Day 66 – Double-Edged Words

JOHN CHAPTER 10

John 10:1-10; Ezekiel 34 & Psalm 23

The writer of Hebrews compares the Word of God to a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). This phrase has come to be used when referring to something that can have both a favorable and unfavorable consequence.  It certainly applies to Jesus' words in John 10. This chapter is a continuation of Jesus' response to the Pharisees after the controversy surrounding the healing of the man born blind.  Through the use of an extended metaphor, Jesus addressed the Pharisees' questions about His legitimacy (John 9:24-29) by drawing a comparison to sheep-tending. In this metaphor, Jesus declares Himself the "Good Shepherd" and insinuates that His accusers were hired hands who do not have the best interest of the sheep at heart.

Jesus' words are likely a direct response to the Pharisees' decision to throw the healed man out of the synagogue because of his refusal to deny Jesus.  Those who had been called to care for God's flock were not only failing in their responsibilities but were taking advantage of the sheep.  Neither the metaphor nor the allegation was new. The prophet Ezekiel spoke out against religious leaders who took advantage of God's "sheep." Through Ezekiel, God promised that He would Himself, "tend my sheep and have them lie down .… I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak" (Ezekiel 34:15-16).

Jesus, by declaring Himself "The Good Shepherd," claimed to be the fulfillment of God's promise. By healing the blind man, Jesus demonstrated His ability to bind up injured sheep and restore them into God’s fold. As further evidence, this once blind sheep, while unable to see Jesus, had recognized His voice and obediently followed Him.

Jesus’ words have a dual implication. By revealing who He is and what He has come to do, Jesus exposes the true nature and motives of His accusers. While His words are an indictment of those in the crowd posing as Israel’s shepherds, they also bring comfort and hope to the sheep looking for a Good Shepherd. The difference lies in the ears and hearts of the listener.

The words of Jesus continue to have this effect. What may bring hope and comfort to one is just as likely to implicate and convict another. The person who finds consolation in His words today may be rebuked by them tomorrow. The Good Shepherd protects and corrects His sheep with the same staff. For those willing to listen to His voice, it is the staff and rod of His word that still brings comfort in the darkest valleys of our journey.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,

Much we need Thy tender care;

In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,

For our use Thy folds prepare:

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,

Be the guardian of our way;

Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,

Seek us when we go astray:

Thou hast promised to receive us,

Poor and sinful though we be;

Thou hast mercy to relieve us,

Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free:

Early let us seek Thy favor,

Early let us do Thy will;

Blessed Lord and only Savior,

With Thy love our bosoms fill:

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

Thou hast loved us, love us still;

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Dorothy A. Thrupp