Gospel of John Student DevotionalSample

Jesus was well known for his use of parables throughout his ministry. In John 10:1-21 we get the story of the Good Shepherd and His sheep. Jesus is telling people that he is a Good Shepherd, who will lay down his life for the sheep. He says “I know my own, and my own know me” In the beginning of this chapter, Jesus is telling us that he is the gate, and whoever enters through it will be saved. This shows that he is the only way to salvation and eternal life. During this time shepherds would sleep outside the gate to protect their sheep, just like Jesus watches over us from day to day.

Later in the story, when Jesus is talking about the other sheep who ‘are not from this pen’. He is referring to the Gentiles, or non-Jewish nations and their acceptance by God through the ministry of Jesus. Jesus is telling us about those sheep because some of them are people we know in our lives that are not yet believers. Our job is to plant a seed, and bring them to Jesus’ pen. We can take comfort in knowing the Lord is our shepherd and will always be there to guide and protect us.

Can you think of a time when Jesus played the role of Shepherd in your life?