back into the river with Him as he crossed back over. The cool rushing and clensing waters of the word have that ability to clean my clothes, my flesh, and my thoughts of the world.

2. Thank you so much! I needed to hear this word today. I’m blessed with each breakfast you send! I am thirsty to see how God will speak to me each day with what he puts on your heart to share with others.

3. Thanks for the breakfast. You talking about Peter and his inability to follow through with his desire to follow Jesus even unto death is a good thing for us as believers to remember. Even the best of disciples, much better than us, couldn't follow Jesus on their own. But as followers of the Risen Lord, the one who died a sinless death and rose again, we now have the Holy Spirit to lead us, the one who was left for us at Pentecost, and then there is the mystery of us being hid in Christ as well. Everything changes when a risen Lord enters the scene and now the disciples are willing to go through incredible pain and suffering, even death, for the gospel of Christ. Now, we are hid in the one, Jesus, who did and will always do the Father's will. That amazes me and has sure given me the desire to reject the sin that tempts us. I know I still sin and go against the Father's will for my life, but to be honest, there are many more times that I don't sin because Jesus guides me in paths of righteousness, always closer to Him and to the will of the Father. It's a good thing to follow Jesus... it allows you to go walk through incredibly hard things because you know you are with the lover of your soul and we know that isn't just cliché but a reality in our lives. The lover of our soul is closer to us than a whisper. What joy, what wondrous joy!

4. "If you feel weak in yourself today or if your old nature seems to be raising its ugly head, consider who you are in Christ, seek his will and not yours, and He will lift you up into heavenly places as He empowers you with strength, courage, and faith to persevere and to follow him." (Taken from a breakfast) This is a great sentence of exhortation and encouragement and so it is my prayer this morning. Thanks, you two!

5. Hey Mom and Dad, I just wanted you guys to know that the last two days have been especially powerful for me. The words that God speaks in his Word and through you guys is so amazing. I feel so blessed to be able to read these things and to grow with them and the inspiration that his Word gives us is mind blowing. Thank you for your courage and continued dedication to these daily emails. (Writer gave other personal details concerning a challenging situation in his life and how God is giving him grace and mercy to forgive and to believe for miracles when previously in his life he would not have been able to do that.)

6. Thank you thank you, once more encouragement is spread abroad, my heart is glad as the truth is proclaimed, we are free :)

7. With tears of gratitude, I'm thanking God today for your spot-on message that is refreshment to my spirit. You've shared scriptures that I've grown up hearing , yet they are woven into such a beautiful tapestry in this devotional. As you two have taught me to say, "To God be the glory!" I am walking in a sort of Jerusalem of my own just now - I can only thank you again for so tenderly ministering these strengthening words from my dear Jesus. With gratitude and love.

John 10:39-42

John 10:39-42 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.

In this passage, Jesus goes back across the Jordan where John used to baptize people. As He makes himself available, many people came to him. The people declare of him: Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true. Jesus went where the Holy Spirit guided him and declared unceasingly: All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. (John 6:37-38) Do we confess our faith in such a way? Do those who know us outside of a church context see Christ shining through us? Have we allowed the Holy Spirit to change us to the point people are attracted to the Christ in us? John the Baptist, a voice crying in the wilderness, brought people to repentance and prepared the way for Jesus. Even as John baptized Christ, the Spirit commissioned Jesus to do the works of the Father. Are we fulfilling our assignments: ministering, loving, helping, listening, speaking, shining in his name? Do our families, neighbors, and co-workers, approach us because we have something to offer? We lead people to confusion rather than salvation when we do not walk our talk. We should reveal Christ through our choices, conversations, activities, and attitudes. It matters what we do when we are in the limelight and have an audience, even an audience of one, when that person is looking for answers or has a deep longing for something that satisfies.

