A study of John 10:1-10 reveals a shepherd that leads his sheep, Jesus is the door to heaven who protects and secures our faith, and Jesus offers abundant life.
A study of John 10:1-10 reveals a shepherd that leads his sheep.
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (ESV, John 10:1-2)
This parable is based on daily Jewish life during that time period. The story begins In the context of a small, Jewish village where families commonly owned a few sheep. Mostly for wool rather than food. The Greek word for “sheepfold” is aulē, which means court or courtyard. It was an enclosed, outdoor area of the home where the sheep were kept with walls up to six feet high. The shepherd was a designated family member or someone hired who went house to house through the neighborhood to gather a herd.
The gatekeeper was a home resident who opened the courtyard door to let the shepherd in to gather the sheep. Any thief seeking to steal sheep had to climb in and carry them over the wall to do so. The shepherd actually built a relationship with the sheep and gave them all names. Rather than drive the herd from behind, he led them by calling their names. And the sheep followed because they recognized their shepherd’s voice. But ran from anyone with a voice they didn’t recognize.
Today, we also hear many voices that want our attention. But the one we must listen to and follow is our shepherd. The Lord Jesus Christ. As his flock, we recognize and faithfully follow his voice by studying his word. And its truth cuts through the babble of competing voices.
A study of John 10:1-10 reveals Jesus is the door to heaven who protects and secures our faith.
So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (ESV, John 10:7-9)
In V.6 Jesus used a “figure of speech” they didn’t understand. The Greek word used is paroimia, which means an enigmatical or fictitious illustration. parable, or proverb. And “they” are likely the Pharisees and Jews that Jesus spoke to in chapter nine when he taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Feast of Tabernacles.
They were the intellectual elites. The most knowledgeable in Old Testament scriptures. And they should have been first to recognize, accept, and follow Jesus as the Messiah. Instead, they rejected him and led the people in rejecting him too. It illustrates the fact that people seldom reject Jesus based on intellectual knowledge. But rather a hard heart. It also emphasizes the grave responsibility placed on spiritual leaders. To carefully steward God’s word and proclaim its truth will diligence.
The parable makes a scene change in V.7. After gathering their herd of sheep in the village, shepherds led them out into the open fields to graze. And in the warm summer stayed out overnight. In that event, sheep were kept in hand built stone-walled enclosures. The top wall was covered with thorns to fend off wild animals. And since there was no enclosure door, the shepherd slept in the opening as guard. In the same manner, Jesus both leads the sheep and is the door that protects them.
A study of John 10:1-10 reveals that Jesus offers abundant life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
The Greek word for “life” is zoe. Its meaning extends beyond simply biological existence which would normally use the Greek word bios. John uses zoe to mean regenerated and eternal life with God. And the Greek word for “abundantly” is perisseúō, which means superabundant and beyond measure. It represents quality of life not an accumulation of material goods.
In other words, abundance in way of full, complete, and a lacking nothing spiritual life. But it does not guarantee unending happiness, well being, comfort, wealth, or success. Life presents challenges and hardships to everyone. And followers of Jesus Christ are not shielded from those experiences. Although Jesus walks with us through them.
We end with Jesus affirming a critical spiritual truth. He is the only entrance to eternal life. As savior and Lord, he guides and protects our faith. And we are further secured by the Holy Spirit.
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. ( ESV, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a question and miracle, an investigation and disbelief, certain but fearful parents, a spiritually insightful blind man, and a pursuing savior.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a question and miracle.
Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him (ESV, John 9:3)
Jesus had been teaching and engaging with hostile Jewish leaders in the Jerusalem temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. After leaving the temple he encounters a man blind from birth. We’re not told how this information is obtain or why it’s relevant. Scholars suggest that John, the author, uses it to symbolically represent the spiritual blindness of Israel. And the disciples ask Jesus a question. Was the man blind because of his parents’ sin or his own sin? The question expressed a common belief that people suffered as a consequence of sin.
This belief is also expressed in the story of Job. When Job’s friends gather to support him in his physical affliction, they suggest he is guilty of sin. But Job insisted he was righteous before God. We know, of course, that sinful actions can result in consequences. But here, Jesus dispels the belief it is true for every case of human suffering. He tells the disciples this man’s blindness is an opportunity to display the works of God.
Jesus then mixes his saliva with dirt to make mud and applies to the man’s eyes. Then tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam. And when the man returns is he able to see. The man’s neighbors and friends are amazed and asked how it happened. And he tells them Jesus healed him.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals an investigation and disbelief.
