John 10 – 12
Verse 10:1 opens with an illustration of sheep and shepherd:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.
Often the term “sheep” is used in a derogatory sense implying the followers are just dump animals following a herd. I have used this often and sometimes don’t like the implications how it is used. Jesus wanted us to realize we will be following something and to make sure we know the truth and follow God. In this illustration the sheep know the difference from bad and good, so they are not just dumb herd animals.
We too know the difference between bad and good in our hearts. I point to the Ten Commandments and notice how almost every society, even those that have never seen the Ten Commandments, has had these basic rules. God has not only inscribed them on stone tablets, but also on every human’s heart. It’s just our decision to follow His teachings and believe. So don’t assume that just because Jesus is comparing His followers to sheep that it is derogatory in any way. We are just wired to follow God, so don’t fight it!!
Verse 10:10 is an important verse that is often quoted:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
This again is one of those verses that is quoted often, especially by “prosperity preachers.” They “twist” living “abundantly” into mankind’s version of wealth and power. For some reason they believe that God is a way to money and fame because that is the earthly definition of “abundant”. We hear preachers telling us we can have all the money and stuff we want, if we give to them. I literally heard someone say that what you give today will be returned 10 fold by God. He implied to the “sheep” that if you gave $10 you would have $100 very soon.
I think “abundant” life comes in two phases and neither requires money. First, “abundant” to me is living without stress or worry. God is not saying follow Him and you’ll live on Easy Street, but rather live with the knowledge that He is God and has things under control. Paul spent much of his life as a Christian in jail and being persecuted, so be happy with a little debt and some law suits! Second, “abundant” is not money! It’s been proven that money cannot buy happiness, but it doesn’t hurt. Follow me on this it’s not really the amount of money you have, but rather how you spend it that derives happiness. Sure that $3000 rug will have short term joy, but memories are something that last.
Two keys to finding joy in money and both require a shift in thinking. The most important key is not to hoard, but to give it away! Sure giving to a large mega church where the pastor is driving nicer cars than you can imagine, but helping someone with groceries or a meal can bring immediate and lasting joy. Second is not buying stuff that will eventually rust away, but rather buy experiences. The soft $3000 rug will go unnoticed quickly, but the mental image of the family playing with spider monkeys in the jungle will last forever! So sure money can help if used the right way, but it’s not the answer!
Verse 11:35 is pivotal:
Jesus wept.
God knows our fate and what will happen. Think about if you came to a grieving sister knowing you were about to resurrect her brother. I would barely be able to contain myself, yet Jesus wept. He is so tied into our emotions that He experiences our joy and our sorrow. Jesus wept for Lazarus and Mary, for He loved them both. As a follower of Christ, we have the same comfort that He feels our pain and does not ignore it!
Chapters 11 and 12 tell the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and the repercussions of that act. We find in 11:46 – 57 this act start many plotting to kill Jesus. Interestingly verses 12:9 – 11 have them also plotting to kill Lazarus! The Pharisees could not accept Jesus’ as the savior, since it would destroy all they had. I question today if many of the rich and influential “Christian” churches would welcome Jesus with open arms or try to prove He was a fraud. If Jesus appeared today in torn up jeans and a t-shirt, would you believe? Think about that!!