Exploring God's Colossal Promises
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. 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.
Prophets like Elijah performed many miracles, while John the Baptist did none — with one exception! Do you know John’s singular, stupendous supernatural sign? John 10:41 reports: “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man [Jesus] was true.” John’s sole miracle was foretelling the truth about Jesus.
Did you know that sheep are evangelists? How do sheep witness? In “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23,” author Phillip Keller explains how sheep inform lost sheep they encounter that their Shepherd is Good and worth following.
When Psalm 100 says we are the sheep of God’s pasture, and Jesus says I am the Good Shepherd, is that a poetic metaphor? Or does it described a life-changing reality? The answer is found in John 10.
Miracles are messy and controversial. In John 9, after Jesus heals a blind beggar, the poor guy gets into hot water with the Religion Police. Will we avoid miracles, or will we seek what Jesus is doing today without concern that His miracles will rock the boat?
When Jesus invites us to walk with Him, it’s not for a stroll in the park but a march of endurance. Yet He promises we “will never walk in darkness,” and “the truth will set us free.” (John 8:12 & 32) Jesus teaches us how to find the strength for the journey in John 8.
When faced with ethical choices, some people ask: “What would Jesus do?” But when Jesus was in such circumstances, what question did He ask? In John 8:1-11, the enemies of Jesus drag before Him a woman caught in the act of adultery. Hefting rocks, they throw a hard question at Jesus, “Moses said to stone this disgraceful woman. But what do you say, Jesus?” In John 8:28-29 Jesus says that He does nothing without the initiative of God the Father. So, in this ethical dilemma, what does the Father show Jesus to say and do?
How accurate is your enemy detector? One positive byproduct of pushback is that we discern who are God’s friends and who are God’s enemies. Who is opposing you right now? On the surface, do they appear to be God’s friends or God’s enemies? Below the surface, which are they? Will we stand up to them or back down? Which did Jesus do?
Do you have a game plan for your life? Will you follow God’s path or limit yourself to human wisdom? In John 7:1-10, Jesus addresses this issue. No matter the threats and danger, Jesus never backs down. He refuses to be less than who He really is — the Son of God sent to do and say only what the Father shows Him. How about us? Which game plan will we seek to follow?
Are you a Christian or a disciple? Is there a difference? Discipleship is Relationship! Discipleship is Rabbi Jesus walking with us through every event of our lives. Are you all in?
Was Jesus in charge of His life, exercising His super powers as He saw fit? Did He make a To Do List every morning and just do it? In John 5, Jesus says He was not a lone wolf. Instead, someone else was calling the shots. Who?