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. (ESV, John 9:13-14)
The people take the healed blind man to the Pharisees to report the miracle without saying why. Perhaps they felt the Pharisees should be up to speed on the latest miraculous news. The man repeats his story and credits Jesus for the miracle. However, rather than praise God and celebrate, the Pharisees are divided in their response. Kneading was an act of work that violated the sabbath according to Pharisee tradition. And since Jesus spat on dirt and kneaded it into mud as an ointment for the blind man’s eyes, he was guilty of violating it.
Even though the man didn’t disclose any of these details in his story, it didn’t matter. The Pharisees considered Jesus a known sabbath breaker. And to those diligent to the law, anyone who broke it couldn’t possibly be from God. On the other hand, others said only someone from God could perform such a miracle.
Therefore, further investigation was needed. Perhaps they might unravel the story.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals certain but fearful parents.
His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. (ESV, John 9:20-21)
After the miracle, some people questioned if the seeing man was even the same person as the blind beggar. Why? Perhaps because there are physical differences in someone blind who can suddenly see. Or maybe the people spent so many years completely ignoring a blind beggar, they never really looked at him before. The man insisted he was the same person. But the Pharisees demanded more proof. So they called in his parents for questioning.
The parents confirmed the seeing man was their son who was born blind, but didn’t know how he gained his sight. And suggested the Pharisees ask him to explain since he was old enough to answer for himself. They were clearly intimidated by the angry Pharisees out to harm Jesus. Best to avoid saying anything that further angered them and risked being put out of the synagogue.
But the facts were undeniable. The healed man was their son. He was born blind but now could see. And Jesus was the one who performed the miracle.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a spiritually insightful blind man.
We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him (ESV, John 8:31)
Now desperate, the Pharisees called the man in for one more lame attempt (pun intended) to discredit the story. When people lie, their story often changes when it is retold. No such luck with the former blind man. When asked to retell his story, he repeats the exact same version and wonders why the Pharisees want to hear it again. Did they want to be Jesus’ disciples?
It’s hard to capture the man’s tone of voice, but possibly directed as a cynical jab at the Pharisees and their attitude of superiority. To suggest they wanted Jesus as their teacher was insulting. And perhaps a bit risky on the man’s part. But then, he probably didn’t fear exclusion from the synagogoe like his parents. Since as a blind beggar up to now, he didn’t hang out there much anyway.
And yet, the man highlights a truth the Pharisees most certainly knew, but refused to acknowledge.
Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (ESV, John 9:32-33)
The ironic contrast is evident. A formerly blind beggar speaks with spiritual insight to spiritual leaders blind to God’s truth. The religious elite schooled by a common sinner. And those who should have eagerly embraced Jesus as the messiah committed the unpardonable sin. Rejecting the Son of God.
A study of John 9:1-41 reveals a pursuing savior.
Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. (ESV, John 9:37-38)
Jesus sought out and found the former blind man when he heard the Pharisees made him leave the temple. Rejected by the religious leaders, but pursued by Jesus who now challenges the man in his faith. And when Jesus identified himself as the Son of God, the man believes in and worships him.
He demonstrated what scripture consistently teaches about God and man. God pursues and extends his redeeming love to all mankind. But we must all individually believe in and personally confess Jesus Christ as savior and lord. But the Pharisees, who thought they saw with spiritual clarity, were actually blind and their guilt remained.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals hostility by those who reject truth, the difference between a physical and spiritual life, and a divine claim by Jesus.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals hostility by those who reject truth.
The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” (ESV, John 8:48)
When Jesus taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Feast of Tabernacles, he engaged in dialogue with Jews, who at first, believed in him. But it turned out their belief was superficial and they weren’t committed to an ongoing relationship with him. They rejected Jesus’ instruction to abide in his word because they already considered themselves children of Abraham and children of God. Jesus replied he was sent by God and spoke the words of God. And to reject him meant they were actually children of the devil.
This infuriated the Jews. A common reaction when people lose an argument. And Jesus made it worse by challenging them to prove him guilty of even one sin, which they couldn’t do. So in growing hostility, fueled by the frustration they couldn’t refute Jesus, they began calling him names. Another common reaction when God’s word is proclaimed. It will convict and lead to repentance those who accept it and believe. But often cause hostility among those who reject it and prefer darkness over light.
They called Jesus a Samaritan and demon possessed
Jews had a low view of Samaritans who they considered ethnically and morally impure. So they used the name as a racial slur to insult Jesus. Calling him demon possessedaccused him of serving Satan rather than God. Hurtful words for sure, but they also fulfilled prophecy.
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. (ESV, Isaiah 53:3)
Here’s another spiritual reality. Accepting Jesus involves an act of humility and submission. Self-righteous pride rejects humility and exalts yourself as a god in place of the Almighty God.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ (ESV, John 8:51-52)
Using truly, truly at the beginning was intended to get their attention. It was like saying, “Listen up. I’m about to announce something that is really important.” But the Jews assumed Jesus was talking about physical death. And the physical deaths of Abraham and the prophets were all recorded and affirmed in scripture. Therefore, such an outrageous claim proved their point. He was either demon possessed or out of his mind.
