I Am the Door

Lesson #164

With this lesson we will cover the second section of chapter 10, defined by John 10:7 – 10, where Jesus refers to himself as the door: “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. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”” (John 10:7 – 10 ESV).

Jesus is the door through which lost sheep, who have been given authority by the Father, gain entrance to the sheepfold. Those lost sheep had their names recorded in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world and were chosen by the Father and presented as gifts to his Son who will give to each eternal life as the Father causes them to be born again. These who enter through the door of Jesus as the only way to God, are promised two things: they will be saved and they will go in and out and find pasture. Jesus will repeat this in John 14:6: “Jesus said [. . .], “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”” (John 14:6 ESV). Jesus is the only way to the Father, but that way passes through Jesus as the door. You must accept that Jesus is the only way and then you have to accept Jesus as the Son of God clothed in flesh and pass through him as the door. I do not believe anyone can possibly pass through these two filters without the selection of the Father, the work of the Spirit, and the acceptance of the Son. God makes it possible for a person to want to believe and accept and embrace the terms of eternal life.

What will the sheep that pass through the door be saved from? They will be saved from the thief who comes only to steal and kill and destroy. But just being safe is not enough; the human heart wants and needs more. We do want protection from that which can destroy us; we want more than just life; we want abundant life with its love, peace and joy. The sheepfold is seen as a place of safety and protection, but to experience the fullness of life, the abundant life, we are given the promise of being able to freely go out to green pastures and still waters and safely return. This does not mean we will not suffer in this life; Jesus tells us we will, but in the next life, how this plays out is beyond our imagination. In the midst of horrible suffering here, it sure gives us a living hope as we look ahead. Yes, we live in the now where life can be difficult, but we live with our focus to the future and its promises.

For further information on the “I AM” statements of Jesus see Lesson #137.

Prayer

Father, I pray that these lessons are a blessing to those who consistently return for the next one. I pray that the word that goes forth with each lesson will not return empty, but will accomplish what God desires and achieves the purpose for which it was sent. I pray that I am an obedient servant between God and my readers. I pray that one day we can rejoice together over how God used these lessons to grow each one of us. Until then I pray for strength and insight to continue writing and the continued interest of a growing number of readers. 

The Shepherd of the Sheep

Lesson #163

With this lesson we will finish the first section of chapter 10, defined by John 10:1 - 6. I just noticed that we didn’t cover verse 40 and 41 of chapter 9. Let’s use them as an entry into this section of chapter 10, which is a kind of parable or word picture; the picture contains a sheepfold, sheep, a door, a shepherd, a gatekeeper, and a stranger. Anyone who enters the sheepfold not using the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. At the end of chapter 9, Jesus said to the Jews, in answer to their question about being blind, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains” (John 9:41 ESV). Jesus now develops a story in which to show that the Jews are blind and guilty. These Jews are the thieves and robbers that climb into the sheepfold and are also the strangers of verse 5. Let’s look at the story again and see what Jesus is presenting to the Jews and us. “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:2 – 4). Jesus is gathering a flock; people from the sheepfold of Israel. Notice that he calls the sheep by name and they hear him and follow him as he goes before them. Jesus was calling people then and he calls people today. The question is, do we hear the voice of an insane man or the voice of God.

Jesus is telling the Pharisees this story, to give them another chance to show that they were not blind. Jesus continues: “A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:5 ESV). The Jews were not hearing Jesus with understanding and the more that Jesus explained to them the more they took offence to him. Jesus is trying to explain to them and to us that he is the door and also the shepherd. This divides the people of the world into two groups; those who want to understand how this is possible and those who do not care to understand and say it is foolish.

In verse 6, John summarizes what the outcome was: “This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them” (John 10:6 ESV). The conclusion is as Jesus said at the end of chapter 9; they are blind and their guilt remains. The same is true today. Those who are his sheep will hear his voice and follow him and learn from him while others reject what he says and remain on the road to eternal destruction.

Prayer

Father, thank you for giving me the ability to hear and the desire to understand. The more I study to write these lessons the more I learn about Jesus and the stronger is my desire to follow him in obedience and then one day to stand before him and see him face to face in all of his glory. Thank you for the inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading that is kept in heaven for me, guarded by the power of God. How can I not look heavenward and rejoice and bow low to worship? 

