Advent- December 14
Listen: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
The Prophet Isaiah told us that the Savior would also lead us like a Shepherd. Reread this verse and talk about how Jesus, like a Shepherd, cares for His sheep. We are His sheep. In what ways does Jesus care for you?
For Adults:
"To him, the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” John 10:3–4
A sheep pen was enclosed with walls that kept the sheep safe. When the sheep were brought in, the Shepherd usually slept at the entrance to keep the sheep safe. The gatekeeper knew the Shepherd, so they would recognize the thief immediately if anyone else tried to come in.
The allegory Jesus speaks of is of the Old Covenant law as the sheep pen- it became like a pen that confined the people. Christ is the gate who, by His sacrifice, brought the New Covenant, an allegory for how He brought them into new pastures where they are free to roam and enjoy all the riches of His pasture. The Holy Spirit represents the gatekeeper who protects the sheepfold by sealing the door and keeping the sheep safe within the walls.
The Pharisees did not understand that Jesus spoke about them (and false prophets) as thieves and robbers (the thief also represents Satan, the great deceiver. What gives the enemy fuel is the law- It is the law that makes us conscious of sin and self-righteousness. If the enemy can keep us focused on our flesh, this is how he condemns us.
Many today still listen to the voices of Moses and Elijah—the law and the prophets—not fully understanding that it is all about hearing the voice of Jesus in the new covenant. Why does the Father want us to hear only Jesus? Why are we to focus on Jesus and grow in the knowledge of His grace? Because neither the law nor the prophets hold the answer to our deepest cry for intimacy and peace with God and the enjoyment of His presence.
To hear Jesus only is to understand His finished work and to live from that position. When we are sick, instead of looking at our symptoms, we look to the stripes Jesus took on his back. When we have sinned, we look to the cross and remember that He became sin for us to make us the righteousness of God. When we are discouraged, we look to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. It is not in our works that keep us in God's love; it is in Jesus’ work that does. He is the Shepherd, the gate, and the pasture. The Holy Spirit seals us in Jesus and keeps us secure.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100
An Excerpt from A Study on the Gospel of John