Since this started a 1 ½ years ago I have been both looking forward and fearing this chapter. This is one of my personal favorite chapters and I see such plain explanation of God’s sovereignty, man’s depravity, and His glory. I looked forward in hopes to share with others, I feared knowing that I will come far short of exalting His teachings. I pray He is are teacher, we look to Him alone for guidance, and it pleases Him to touch you as I have been blessed by this chapter.
Extra credit: another “alive” guy (to the best of my knowledge). Henry Mahan a former (now retired) pastor of the 13TH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH in Ashland, KY. Looking today at the paths of salvation (door verses wall) I offer this article on altar calls. “Invitation or Alter call”
Jhn 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Jhn 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Jhn 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Jhn 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Jhn 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Jhn 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
- Who do you feel the “you” is in verse 1?
In Palestine during biblical times in each village was a sheepfold. This was a common property of all the farmers. It was protected by high walls with only one door. Every night shepherds, to protect their sheep from beast and robbers, would lead their flock into the sheepfold and leave them in the care of the porter. The porter would remain at the door all night until morning. In the morning the porter would allow each shepherd to come to the door and call out for his sheep; many times by their name. Their sheep recognizing the voice of their master would beckon to his voice and follow him and the shepherd would lead them out.
This Chapter may be closely connected to our previous one. We ended the last chapter with a blind man found and called by Christ and the Pharisees knowing not, hearing not, and seeing not questioning and not being able to understand. These Spiritually blind Pharisees trusted their eyes and this parable before us spoke directly to them. And so it should also speak to all false teachers and those blind trying to lead today. These very men who promoted themselves to high office and stature, who pronounced, “they can see” were denounced to a position no better than a thief or robber. Of their times the men that would come in the shroud of darkness, would climb the wall, slit the throats of the sheep, and throw them over the wall to take home to devour.