The Sheep Know Their Shepherd

Lesson #162

With this lesson we will begin the first section of chapter 10, defined by John 10:1 - 6. There is no reason to not assume that chapter 10 is a continuation of what was being said in chapter 9. Jesus, then continues with another story: “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” (John 10:1 ESV). From this description the sheepfold would seem to be some enclosed area, maybe by a stone wall, with an opening called a door, in which the sheep are kept during the night. This sheepfold maybe near the houses of several families who share its use or an enclosure made of stones in the field where the sheep are grazing. The opening or doorway probably does not have a door, but in any case is usually guarder by a person called a gatekeeper. This gatekeeper may be a hired person or it may be the shepherd himself. The verse also describes an enemy that climbs into the sheepfold to take out one or more sheep. That person is called a thief and a robber; a thief may indicate one who comes silently and secretly and takes away while robber may indicate one who uses violence producing bloodshed (Luke 10:30, 36). “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep” (John 10:2 ESV). It was through this doorway guarded by the gatekeeper, that the shepherd of the sheep was able to enter with his sheep or to take them out.

At the end of chapter 9, the blind man, healed by Jesus, came to understand and believe that Jesus was the Son of Man, the Messiah. Moving into chapter 10, Jesus is going to explain that he is the true shepherd that the sheep belong to. Jesus is going to explain the true relationship between him and the sheep and show that the Jews are not shepherds and probably the people following them are not true sheep. In this section Jesus is setting up the parable, from which he will draw some important truths.

“To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3 ESV). The gatekeeper would, of course, know the shepherd and would let him into the sheepfold. This sheepfold may contain sheep from several shepherds and if they do the sheep belonging to each shepherd would recognize his voice and would follow his lead to exit the sheepfold. The remaining sheep who do not recognize his voice will not follow because they know he is not their shepherd. When the shepherd walks through the opening into the sheepfold, he calls his own sheep my name and they hear him and follow him as he leads them out.

When Jesus calls his sheep, do you hear him as he calls your name? Do you expectantly and obediently following him to where he wants you to go? Is the Lord your shepherd? If so you shall lack nothing you need. As you follow him he stops at times and makes us lie down in green pastures, not in dry overgrazed pastures. When we thirst, he leads us to still waters where we can safely drink our need. As one continues to read Psalm 23, you see the many more benefits of belonging to Jesus, the one true Shepherd.

Prayer

Father, I close this lesson with the beautiful and well known Psalm of David: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23 ESV). Thank you that I know this Shepherd personally and as one of his sheep he knows by name. 

The Man’s Spiritual Growth

Lesson #161

With this lesson we will start the sixth and last section of chapter 9, defined by John 9:35 – 41. The last lesson ends with the Jews casting the man out of the Synagogue because of his belief about Jesus. This lesson begins with Jesus hearing that the man had been cast out of the Synagogue so he goes to finds him to offer encouragement: “Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”” (John 9:35 NASB). The man born blind is a good example of our salvation. We are born spiritually blind and unless God gives us spiritual sight, we will remain blind and will reject Jesus and the Gospel just like the Jews are. The blind man receives his sight and begins to travel along the road of spiritual growth. At first the man believed that Jesus had the power to heal and thought that he might be a prophet. His level of belief was according to the amount of light he had. In the discussion with the Jews, the man believes that to do what Jesus did, he must be from God. Then when Jesus finds him, he seeks to determine if he might believe that he is the Son of Man, the Messiah.

“He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”” (John 9:36 ESV). You can see the spiritual growth that is taking place. Remember how Jesus healed the man. He put mud on his eyes and sent him away to wash to gain his sight, but he has yet to see Jesus, so he doesn’t know that this is Jesus speaking to him. That is why he says to Jesus, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus then identifies himself. “Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” (John 9:37 ESV).

All of a sudden it all comes together for the man and “He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him” (John 9:38 ESV). Here is the point of salvation; the point of belief; the time of spiritual birth. As an example, Jesus began with a physical example of restoring the man’s sight and now the man has spiritual sight. Whether we are born with physical sight or not, we are all born spiritually blind and need the gift of spiritual sight. We see that Jesus has the power to provide both.

