Thoughts on the Gospel of John (78) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:3.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (78)
The religious system laid down in the law of Moses for the people of Israel resembled a flock of sheep. The Jews were fenced in, as it were: keeping separate from the heathen, they awaited their Messiah. His appearance had been announced precisely by the prophets: the Messiah would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem.

Yet there were actually dignitaries who would rather have refused the newborn King entry to the flock of sheep, namely King Herod and the religious leaders of the people. When they heard of His birth, they were filled with consternation. Herod even attempted to have Him killed. But the doorkeeper, God the Holy Spirit, was keeping watch. He took care that Jesus found the entrance to the sheep ready and was welcomed by the true believers (cf. Luke 2:25-38).

Then something totally unexpected happened: The Shepherd entered the fold, not to restore or improve things, but to call individuals from the mass - His own sheep - to introduce them to something new. He called His own sheep by name, i.e. He had a personal relationship to each one.

If we follow the footsteps of the Lord in this gospel, we are impressed how He fulfilled His mission. Whether in Bethany, Galilee, Samaria or Judea, everywhere the Shepherd's voice reached the ears of the sheep. One after another was called by name: Andrew and Simon, Philip, Nathanael and Nicodemus. All were attracted to the Lord.

What is your relationship to this great Shepherd of the sheep?

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Exodus 25:23-40 · Luke 9:51-62