What Jesus Did! 'Gate for the Sheep' — John 10:7-8

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Your Support Matters!

Your donations are vital to help us keep the light shining.

 Donate Now
[Jesus explained his statements about the gate and the sheep:] "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them."
— John 10:7-8 NLT

Key Thought

People were constantly looking for a messiah, and many false messiahs had come and gone. Many religious leaders were ready to claim the role of messiah. But only one was sent by God. Only one did the will of God completely. Only one was willing to lay down his life for the sheep of God. This kind of shepherd not only entered through the gate but he was also willing to lay down his own body to be the gate in the pens set up in the open fields to protect the sheep and to calm their restlessness and fears. Jesus was not seeking his own good or glory; he came to serve God's sheep — including us. Why? He did it because of his love for us and because that is what God wanted him to do and that is what a real shepherd does!

Today's Prayer

Lord God, help me not to listen to the false voices of self-appointed religious leaders who are unwilling to sacrifice for your sheep and instead want to fleece them for their own benefit. Thank you, Jesus, for being the one real shepherd that I can follow. By the authority of your name, I offer my prayer and thanksgiving. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ezekiel 34:7-10
  • Mark 10:42-45
  • Matthew 24:24

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, July 14, 2022

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Billy Graham:
"If I didn't have spiritual faith, I would be a pessimist. But I'm an optimist. I've read the last page in the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Colossians 3:1-2
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above,..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Just Do It!®'
"Dear Disciple, Read My harsh words to the Pharisees about their all-talk-legalism and not-much-help religion (Matthew 23:1-36). When you do, you will..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All You Servants of the Lord'
"Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve him night and day ..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 10:7-8 NLT — "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!