John 10:8-21

Jesus is the Good Shepherd -- John 10:8-21: Jesus claimed to be both the door of the sheep and He claimed to be the Good Shepherd. It is through Jesus alone that man can be saved. Jesus refereed to the scribes and Pharisees as thieves or robbers. They pretended to show the way of salvation to the people but in fact they stole into the fold, clothed themselves with the fleece, and devoured the sheep. Jesus is the door and those who come to God through Him can obtain salvation. Those who go with Jesus will find pasture. Many religious leaders came to rob, kill and destroy. Jesus came so that His children would have life to the fullest. Jesus profoundly said, "I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep." Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice to save us from eternal damnation. The scribes and Pharisees were hireling and when they saw a wolf coming, they ran off and left the sheep. They allowed God's spiritual flock to be scattered. Jesus knows and loves the sheep and they know and love Him as Savior and Lord. Jesus laid His life down as an atoning sacrifice for sins. He died in our place to redeem us from sin and spiritual death. Jesus said He had other sheep that were not of this Jewish fold. This is a great announcement that the gospel was also to be preached to the Gentiles. Jesus willingly gave His life for our sins. Concerning His life He said, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:18) Some said Jesus had a demon. Others said, "These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?"