Common qualifications for being in one's relational circle:

1. Affirm what we do.
2. Enjoy doing what I do.
3. Good at doing what I do.
4. Make me enjoy doing what I do even more.
5. Approval by the rest of the circle that they do what we do.

As sad of a list that is, it is a very common path for inclusion. 

Q: What happens if that qualifications list is followed by the church or religious leadership? 

A: You become blind that which is blatantly from God!

Blind spiritual leaders at work.  John 9:1-23 [Summarized]

• Jesus heals a blind beggar on the Sabbath.
• The Pharisees were threatened that something happened outside of their supervision.
• Declare it a violation of the Sabbath.
• Investigate with a presupposition of guilt.

Blind spiritual leaders on display.  John 9:24-34

• Incorrect theology goes unchecked—that sickness or physical abnormality is always a mark of a sinner.
  • Truth is we are all sinners.
  • Sickness or physical birth abnormalities are due to the fallen nature of humanity not necessarily that that one individual was more sinful than another, hence the ailment.
• Defy evidence of Divine cause.
• Their spirit of condemnation and anger expose them.

Jesus confronts the hypocrisy and blindness of the Pharisees.  John 10:1-6

• