Jesus certainly knows how to make a scene. In John chapter 10 alone he gets called 'demon possessed and raving mad', he nearly gets stoned, he is accused of blasphemy and then nearly seized again. It seems a persons response to Jesus will be one of two extremes and ultimately, it comes down to one thing...
Are you one of his sheep and do you therefore know and follow his voice?
There are two things that stick out to me from this passage: the love and commitment of Jesus to his sheep, and the relationship of 'knowing' between the Father, Jesus and Jesus' sheep.
Jesus contrasts himself first with the theives and robbers who came before him and then with the hired hand who runs away at the first sign of danger. Both of these contrasts are probably taking aim at the Pharisees who were meant to be the shepherds of God's people but were doing a pretty terrible job. At first they don't understand what he's talking at and just think he's a bit mad, but then as they realise, they become the ones who are mad as they try to stone him. But our shepherd Jesus is committed to us - he doesn't harm us and he doesn't run away at the first sign of trouble - in fact as verse 18 describes he 'willingly' lays down his life for our sakes. Now that's a shepherd worth following!
Laying down his life is at the same time Jesus willing act and the Father's command. The Father and Son of the Trinity are so closely aligned in their purpose and wills that the death of Jesus on the cross is both the Father's command and the Son's willing act. Jesus emphasises their intimacy throughout this passage - describing their 'knowing' each other and then saying 'I and the Father are one'. The amazing thing is - he seems to say that the relationship between him and his sheep is similar to the relationship he has with the Father. Does this mean that our desires and wills would become one in the same way that Jesus and his Father's wills are one? I guess that fits pretty well with the Colossians 3 idea that we have died with Christ and our life is now hidden with him.. In becoming Christians we realise that what really matters is Jesus: his glory, his purpose and his Kingdom and all of a sudden our previous passions and goals in life are subsumed under his. There is no coercion involved, Jesus doesn't force us to live his way, but we willingly lay down our lives - we willingly live his way - just as he willingly layed down his life according to the Father's command. And I guess understanding Jesus commitment to us - who wouldn't willingly live his way, knowing that he truly has our good in mind.
I need to tune myself in to my Saviours voice - so that I understand his will better and better and can live his way, so that I can follow. His willing sacrifice has protected and saved me from the savage wolf of my own sin and the judgement I deserve because of it.
yours in Christ, Ben Boardman (Assistant Minister)
Tomorrows Readings: John 11, Deuteronomy 5
Thanks Ben,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfull personal call, he calls his own sheep by name. And his sheep recognize his voice and follow him. God's irresistable grace, assurance, and thankfulness for his preparedness to enter into the world to call me back to the fold, all come to mind. But also that other strangers' voices are out there so yes a call to continue to be transformed by the renewing of my mind so I will be able to discern the voices of strangers and run from them. Note to self - read my bible.