Days to Pentecost 14

20200430 Days to Pentecost 14- the man who climbs in by some other way
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John 10:1-10
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.
The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.” (v. 1-2)

“Truly, truly, I say to you”  
In these words, Jesus is now sharing a very important message that the Jews must understand.
The key to this parable is to discern a thief and a shepherd.
The way sheep can discern them is to see whether they come through the door when they enter the sheep’s cage.
Also, they can discern them by recognizing their shepherd’s voice.  

It would be the shepherd’s idea to plan and make the door for the sheep to protect and raise them.
The shepherd made doors for the sheep to rest safely at night and to go in and out to eat and drink during the day.
It is a door entirely just for the sheep.    

God designed to save the world only through Jesus.  
He sent Jesus to us to give rest, abundant food, and life to his own children.  
Although the Jews believed in God as the only God, Jesus teaches them that they are all thieves, unless they have come through Jesus Himself. So, Jesus tells us we should know that what we do in faith without Jesus is evil.    
We must even discern whether the pastor who preaches and guides us is real or fake in these days.

Also, there are so many things in the world that seem to give us peace and satisfaction and meeting our needs.
There are many apps that have peaceful music and messages for those who can’t sleep because of anxiety, song lyrics for young people that touch and comfort their hearts, books and countless images and videos that give people peace, and countless pieces of information that make us want to rely on and follow.  

Yesterday, my son uploaded a funny video clip to the family chat room to make us laugh.  
I had to laugh, but I couldn't.
Behind the funny scene, there was a hidden message that they could disobey their parents,
and that some verbal abuse and violence were okay because it was funny.
I should have told him well about discerning.

Maybe Jesus told us today because he knew us who had to live in this world.  
The Lord asks me to discern whether it is true or false to come.
The Lord says to discern whether it gives us life or kills us and destroys us.
He says that the only thing that we can discern is to become familiar with the words and voices that the shepherd always says.
Therefore, He tells me to keep the Scripture close and meditate.

Lord, protect our children from various cultures and values, and help us to become familiar with the voice of the Lord and discern all evil things. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.