Prayer

Father, there is so much evidence before us that the Son of God came as Jesus to reveal to us who he was and make necessary provisions for our rescue. With everything in place, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, justice was met and God could now show mercy and extend grace to those who he grants authority to for salvation. Father, how clear this becomes as one studies carefully the Gospel of John. Oh, God (Father, Son and Spirit) how thankful for all you have done and made possible for me. 

Evidence of Divine Mission

Lesson #160

With this lesson we will finish the fifth section of chapter 9, which is defined by John 9:24 – 34. After a strong statement made by the man to the Jews, they now revile him: “And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.”” (John 9:28 – 29 ESV). Since the man gives Jesus credit for his healing, the Jews then accuse him of being his disciple. In the minds of the Jews, you can’t be his disciple and also a disciple of Moses because they believe Jesus has broken the law. They believe they have kept the law and thus are disciples of Moses. The problem with the Jews is, even though they believe God commanded Moses to deliver the law, they think their interruption of that law to be infallible and hence Jesus broke the law by healing on the Sabbath. They continue to show contempt for Jesus by referring to him as “this man”. Concerning where he is from, they should know he was born in Bethlehem, but later came from Galilee. Later in John this will become an issue with the Jews. I think in their minds they have no knowledge of his calling so as to say he was from God. They cannot accept that he was from God as he says.

“The man answered brilliantly: “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes”” (John 9:30 ESV). The man stands before the Jews in amazement that they cannot accept the fact that Jesus performed a one of a kind miracle and that he must have some special connection with God. He thinks, “How can these Jews not know that he is from God after performing such an amazing miracle?”

The man continues: “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” (John 9:31 ESV). The man may have had in mind verses like the following: “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry” (Psalm 34:15 ESV) and “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18 ESV). The man’s conclusion is that God listened to Jesus and performed a great miracle and therefore he must be who he claims he is; the Son of God.

The man continues: “Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind” (John 9:32 ESV). If this be the case, then Jesus must be from God. Today sight can be restored, in many cases, by surgery. Even today it is extremely rare for a person born blind to be given sight.

The man concludes his statement to the Jews by saying: “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing” (John 9:33 ESV). In the man’s opinion, anyone who could perform such a miracle must be from God because if he was not this miracle would be an impossibility. Jesus performed many miracles, thus showing proof of his Divine mission. Not willing to see the logic of the man’s argument, they discredit him with their answer: ““You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out” (John 9 34 ESV). Their conclusion that he was born in sin comes from the established fact that he was born blind. In that culture, misfortune was believed the result of the person’s sin or in this case that of his parents. We see this belief clearly held by Jobs friends.

Prayer

Father, as I study the life of Jesus, I am amazed at how unique he was among men; the cultural norms he stood against, the traditions he challenged, the miracles he performed, the love he demonstrated, the humble attitude of heart that was always present, the authority of his teaching, his sinless life, and his willingness to die in our place are some things that come to mind. It must then follow, as Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Thank you for making it possible for me to believe and embrace this truth. 

Seeking a Contradiction

Lesson #159

With this lesson we will start the fifth section of chapter 9, which is defined by John 9:24 – 34. In the last lesson the Jews called on the parents of the man who claimed to have been born blind, who Jesus gave sight to for the first time, and asked if this was their son and if he was indeed born blind. The answer given by the parents satisfied the Jews that this was indeed the man. We enter this lesson with the Jews, for the second time, asking the man how he gained his sight.

“So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” (John 9:24 ESV). The character of two people is referenced in this verse. First, the phrase, “Give glory to God” is a form of oath in telling the truth. The Jews are implying that the man is not being truthful with them in some way and that he should confess his falsehood to God and ask to be forgiven. To encourage him to do that they claim Jesus to be a sinner. This is based on the fact that Jesus healed on the Sabbath and thus broke the Law and that he is not the Son of God as he claims, but is in fact an impostor.