If our actions and words are embedded in fleshly desires or if we often behave exactly as everyone else does, we miss countless opportunities as testimonies of God's saving grace and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. If people don't see God's mighty work in us, we will never have the following words said about us: And in that place (where he/she lived) many believed in Jesus. We should be different from the world. John's life measured up to his proclamations; our lives should measure up to our confession of salvation. By faith, we should live upright lives, lives of love and sacrifice for others. We should be generous with our money and time as dedicated servants. Even though John never performed a miraculous sign, people followed him, believed his words. He prepared the way for people to accept Jesus. When Jesus crossed back over Jordan to where John had lived, many people came to him. And in that place many believed in Jesus. John's life verified his words; our lives should verify our confession about Christ. Miraculous signs and wonders are amazing, but people want to see Christ in us. We must confess with our brother Paul: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20) If we make that choice whether we feel like it or not, if it's convenient or difficult, in the sad times and during the happy ones, when we are well or chronically ill, each of us will bear fruit unto righteousness. We will impact the world around us for Christ.

Sometimes media evangelists share stories of amazing miracles to bring people to Christ and to make their ministries more visible. At times investigative reporters prove those stories false or grossly exaggerated and publish their findings. But people often chase after such ministries, seeking wonderment that dazzles the eye. The world needs to see consistent Christianity lived out through believers of integrity, loving one another rather than gossiping or criticizing, bringing peace into the room instead of tearing down, helping the poor and the needy instead of chastising the down and out. A lost generation won't be found by people hating the government and their elected officials. The hungry and thirsty look for a chosen people, full of Christ's character who are ambassadors of his love: overflowing with his mercy, grace, and living water. As children of the Most High; therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter13-16) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:11,12) Beloved friends, bless you today!

John 10:31-39

John 10:31-39 Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’? If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came — and the Scripture cannot be broken — what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.

Today we see Jews again picking up stones and trying to seize Christ, and again he escaped their grasp. As Jesus often does, He uses scriptures against his accusers, and He chose a passage from Psalm 82, by Asaph that refers to men as "gods," a verse used by the Mormon church to validate their false beliefs in their own deity. Some commentators say the word used for god in the psalm and in Jesus' words sometimes refers to God setting up people as judges, magistrates, or rulers in the land and in the Jewish religion. In the psalm, the leaders or judges perverted judgment by showing partiality to the wicked; consequently, they were going to die because God wanted them to defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:2-4) We can assume that Jesus' reference to this psalm would have made the Jewish leaders uncomfortable. They stood in positions of authority given to them by God and were set apart by God according to the Law, just as those referred to in the Psalm. Those who knew the reference would have understood the inherent rebuke. But they were not in any sense willing to yield to any argument that Jesus put forth. The Jews were not likeminded, they were not as He was, for Jesus was the Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father. He said, "I am God's Son." They could not accept that statement, for it undercut the power and authority that maintained their rule.

Jesus was set apart as the Father's very own and sent into the world. He was sent as the Lamb of God that we might be saved and become part of God's family, not to become gods on Earth, but to be adopted as sons and daughters of the Most High God: a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) The men referred to in Psalms 82 were gods or leaders among men only because they had been sent the word of God and given the position to make decisions for God as He gave them power and authority--to whom the word of God came. In the Old Testament, even in the best of situations, the Holy Spirit temporarily came upon men and women, moved upon the leaders, the prophets, the patriarchs and led God's people: gave them messages, direction, and hope for the future. They also brought warnings, rebukes, chastisements, and predictions of hard times, periods of famine and calamity. Many faced tremendous suffering for their faith of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:38-40)

In today's passage, Jesus asked the Jews, "Why do you seek to kill me for saying something that even the Holy Scripture says?" But his listeners understood what was embedded in his words. He was referring to himself as part of the indivisible one true God: such a claim indicated blasphemy to the Jews. Blasphemy required death by stoning. Jesus did not engage in a verbal battle to escape death; He did no try to deflect their anger with a side issue. He was pointing the people to the salvation plan of God, to become the children of God if they would believe what the scriptures said about MESSIAH. If they would place their complete trust in the miracle worker who now stood before them, they would be transformed as God's much-loved children into a new creation. Not that they might be gods, but that they would be part of God's heavenly family, enclosed in Christ's mercy and love forevermore, who would shower us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3) Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:14) As you think on these precious truths today, do not underestimate your position in Christ, for you are a son, a daughter. God did not give you a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans:14-17)

