The Thief
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.
John 10:1
In this parable, there’s a flock of sheep being kept in an enclosure. Sheep can’t live there. They need to be lead to get water and graze on fields. However, at night they would be kept safe there from most predators and to be kept from wandering off.
However, there is one risk that still threatens them. That is the thief. Unlike someone intent on care for the flock, he doesn’t enter via the door. Instead, he sneaks in around the protections to snatch the sheep away from their safety.
Trusted Shepherd
But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
John 10:2-4
Unlike the thief, the shepherd comes in via the intended way and to care for his flock. He knows them by name, giving personal care to each member. Not only does the shepherd know his sheep and have the ability to lead them to their needs via the gate, but the sheep also know him. This is a huge contrast from the thief.
A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.
John 10:5
Jesus As The Gate
This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:7-11
Knowing that those who heard his parable didn’t get it, he gives us the explanation. One thing that is unique about this parable is that both the gate and the shepherd in this case represent the same person. At first I was confused by this, until I realized they symbolize different things Christ does for us.
The gate is a representation of Christ as the only way the sheep leave to get to good pastures. Mankind is sinful and our most desperate need is a way to be right with a just God. Christ is the only one who provides us with that way.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
There are two ways out. One is with the shepherd through the gate. The other is in the thief’s arms, and he isn’t intent on caring for you!
Good Shepherd
However, he is also the shepherd. Not only has he provided a way for his flock, but he also guides them and cares for them along the way. While others may also guide sheep along the way, they cannot be trusted like Christ to risk all for his sheep.
He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
John 10:12-13
Unlike this hired laborer, Christ laid down his life for his flock. In fact, Jesus tells his listeners of his coming death and resurrection for his people, as well as the fact that his people will include some who are beyond the Jewish disciples he already had (alluding to Gentile believers).
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.
John 10:14-18
Today’s Thieves
Jesus is still the only way and guide today. While others may come and seek to lead away Jesus’s flock, those who truly are his will not be led astray as long as we’re listening to Jesus intently enough to know when we’re hearing his voice and when it is an imposter.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:28-30
It is reassuring to know that nobody can be tricky enough to rob Jesus’s people of eternal life, even if some come just close! Because of the deceivers, however, we must be extra diligent to ensure that we are listening to the voice of Christ and not other voices. Otherwise, we may find that we were never really of the flock of Jesus!
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:24
