The Good Shepherd-Warrior
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The Good Shepherd is also the Good Warrior! Artists often portray Jesus and His flock in tranquil scenes. But John 10:1-14 speaks of deadly combat.
Hired men lack the love and dedication of a shepherd. They mistreat the sheep, viewing them only as commodities, not communities of God’s beloved ones (Jer. 23:1-6). Unlike David, who killed lions and bears to protect his sheep, a hired man runs under pressure and leaves the sheep undefended.
The thief and the rustler are even worse, breaking in to the sheepfold to steal the sheep. Jesus warns, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (v. 10). If we compare this with John 8:44 where Jesus calls the devil a murderer and a liar, we realize that the thief is Satan. He always wants to destroy God’s sheep.
Satan even seeks to destroy and replace our Shepherd. Evidence in John 10 of his hostility against Jesus includes: accusations of demon possession and insanity (v. 20); stones are picked up to stone Him (v. 31); accusations of blasphemy (v. 33); utter blindness to His miracles done through the Father (vv. 32-39); and attempted arrest (v. 39). Through it all, Jesus does not back down!
Have you noticed how Pushback from the devil, the world, or our sinful nature occurs in almost every chapter of the Gospels? It is the reality of the life of Jesus Christ. It is the reality of everyone who lives in Christ. We are part of a war to the death, but we follow the Good Shepherd who has laid down His life for the sheep and continues to guard our lives.
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This is post #17 in an ongoing dialog about the Gospel of John occurring online at www.philbickel.com, Facebook, and Youtube. You’re invited to join the conversation.
A catalyst for the dialogue is a free 97-page ebook by Phil Bickel, Fullness or Fraction in the Gospel of John, which introduces readers to 10 essential building blocks of life in Christ.
[Art: Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing, distributed by www.freebibleimages.org. Used with permission.]