John 10:19-30

John 10:19-30 At these words the Jews were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

No one can snatch them out of my hands confirms the security of the believer: we are safe IN HIS HANDS. Nonetheless, many religious people create a taxonomy to judge another's right to enter the sheepfold. They take grace plus the law or good works or worshiping on Saturday at the true Sabbath as a requirement for acceptance as a true sheep. A supposedly saintly lifestyle according to a particular group's definition becomes the standard for acceptance: Does the woman wear modest clothing, avoid looking too provocative? Does the man control his family, discipline his children regularly? Do they stay away from R rated movies, shun their worldly neighbors who swear and openly engage in evil? Do they bring their tithes into the storehouse, attend church regularly, vote for the right candidates? Check, check, check, check: they must be sheep in right standing. "Enter into the community of the sheep," the other sheep smugly say. "You meet our standards and are as we are: good and faithful sheep."

Paul rebuked the Galatians: Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (3:3) Human additions to grace make the gospel of Christ of no effect. He told them, I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:6-9) Adding onto the grace of God makes Christ's death and resurrection of none effect. Jesus was God's perfect plan. He fulfilled the law of sin and death.

Sadly, we insult the price Jesus paid to rescue the perishing, to save us when we were without hope, when we go back to the law. Grace is not won through outward effort or merited through human actions. God freely gave his salvation plan to all who would believe in the Son. Jesus said, My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. By faith in his works, we hear his voice, we accept his gifts; and no one can snatch us from his hands. Because of his great love for us, we accept his free gift of grace; and we also answer his the call to love others because He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Peter carried on this theme, saying, Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

But what about the law, the circumspect lifestyle? The Holy Spirit causes us to triumph over sin. He is our Counselor, our Comforter, a Light in the darkness, guiding and directing our lives. No one has the authority to judge God's elect: we are accountable solely to the Father. But we are responsible. Paul declared: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:7-10) God alone knows our hearts, our intentions. Our lives are in his hands. Knowing our hearts, He gives us grace and keep us from falling when we trust in him. He is our righteousness, our all in all. We no longer follow the letter of the law or the dictates of the world, whether good or bad. We rely upon the Spirit to lead us through the wilderness of life. Every one of us has a different journey, yet each is vitally important. When we walk in the fullness of Christ, Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:14-16) Rejoice, you are his sheep!

John 10:16-18

John 10:16-18 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to 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 authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Acts 2:32-33 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Throughout the book of John, Christ's words and actions constantly reveal his sense of purpose: his singleminded commitment to the will of the Father and his understanding that The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. Jesus knew who He was and what He was about from the beginning, from his earliest days. When he was 12 years old and stayed behind at the temple in Jerusalem,

His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:48-49) He did not incense the Pharisees because He did good deeds or touched peoples's lives or taught wise sayings. He was a threat to them because He came in the name of the Father; He came as the Good Shepherd in all power and authority, saying I have power and I received this

from my Father. Some of the most powerful contemporary Christian songs are those that make bold and declarative statements we know to be absolutely true: God Is God And I Am Not; Jesus Messiah Name Above All Names; I Will Rise When He Calls My Name, No More Sorrow No More Pain; I Know Who I Am, I Know Who I Am: I Am Yours, You are Mine.

This assurance of faith rose up in the New Testament church after the Day of Pentecost and turned the known world upside down. The same Peter who denied Christ stood up full of the Holy Spirit and the authority that led Christ to the cross and spoke these powerful words: "

Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:36-41)

Likewise, the apostle Paul could say in faith believing, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) We have confidence by faith in Christ through his work because He kept his promises, paid the price, and the price He paid was enough.