Furthermore, the claim Jesus could overcome what their revered patriarch Abraham could not was insulting. So they angrily deminded, “Who do you think you are?” However, the Jews misunderstood. Jesus was not talking about physical death, but the eternal, spiritual death that follows physical death. How do we know? Because Jesus would never contract the truth of scripture. And he more clearly distinguishes between physical and spiritual death later in this gospel.
I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. (ESV, John 11:25-26)
How well do you know God?
Rather than answer their angry demand, Jesus shifts the conversation and identifies the key to eternal life. A relationship. He says in V.55 they don’t know the father. And the Greek word for “know” that he uses is ginōskō, which means to know relationally and by experience. It is the kind of knowing represented by saving faith because it grows over time through interaction and obedience. But the Jews were counting on their physical relationship with Abraham and completely missed the spiritual one with God the father.
Jesus, on the other hand, knows the father. The Greek word for “know” here is oida, which means absolute, innate, and perfect knowledge. In other words, they never developed an actual relationship with the father, but he has an eternal relationship with the father as the divine son.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals a divine claim by Jesus.
Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad. (ESV, John 8:56)
Since the Jews kept insisting on a priviledged status as Abraham’s descendents, Jesus shifted the conversation back to him. He describes his relationship with Abraham like someone who knew him intimately. And Abraham, likewise, knew Jesus and looked forward to seeing his day. A statement that made no sense to them. Abraham lived 2,000 years ago and they pointed out the obvious.
So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” (ESV, John 8:57)
From a human perspective, Jesus was a young, upstart. Perhaps if he was 50 rather than 30, he might possess some wisdom from lived experience and deserve greater respect. You can almost hear the condescension in their voices. “Come back when you grow up.”
But Jesus was much more than that.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. (ESV, John 8:58-59).
The Greek word for “before Abraham was” is gínomai, which means to be born. In other words, Abraham was a created being with a beginning. The words “I am” that Jesus used to describe himself are the Greek egṓ eimí, which literally means I am. It is used throughout scripture to describe the eternal God.
Jesus used it in his I am statements throughout the Gospel of John. Furthermore, it goes back to when Moses asked God for what to say when he presented himself to Israel as God’s chosen leader.
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you. (ESV, Exodus 3:14)
In other words, Abraham had a beginning as a created being, but Jesus existed as the eternal God. This time the Jews understood exactly what Jesus was claiming. And their thoughts turned murderous. To them Jesus was just a man. And claiming to be God was blasphemy with a penalty of death by stoning. So they gathered rocks to carry out the sentence. But Jesus hid and then left the temple.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:31-38 reveals the key to discipleship and truth that sets you free, the enslaving power of sin, and the differece between truth and lies.
A study of John 8:31-38 reveals the key to discipleship and truth that sets you free.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV, John 8:31-32)
Jesus taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Jewish festival of Tabernacles. And in V.12-29 he dialogued in an adversarial exchange with Pharisees who rejected him. But V.30 says other people did believe in him. So Jesus instructed the believers on discipleship.
As true disciples they should abide in his word to know the truth that sets them free. (V.31)
The Greek word for “abide” is meno, and means to stay in expectancy, to continue, dwell, endure, and remain. In other words, believing in Jesus required more than intellectual knowledge, but involved a relationship with him. To accept him as Lord and obey his teachings.
And the result? It would set them free.
A study of John 8:31-38 reveals the enslaving power of sin.
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (ESV, John 8:34-36)
However, the believers reacted in a surprising manner to these instructions. They insisted that as descendents of Abraham, they had never been enslaved and rejected the need to be set free. What prompted this reaction? Apparently, their belief in Jesus was superficial and excluded messing with their lifestyle. Not unlike today. People are quick to accept Jesus as an intellectual acknowledgement or entrance into heaven. But balk when it includes submitting to him as Lord.
Enslavement of sin
Although they probably didn’t mean they had never been physically enslaved. The Festival of Tabernacles was itself, a reminder of the temporary shelters Israel lived in during their wilderness journey after leaving slavery in Egypt. Furthermore, they currently lived under Roman occupation and their history included multiple times of captivity, exile, and oppression by other civilizations.
Rather, they felt entitled as descendents of Abraham that earned them automatic entrance into the Kingdom of God. Another misunderstanding that seeps into modern thinking. There is no heavenly inclusion because your parents are believers or through membership in a church or denomination. Every person must choose to believe in and follow Jesus.
