Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passages of Scripture. Reread them. From memory, determine the central points.
- This passage follows the ill treatment given the man born blind and his parents. The religious authorities clearly demonstrate they are concerned more for religious show than for caring for those who are lost and alone.
- Two more “I am” sayings follow, both of which depict the work of the Messiah of Israel.
- The “shepherd” images are found at various places in the Hebrew Bible, most notably Psalm 23. God is the protector of the sheep.
- Jesus’ analogy using sheep, shepherd, and flock reveal the intention of the Godhead. As the owner of sheep, the shepherd guards and feeds his own. Jesus is the good shepherd, and they come into the sheep fold through Him.
- The Shepard intends that the sheep have an abundant life, and this is not merely health, wealth, and pleasure. Jesus is looking ahead to the kingdom of heaven.
- There will be one flock with many sheepfolds. Jesus is again looking ahead to what the reality of His kingdom here on earth will look like.
- In addition, Jesus also has other sheep that He will gather together. These sheep are Gentiles. Jesus begins with the children of Abraham, but will reach out to His sheep, whomever they are.
- Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will die for His sheep. He lays down His life willingly and will also rise from death.
- Of course, a division among the religious authorities follows. Some go so far as to say Jesus has a demon and is insane. Others completely disagree. Typical then and now.