God's sent his Son, the Holy One, the sinless One, the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the earth. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who would listen to the Father, and obey the command He received. He chose to die as the perfect, complete, sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. Jesus fulfilled God's salvation plan by suffering death at Golgotha on a cruel cross. He died as Jesus Messiah, Son of God and Son of Man; but He rose again in victory over death and the grave as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and is seated at the right hand of the Father forevermore, making intercession for everyone who calls upon his name. Every man, woman and child who trusts in Christ rises with him in newness of life as a new creation in him, washed in his blood, cleansed and made holy. This is grace, this is the good news, this is the gospel message.

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (1Corinthians 15:55)

We are now saints, sitting with Christ in heavenly places. No longer are we registered as Adam's kin, for we are now known as God's kin, as children of the MOST HIGH, perfect in his sight. Jesus, raised by God's directive, has brought eternal life to us. God has raised this Jesus to life. We who are IN CHRIST have eternal life with the Father. God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:11,12) Rejoice and walk freely and boldly in that life today!

John 10:11-15

John 10:11-15 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “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.

Christ the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus came not to rule and to reign on this earth but to suffer and to die as the as the spotless sacrificial Lamb. As far back as the time of Moses, the Bible describes a fallen humankind as sheep without a shepherd. (Numbers 27:17) Jesus looked at the hurting crowds and had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36) Christ our Savior loved in the name of his Father, and the evil in the hearts of men and women did not deter him. He was not a hired hand, not one to run away when the assignment demanded everything. As He looked upon people's inclination to go astray and to turn to their own way, He did not rant and rave as many do in our day. He did not speak evil of those around him. As he looked upon the lost, He uttered one of the most tender entreaties ever heard by human ears: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37)

When Christ called his disciples to join him, He called them not to a life of ease or personal luxury but to take up the cross and to follow him wherever He might lead. He called them to be imitators of him and not to turn back. Jesus sent forth a consistent call to those who had ears to hear. "Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men. . . Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. . . Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. . . Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 4:19, 10:37-39, 16:24, & 19:21)

Following Jesus as a servant to all remains fundamental to a walk of peace, hope, and joy in Christ. Believers cannot be servants of God and the world simultaneously. Jesus said, No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24) Likewise, we cannot serve ourselves first and foremost and effectively serve others or prefer their needs above our own. God wants us to be willing to lay down our lives for others. Before his death on the cross, Jesus knew his disciples lacked the power to commit fully to him, so He told them He would send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter from on high, to give them power to overcome the world and to infuse them with strength from on high. A little later in our story we will hear Peter promise Jesus that he will lay down his life for him, yet Jesus knew Peter would soon betray him. After he came alive unto God through the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter became an unquenchable voice for God, a shepherd to the sheep that God gave to him and it cost him everything. God has always called ordinary people to do extraordinary deeds for him through the power of our resurrected Lord.

As Jesus gave his life for the sheep, we should give ourselves for others; yet even parents have trouble with that role. Many Christian parents want their children's lives to revolve around them or add to their own well-being. This parent says, "Let the children fit into my plans, meet my needs. I WORK HARD AND SHOULD TAKE CARE OF MYSELF FIRST; THEN I'LL TAKE CARE OF THE KIDS." How many children want to honor their parents, knowing they do not love them unconditionally and unreservedly? How many friends would remain your friends if you treated them as you treat your children? Would they want to sit on your couch while you lecture, embarrass, and berate them; as you tell them to shut up and act as if you have all the answers; when you demand absolute respect, but rarely if ever apologize, and they see your many faults every day? Not many. How many sheep would listen to the Good Shepherd's voice if He judged them, refused to lay down his life for them, and angrily said, "These sheep are bad sheep, Father, send them away. I want to live for myself. Forget about your will on Earth as it is in Heaven"? Good shepherds don't lecture; they don't control or manipulate through fear and punishment. As they look at wounded hearts and broken spirits, they weep with compassion and love to the uttermost, saying, "Come to me, all who are thirsty. I will run to you, forgive you, help you, cover you, guide you, strengthen you, set you on the right path, and lead you home. We will rejoice with great joy and be exceedingly glad forevermore." We are the sheep of God's pastures and He loves us, oh how He loves us!

