John 10:1-42; Luke 13:22-14:24
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John: I love Jesus’ teachings today in John 10 verses 9 & 10 – “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” What a great analogy – Jesus is the gateway to salvation. Life in relationship with Jesus will be full of green pastures – this reminds me of Psalm 23 verse 2! And then Jesus tells us that his purpose is to give us life in all its fullness. I think all too often we look for fullness of life in all the wrong places… when all we have to do is walk through the gate. Have you walked through the gate?
Jesus calling himself the Good Shepherd is so very beautiful and fitting in verses 14 &15 – “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” After we walk through the gate of faith to fullness of life with Jesus, he will be our Good Shepherd forever. He is a shepherd that knows us – and we know him. He will protect us with his rod and staff – again, a little Psalm 23 verse 4. 🙂 And more than anything else, this Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us. Do you consider Jesus to be your Good Shepherd?
Bible.org’s commentary on our John 10 readings today titled “The Good Shepherd” is at this link.
John chapter 10 verse 30 is a powerful teaching from Jesus! “The Father and I are one.” Many churches celebrate Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in the Upper Room after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Thus, rounding out the Trinity. (Bible.org has a great overview of the Trinity at this link.) The Father. The Son. And the Holy Spirit. Do you believe Jesus when he says, “”The Father and I are one” ? Jesus smartly quotes from Psalm 82 verse 6 in verses 34-36 today: “Jesus replied, “It is written in your own law that God said to certain leaders of the people, `I say, you are gods!’ And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people, who received God’s message, were called `gods,’ why do you call it blasphemy when the Holy One who was sent into the world by the Father says, `I am the Son of God’?”
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in John titled “The Sovereign Shepherd” is at this link.
Luke: Bible.org’s wonderful commentary on Luke chapter 13’s readings today titled “Striving to Enter the Narrow Door” is at this link.
Wow. Jesus’ teachings in Luke chapter 14 verses 12 through 14 are so powerful – “”When you put on a luncheon or a dinner,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will repay you by inviting you back. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”” How often do we do something for others – in hopes of getting something back in return? Maybe it’s simply praise? Or maybe it’s indeed an invite to something else in the future? Kind of the whole idea of “I’ll scratch your back if you’ll scratch mine.” Jesus tells us there is another way – care for others that cannot repay you. Because God will repay you. And who would you rather receive repayment from for your good deeds – humans or God? Do you think that caring for the poor is giving to God? Will you give to God?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in John remind me Rebecca St. James’ beautiful song “You are Loved:”
Do you know that you are loved? Click here for LOVE!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I (Jesus) am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to Jesus for laying down his life for you, if you have given your life over in faith to Him. Thank him for being your Good Shepherd! Pray for the lost “sheep” that you know, that they would come to know Jesus as their Good Shepherd.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
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