“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14 KJV)
According to John’s narrative context, Jesus had healed a blind man (9:1-7). The healed man was examined by his neighbors and some Pharisees (9:8-13), but because the miracle was done on the Sabbath these religious folks rejected it as a Divine miracle (9:14-17). They refused to believe that he had been blind from birth until they asked his parents who confirmed that he had indeed been born blind (9:18-22). Even though the evidence was clear, these people refused to see it, believe it, or accept it and excommunicated the healed man from the synagogue (9:23-34).
When Jesus heard that news, he went looking for the healed man and revealed himself as the Son of God who came to bring sight to the blind and to make blind those who claimed they could see (9:35-39). When some of his Pharisee followers questioned this, Jesus related the parable in chapter 10:1-5, which they did not understand (10:6) thus verifying their spiritual blindness.
Then, Jesus graciously explains the parable to them (10:7-15). The whole matter, however, boils down to sight versus blindness . . . being able to recognize the Son of God. The Son of God is “the good shepherd.” He is not a hired helper who will run away at the first sign of danger to the sheep. He does not abandon his sheep.
Instead, the Son of God reveals himself to his sheep. His sheep will not listen to deceptive voices (“thieves and robbers”). The Son’s sheep know that He protects them and feeds them. They also know that deceivers will only steal from them, kill them, or destroy them. The Son’s sheep know the good shepherd gives them life to it’s fullest extent . . . no partial measures with the good shepherd.
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. Bless his holy name! He knows his sheep and his sheep know him. His sheep are neither blind nor deaf. Rather, his sheep both hear his voice and see his grace. Aren’t you glad the Son of God has healed you of your blindness!
Dear Father, thank you for healing our blindness that we might see your Son as the Christ. Enable us to share him with others. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today by the Good Shepherd,