John 10:1-10

John 10:1-10 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not LISTEN to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Bible scholars comparing the gospels often point out that John's focuses more on the themes of Christ's ministry with less emphasis on the events of his ministry than the other gospel writers. We have seen this emphasis on ideas as certain concepts were repeated in chapters seven and eight as if the Holy Spirit was saying, pay attention: I am repeating this because it is essential to Christ's message. Today's verses use the analogy of the shepherd and the sheep, a familiar theme carried throughout the Bible that his hearers would have understood from a historical perspective with patriarchs and leaders who were shepherds such as David the boy caring for sheep and King David called a good shepherd. (Ezekiel 34:32, 37:24) Jacob and his sons, Moses, and others in the Old Testament were all shepherds. Jesus had everyone's attention the minute He started talking about the sheep pen and the watchmen opening the gate. Surely they comprehended this sentence: The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. They should have understood his words when he said, his sheep follow him because they know his voice, but apparently they were hard of hearing as well as blind, and they did not understand what he was telling them.

We must ask ourselves: Am I entering by the right gate or trying to climb over the wall? Is that the Shepherd's voice or have I been listening to another's call? Are my ears slow to listen or dull of hearing? Am I spiritually lethargic, cynical, unwilling or unable to let the words of Jesus or the power of the Holy Spirit stir my heart? Have the baubles, glamor, false allure, and glitter of this fleeting existence blinded my eyes and dulled my hearing to the Shepherd's call? Jesus told the people what He says to us: I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. When Dad talks about growing in Christ and walking in the Spirit, he says, "You have to be quiet and spend time with Jesus. Listen to that still small voice. Jesus is always speaking, but you have to stop talking and rushing about long enough to listen. Jesus says the same thing to me: 'Those who hear my voice are mine.'" Mom says, "All the time, Jesus says. 'Jacqueline, listen to me: I am here, I am with you, I love you, I will help you, I will comfort you, I am your portion, I am before you, I am behind you. I am the way, the truth, the light--your everything!'" Therefore, we have to ask ourselves: Am I listening? Do I hear his voice or do the cares of life and the details of living take precedence over hearing his voice and following the path He sets before me? Jesus came to give life: sustaining, abundant, eternal life, not a facade of life.

In "The Last Days," a deeply moving film on the Holocaust, they show the Jews in Hungary among the last to march to a cruel death right before the end of the war. As startling as the horror of this senseless carnage and man's inhumanity to man was, the sight of friends and neighbors cheering when the Jewish prisoners marched away from their homes to concentration camps and certain death was equally devastating. Ordinary folks jeered at theses helpless people and called them names as if they had not visited together, as if their children had not played together, as if they had not had broken bread together and shopped in the same stores. How could supposed close associates so quickly turn against a group of people because they bore the name Jew? How could those once friendly faces so quickly fill with hatred and wrath? This is the same wrath in the hearts of those who turned upon Jesus and chose Barabas over him while they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” (John 19:15) When God surveyed the earth before sending the flood, He saw wickedness in the hearts of men and women, and the Bible says, The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. (Genesis 6:6)

Humans are unpredictable, inclined to sin. Outside of God's grace and mercy, mankind strays from the truth and wanders into danger and depravity. Today's passage reveals Christ as the Shepherd of the sheep, yet for a variety of reasons some refuse to hear his voice while others listen to the One who shed his precious blood for the sheep. Jesus came that we might have life to the full. Christ's voice is the only voice that sets us free. John knew this when he recorded Jesus' words:

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9 KJV)

Paul understood this when he wrote: For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17) Jesus Messiah leads us through green pastures and beside quiet waters. The pastures of the world never satisfy, the promises of cool waters in a dry and thirsty land never materialize. Only God satisfies our need for earthly sustenance, inner peace, and life eternal. His living water and daily manna sustain us and cause us to rise victoriously in and through Christ our Lord. IN HIM WE LIVE AND HAVE OUR BEING! God is life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. AMEN! Love, Dad and Mom

