Sorry for the long reading. We are on a schedule that will allow us to read the Passion week scriptures during the passion week. Since I've been battling virus after virus, I haven't even turned on a computer in days. So, we are going to combine Thursday & Friday's readings to stay on schedule.
John 10:1-21: Jesus gives an analogy of a shepherd and his sheep to describe His mission. In His culture, shepherds were very common and most people had a good understanding of the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. Now, sheep are pretty vulnerable. They are easy prey for wild animals. They have value, making them an object to steal. The shepherd cares for, protects, fights for his sheep. In turn, they listen to his voice. They come when they are called. Jesus is our shepherd. He protects us from our enemies, both human and spiritual. He provides for us. He watches over us. He laid down His life for us. In return, we need to listen to Him and stay away from the dangers in life. Pretty simple.
John 10:22-42: It's the time of the Feast of Dedication, which Jesus as a Jew practiced. The Feast of Dedication is also known as Chanukah. People came up to Him and asked Him if He is the Messiah. Jesus tells them, ["I have already answered this question, but you refused to listen."] Again, He speaks of sheep. Those who recognize the shepherd follow. Those that deny the Messiah is to be a shepherd reject His claims. They still want a political leader. Now, I think the next part is interesting. They decide to stone Him for claiming to be the Son of God. Isn't that what they just asked Him? Once again, they were looking with man's heart for what they thought they wanted instead of seeking God's Will for what they needed. Don't we do the same? Don't we just cut out, deny, and destroy what we don't want to hear? We react with anger instead of understanding. We hear, but we refuse to listen. And nothing ever gets better. So, open your ears, your eyes, your hearts - look for what you need, not what you want. Only then will you find the peace that God offers.
Luke 12:22-30 - Will few be saved? Well, considering only a few were willing to listen and believe, yes. Many have followed Jesus around, eating miraculous feasts, receiving healing, watching sign after sign, but few have become actual followers. Notice verse 26, "We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets." This statement is superficial and shallow. It does not indicate a relationship. They aren't saying, we ate with you, you taught us. They are saying, we were there. Look, I recently had the privilege of seeing one of the greatest tap dancers in the world, Savion Glover. I have admired this man's talent for years. I've seen him on T.V. specials, read interviews and reviews. I'm familiar with his work. However, sitting in the same auditorium with him does not make a relationship. I have been on an airplane with Jack Hanna, a well-known animal expert that appears on numerous T.V. shows. I even said "hi" to him. We were served the same meal. Does that indicate a relationship? Will either of these people be calling me up for a chat? Can I rely on them to help me out of a jam? Nope. It's the same with Jesus. You can follow Him around, listen to His teachings, watch Him work, but never form a relationship. And it's the relationship that is needed. You need to know Him, trust Him, rely on Him. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - they knew Him. You can too.
Luke 12:31-35 - Jesus is warned that Herod wants to kill Him. Is He worried? Nope. He knows the plan set out for Him. But He does employ some irony here. Jerusalem, the center of Jewish faith, the home of God's temple, is more dangerous to God's prophets than any earthly king. God chose Jerusalem to be the center of worship, yet the religious leaders continue to reject God's voice. Jesus bemoans their fate. He would love to care for them, be their shepherd, but they refuse to listen. Jesus feels the same way about you. He longs to be your Savior, to guide you, protect you, love you. Will you let Him?
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