John 10: The Good Shepherd and His Sheep (NLT*)

As I worked my way through this chapter, a few things stood out to me. Here they are in brief:

 First, throughout the Bible, there are a lot of analogies, but I think that there are few that are as important to me as the analogy of Jesus being the "Good Shepherd". The more that I think about it, the more ways I realize in which I am like a sheep. I follow the crowd, even if it isn't always good for me. Sometimes I allow myself to be easy prey for a wolf, and I fall back into my habits and recurring sins. Other times, I run away and get lost. But there's one thing that remains common for all my shortcomings: God loves me. And it's not just ordinary love. It's wholehearted, Godly love. How amazing is that? Sometimes I really need to remind myself of God's love for me, I get frustrated when I fall short, I get angry with myself, but God is always there to pick me back up and give me the strength the be set straight again.

Some verses that show how God's love works:

John 10:17 - "The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again."

John 10:9 - "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures."

Second, Jesus wanted people to help others know Him. He wanted all of the people to be united in one faith, and to spread the good news. That's something that I have really been trying to work on lately, and it's so much easier said than done. Taking steps of faith the spread God's word isn't a small task, but it's so rewarding in the end. How could you not share God's word with others when you have the chance? Otherwise they might not have the opportunity to know Him ever. That's how huge it is. By allowing God to work through you, and being surrendered to the Holy Spirit, you can help someone be completely changed. What an amazing God we have.

Applicable verses: 

John 10:10 - "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

John 10:16 - "I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd."

As sheep, we must trust God as our shepherd and not be anxious about His plan for us. It will work out in some form or another, even if it isn't exactly what we expect or hope for. His love pours down on us every day and he helps us to follow the path. Part of being His sheep is sharing the opportunity with others, and by doing so we may spread the power of His kingdom and make disciples of all nations.

*New Living Translation