"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not LISTEN to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Bible scholars comparing the gospels often point out that John's focuses more on the themes of Christ's ministry with less emphasis on the events of his ministry than the other gospel writers. We have seen this emphasis on ideas as certain concepts were repeated in chapters seven and eight as if the Holy Spirit was saying, pay attention: I am repeating this because it is essential to Christ's message. Today's verses use the analogy of the shepherd and the sheep, a familiar theme carried throughout the Bible that his hearers would have understood from a historical perspective with patriarchs and leaders who were shepherds such as David the boy caring for sheep and King David called a good shepherd. (Ezekiel 34:32, 37:24) Jacob and his sons, Moses, and others in the Old Testament were all shepherds. Jesus had everyone's attention the minute He started talking about the sheep pen and the watchmen opening the gate. Surely they comprehended this sentence: The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. They should have understood his words when he said, his sheep follow him because they know his voice, but apparently they were hard of hearing as well as blind, and they did not understand what he was telling them.

We must ask ourselves: Am I entering by the right gate or trying to climb over the wall? Is that the Shepherd's voice or have I been listening to another's call? Are my ears slow to listen or dull of hearing? Am I spiritually lethargic, cynical, unwilling or unable to let the words of Jesus or the power of the Holy Spirit stir my heart? Have the baubles, glamor, false allure, and glitter of this fleeting existence blinded my eyes and dulled my hearing to the Shepherd's call? Jesus told the people what He says to us: I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. When Dad talks about growing in Christ and walking in the Spirit, he says, "You have to be quiet and spend time with Jesus. Listen to that still small voice. Jesus is always speaking, but you have to stop talking and rushing about long enough to listen. Jesus says the same thing to me: 'Those who hear my voice are mine.'" Mom says, "All the time, Jesus says. 'Jacqueline, listen to me: I am here, I am with you, I love you, I will help you, I will comfort you, I am your portion, I am before you, I am behind you. I am the way, the truth, the light--your everything!'" Therefore, we have to ask ourselves: Am I listening? Do I hear his voice or do the cares of life and the details of living take precedence over hearing his voice and following the path He sets before me? Jesus came to give life: sustaining, abundant, eternal life, not a facade of life.

In "The Last Days," a deeply moving film on the Holocaust, they show the Jews in Hungary among the last to march to a cruel death right before the end of the war. As startling as the horror of this senseless carnage and man's inhumanity to man was, the sight of friends and neighbors cheering when the Jewish prisoners marched away from their homes to concentration camps and certain death was equally devastating. Ordinary folks jeered at theses helpless people and called them names as if they had not visited together, as if their children had not played together, as if they had not had broken bread together and shopped in the same stores. How could supposed close associates so quickly turn against a group of people because they bore the name Jew? How could those once friendly faces so quickly fill with hatred and wrath? This is the same wrath in the hearts of those who turned upon Jesus and chose Barabas over him while they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” (John 19:15) When God surveyed the earth before sending the flood, He saw wickedness in the hearts of men and women, and the Bible says, The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. (Genesis 6:6)

Humans are unpredictable, inclined to sin. Outside of God's grace and mercy, mankind strays from the truth and wanders into danger and depravity. Today's passage reveals Christ as the Shepherd of the sheep, yet for a variety of reasons some refuse to hear his voice while others listen to the One who shed his precious blood for the sheep. Jesus came that we might have life to the full. Christ's voice is the only voice that sets us free. John knew this when he recorded Jesus' words:

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9 KJV)

Paul understood this when he wrote: For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17) Jesus Messiah leads us through green pastures and beside quiet waters. The pastures of the world never satisfy, the promises of cool waters in a dry and thirsty land never materialize. Only God satisfies our need for earthly sustenance, inner peace, and life eternal. His living water and daily manna sustain us and cause us to rise victoriously in and through Christ our Lord. IN HIM WE LIVE AND HAVE OUR BEING! God is life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. AMEN!