So Jesus shifts to explaining spiritual enslavement. Those who practice sin are slaves to it. The word “practices” is the Greek poiōn. It means the one who is continually doing and represents a habitual or ongoing action. In other words, an ongoing, sinful lifestyle will also enslave you. The Apostle Paul also affirms this truth.
Do you not know if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (ESV, Romans 6:16)
Furthermore, the truth Jesus refers to is not a concept but himself–Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus sets us free from sin and judgement. Accepting him as Savior and Lord sets us free indeed.
A study of John I:31-38 reveals the difference between truth and lies.
I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” (ESV, John 8:37-38)
John the Baptist warned the Jewish people in Matthew 3:9 and Luke 3:8 not to assume they entered the kingdom of God because they were Abraham’s descendents. And Jesus addressed it as well in Matthew 8:11-12. Now he draws a distinction from family life between slaves and sons to further illustrate. Slaves were often considered part of a household but lacked the status of a son. They were often valued and loved, but still temporary. A son, however, was permanent. And the spiritual application? Sons have an eternal legacy and slaves do not.
Jesus affirmed the Jews’ standing as the offspring of Abraham. But they lacked the more important spiritual component. They didn’t imitate Abraham’s faith. He cites as proof, the absence of his word in their hearts that instead, were filled with murderous thoughts. He further distinguished between believers and non-believers by identifying them with their fathers. Jesus’ words and actions reflected his obedience to his heavenly father, and their words and actions reflected their father, the devil.
We’re reminded that who you listen to matters. Do you fill your hearts with God’s truth or Satan’s lies? Each is followed by corresponding actions. God’s truth promotes lives that pursue righteousness. And Satan’s lies promotes lives enslaved by sin.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:21 reveals two worlds and the result of rejecting the one from above, the coming crucifixion, and the obedience of Jesus and increase of his followers.
A study of John 8:21 reveals two worlds and the result of rejecting the one from above.
He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins. (ESV, John 8:23-24)
In John 8:14, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about going away and again in V.21. He adds they won’t be able to find or follow him, but will die in their sin. The Greek word for “sin” in V.14 is hamartía and means to miss the mark. It describes our moral failure to meet God’s righteous standard. And Jesus uses the singular form to indicate the specific sin that prevents them from following him. Unbelief.
Why is Jesus leaving? Because of his coming death, burial and resurrection. And he gets even more specific with a bit of urgency in V.24. Unless they believe he is who he says is, they will die in their sins. Here, he uses the plural form, and It clarifies both their condition as residents of the world below and the solution Jesus offers. Sin separates them from God but belief in Jesus provides eternal life through the forgiveness of sin.
Although Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, his words apply to us as well. We receive eternal life by believing in Jesus as the Son of God. Otherwise, we die in our sins and cannot follow him to heaven.
A study of John 8:21 reveals the coming crucifixion…
So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. (ESV, John 8:28)
The Pharisees couldn’t imagine themselves not going to heaven. After all, they were experts on the Old Testament Law. Respected as the elite religious leaders among Israel. If they didn’t go to heaven would anyone? And they probably considered Jesus a lunatic. Full of crazy talk about him from the world above and them from the world below. And where could he possibly go they couldn’t? So, perhaps, with a shrug and wink at each other, they suggested maybe he planned to commit suicide. That was definitely not something they would follow.
But then, he talked even crazier about being lifted up, which made no sense at all. Because the Messiah they expected was a conquering king who would overthrow the Roman empire and establish his kingdom on earth. Although it was also something Jesus said before.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. (ESV, John 3:14-15)
The saying was tied to the story in Numbers 21:8-9 when Moses lifted up a bronze serpent as the antidote to poisonous snake bites. Unfortunately, the Pharisees didn’t make that connection either. But they surely knew about Isaiah 53 that prophesied of a suffering servant. It pictured Jesus as an innocent lamb who would sacrifice his life on a cross. It was God’s plan to free mankind from sin.
A study of John 8:21 reveals the obedience of Jesus and increase of his followers.
And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” As he was saying these things, many believed in him. (ESV, John 8:29-30)
Jesus ends by repeating that he acts according the father’s authority. He says the words the father gives him and perfectly obeys the father’s will. Therefore, the father’s presence never leaves him because he is untainted by sin. And he is always in complete agreement and oneness with the father. Something that is beyond our human experience.
This is why we need Jesus as an intercessor. He is the only one unblemished by sin and that qualifies as a pure sacrifice. As Believers who follow Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins. But will still be plagued by them on this earth. However, as Paul writes, we will one day leave them behind.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:56-57)
Although the Pharisees rejected Jesus, there were people in the crowd who believed in him. And the same is true today. Those who believe in Jesus are forgiven of their sins. Those who don’t will die in them. And we all make one of those choices.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
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