Thieves & Robbers

“All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:8-10

Have you ever had something stolen from you? I still remember, almost 50 years later, when my new orange bike was stolen from my yard. I was only a little kid but this terrible experience made such an impact that it is Etched in my memory. Thieves and robbers do such damage to our soul if we let them.

The Apostle John records Jesus saying, “All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers.” Thief implies deception and trickery; robber implies violence and destruction.

Jesus explained that not everyone among the sheep is a true shepherd; some are like thieves and robbers. One mark of their being a thief and a robber is how they gain entry among the sheep. The true shepherd comes in the legitimate and designed way: through love, calling, care, and sacrificial service.

I have come that they may have life, and they may have it more abundantly: Jesus said this to contrast His shepherd-like care with unfaithful and illegitimate leaders. They come to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. Jesus comes to bring life to His people. Abundant life is a life of satisfaction and contentment in Jesus.

The life of the Great and Good Shepherd is always giving. It is for us he lives, and because he lives we live also. He lives to plead for us. He lives to represent us in heaven. He lives to rule and reign in the Everlasting Kingdom that He invites us to be a part of.

My prayer is that we receive HIS pastoral care. “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25

Love & Prayers,

Alan James Schrader