John

Check out all the previous John readings here.

John Reading Plan | Week 14, Day 1

Prayer

As you spend time with Jesus, allow your mind and body to settle until you feel fully present. Ask Him to help you learn more about Him today.

Bible Reading: John 10:1-6

Read these verses three times slowly.

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Reflection & Questions

In our readings this week from John 10, we will see that Jesus is getting very clear with the Pharisees about who He is and they are none too pleased with this. In fact, by the end of this chapter, they are ready to seize Him and stone Him. Today’s verses set the stage for this, with an analogy that the “Pharisees did not understand.”

Jesus says there is a sheep pen (which we will see is Israel), which has sheep in it that belong to the shepherd. “When Jesus came to the nation of Israel, He came the appointed way, just as the Scripture promised. Every true shepherd must be called of God and sent by God. If he truly speaks God’s Word, the sheep will ‘hear his voice’ and not be afraid to follow him.” (The Bible Exposition Commentary).

This is a tender, amazing picture of Jesus, the Father and us the sheep. Notice how the shepherd “calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… he goes out ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” If you are in Christ, Jesus knows your name. He is your shepherd, and He tenderly cares for you. He goes out ahead of you. Whatever trial or problem you are facing, He is out front, ahead of you. Our response? To listen for His voice. To reject any “thieves” who are trying to destroy us. And to follow our Shepherd’s lead.

1. What word or phrase in these verses sticks out to you in these verses? Why?
2. Think about being a sheep in this story. What do you learn about being a follower of Jesus?

Prayer

Pray in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?