The man then answers, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25 ESV). At this point the man does not know Jesus well enough to know that he is without sin. He honestly answers that he does not know. The one thing he does know, which is the point of the inquiry, is that he was blind and now he sees. His answer does establish focus again. “They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”” (John 9:26 ESV). I don’t believe they are looking for new information as much as they hope to draw him into a contradiction with his previous testimony. The Jews are bearing down on this man, hoping to get him to say something that would discredit this miracle, but God isn’t going to let that happen and gives the poor man grace and strength to make a bold confession and exasperate the Jews.

“He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”” (John 9:27 ESV). With grace and strength from God, the man steps up and delivers a strong punch. He asks the Jews why they would want to hear again. It is clear that they are not listening because their minds are blind to any worthy thing Jesus does. The statement the man made that will really set the Jews off is, “Do you also want to become his disciples?” As you can well appreciate, this statement will incur their wrath against him because in no way do the Jews want any relationship with Jesus. Their response will be covered in the next lesson.

Prayer

Father, as I read testimonies of prisoners of persecution, I see the same process being used by the persecutors that the Jews were using. Pressure is used under some form of physical or emotional pain to get the persecuted person to confess to something that is not true or to deny their belief in something. Father, I pray that you will provide me with the grace and strength if I one day I am faced with similar circumstance.  

The Need to Stand Firm

Lesson #158

With this lesson we will cover the fourth section of chapter 9, which is defined by John 9:18 – 23. In the last lesson we saw blindness and hatred exhibited; blindness to a miracle and hatred toward Jesus. “Now the Jewish religious leaders refused to believe that he had really been blind and had gained his sight until at last they summoned the parents of the man who had become able to see” (John 9:18 NET). A surface reading simply tells us that the Jews wanted parent verification that this man was born blind and had now gained his sight, but a deeper reading reveals that in the face of a miracle the Jews choose to not believe that a miracle had occurred and secondly, hatred toward Jesus causes blindness to what he does as being from God. If the heart is not right, then it is an easy step to reject what is clearly before them.

“They asked the parents, “Is this your son, whom you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?”” (John 9:19 NET). They ask the parents two questions: first, “Is this your son, whom you say was born blind?” and second, “Then how does he now see?”. How do the parents respond?

“So his parents replied, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But we do not know how he is now able to see, nor do we know who caused him to see. Ask him, he is a mature adult. He will speak for himself.” (John 9:20 – 21 NET). They were willing to answer only the first question. They verify that he is indeed their son who was born blind and who now sees, but what they don’t say is important. For the parents to pass by such a miracle without giving glory to God causes one to pause and wonder why they didn’t. Their silence shows their ingratitude for such a marvelous gift; a silence birthed from fear of the Jews restrains them and results in an opportunity for an important witness of what God has done to be missed. However, their witness is not entirely missing because they give their son an opportunity to speak, but in so doing they try to avoid possible persecution from the Jews and are not much better than one who simply denies Christ.

John now tells us what we expected: “(His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.)” (John 9:22 ESV). Fear of retribution causes these parents to deny Jesus Christ by their silence. Consider the reports coming out of the middle east where terrorists go from house to house looking for Christians. It is an interesting study to see how people respond and the consequences. The western view tends to be to deny Jesus to stay alive so you can continue to serve him. We don’t seem to understand that denial is a disgrace to God, loss of your most powerful witness and that God is building his church on the blood of his children. Because of our embrace of comfort and safety we have little or no understanding of what it really means to be a Biblical Christian. We are a western, cultural Christianity with the salvation of many in question (See Matthew 7:21 – 23 for a fearful assessment.)

Because of this fear of retribution, “. . . his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”” (John 9:23 ESV). The focus is back to the man who gained his sight with the Jews asking him again to describe the restoration process. We will look at how this unfolds in the next lesson. 

Prayer

Father, as I search the New Testament I see no true church that does not experience persecution. We must therefore ask why the Western Church has not. Is it because we have become a cultural church and are so much like the world that we do not chafe them over their sin? Are we a Laodicea type church that makes the Lord sick? Does our adherence to safety and comfort hinder us from walking in holiness and righteousness and taking a stand with Jesus and pay the cost? Father, I fear the day when ISIS knocks on the doors of our homes and churches because I fear they may find only a remnant willing to stand with the Lord at the possible cost of losing everything, even their lives.