Daily Bread - 05/16/07

John 10:8 - Everyone who came before Me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them.

Jesus was telling everyone for all time in no uncertain terms that He is the only way to the Father (Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 17:3; Philippians 2:10; Acts 10:43; John 3:36; Mark 16:16). Only through Him can mankind return to a relationship with God. When Jesus referred to all those who came before Him, He was referring to every false leader on earth who came declaring to mankind that they knew the way to God. Jesus was not only referring to the religious leaders of the day, nor was He narrowly looking at the "lost sheep of the house of Israel." God's love was extended to everyone and He knew that the gift of salvation would be granted to all men everywhere (John 3:16; 12:32; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2).

Jesus is the door to every blessing in God and all of the benefits of abundant life (Ephesians 1:3; 3 John 1:2; Psalms 68:19; 103:2). As the good Shepard He has come to lead us into all of these wonderful things that God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 64:4; Deuteronomy 28:1-13; James 1:17; 2 Peter 1:3). The false shepherds steal from the sheep like thieves and robbers. They steal the word of life, holding the people in blindness and poverty - and even take the food from off of the table of those they victimize (Jeremiah 23:1-2; Ezekiel 34:2-3). This is not so with the Good Shepard - who not only laid down His life for the sheep but provides all that they have need of according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:8-11).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org