The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (John 8:12-10:21)
During The Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus begins to speak more publicly of His deity. Many believe and follow when He shares wisdom on light and points to Himself as a light that will not extinguish. Truth becomes the focus of conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees while others closely observe. Jesus states, “The Truth will set you free while sin enslaves you.” The Pharisees are highly offended because they are sons of Abraham and they have not been slaves since the Exodus. In defense of their obtuse behavior they declare Jesus to be demon possessed, which makes no logical sense whatsoever, but validated their rebellious attitude when Jesus spoke of things eternal and the Pharisees picked up stones to kill Him.
As if by coincidence, a man, blind since birth, crossed Jesus’ path following His comments on Light. The disciples asked why the man is afflicted. Is it because of his personal sin or the sin of his parents? Jesus explains, sin is not the cause but shows that every pain is an opportunity to show God’s glory, then He heals the man…..on the Sabbath. Again, the Pharisees are outraged and question Jesus, the man, his parents, then the man again. They were bent on discerning the how and why of Jesus’ actions and applying some nefarious motivation. They could not find what did not exist.
Jesus continued His teaching with verses that have become some of the most precious and cherished words in Christendom, John 10:7-18. “I am the Good Shepherd.” Shepherds were well known to the people of Palestine. They knew you don’t drive sheep, you lead them. The Good Shepherd longs to give life in full so He walks closely, provides absolute security, guides to green pastures and still water, gives constant companionship and unfailing love. There is nothing more to wish for.
Jesus has no motive but love, a love so great that it frees and heals and fills the void that the world leaves.
Love,
Gretchen