Thursday 4th July
Read John 10:7-10
“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIVUK)
The underlying assumption in Jesus’ accusation that all who came before Him were awful is a comment on intent. Thieves and robbers are only in it for themselves, a good shepherd however is in it for the flock, looking to serve them and care for them and protect them. The contrast is greater even than that though and it is worth stopping to reflect on. Jesus characterises His coming as a blessing, an abundance, life in all its fulness. There is nothing stingy about His coming. It is overflowing with plenty. He presents the complete fulfilment of Psalm 23’s verdant pastures and flowing water. The question is whether we too reflect that overflowing abundance when we talk about Jesus and live our lives in His steps before others.
