John 10:1-21 New Meanings Of Sheepfold, Flock, and Door

"This sermon grew out of our Lord's confrontation with Jewish leaders, following the excommunication of the beggar," my commentary said.  This parable about the shepherd and the sheep somewhat confused those hearing it.  My commentary said it's not like the parables recorded elsewhere.

"The false shepherds did not care for this man; instead, they mistreated him and threw him out.  But Jesus, the Shepherd, came to him and took him in ... The 'fold' is the nation of Israel.  The Gentiles are the 'other sheep' not of the fold of Israel ... Jesus followed the illustration with an application ... 'I am the door."  He is the Door of the sheepfold and makes it possible for the sheep to leave the fold (the religion of Judaism) and to enter His flock.  The Pharisees threw the beggar out of the synagogue, but Jesus led him out of Judaism and into the flock of God.  But the Shepherd does not stop with leading the sheep out; He also leads them in.  They become part of the 'one flock', which is His church.  He is the door of salvation."

Father, it's difficult to imagine those Jewish leaders throwing out a man obviously healed and only healed by Your power!  Thank You for the new flock!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford