We’re Still Talking About Sheep!

​In the agrarian society that Jesus lived in, there were many sheep herders. It is no wonder that there is more than one parable talking about sheep. So, while we’re talking about sheep, here’s another thought:

Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. "I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. "I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:7,9-10 (MSG)

Everyone Jesus was talking to, was able to get the picture in their mind as to what He was talking about, even though at first they acted like they didn’t. Jesus never wanting to leave anyone wondering, tried again and let them know that because He was the gate, they could freely go in and out to find pasture. There was no gatekeeper trying to corral them into a tight place There was no one trying to inhibit them from following their dreams, in fact, as the Gate, Jesus let them know that they were going to experience  a "better life than they ever dreamed of’.

While sheep are not known to be the smartest animal, one thing is known, they know their shepherd’s voice, and they won’t follow a stranger. They are instinctively aware that their shepherd is protecting them from wild animals and other dangers. Sheep need to have a shepherd, because their natural tendency is to wander, often wandering into trouble. Jesus, in making the distinction between Himself as the Gate and all others, was significant. Jesus said all others, are ‘sheep stealers’. the Bible clearly says this throughout, but none better than in Proverbs 14:12 (The Voice):

Before every person lies a road that seems to be right, but the end of that road is death and destruction.

Many roads seem to hold an appeal that looks like it will lead to riches and. fame, but who is at the Gate? I kind of like the One at the Gate who says I can have a "better life than ever dreamed of".

Maria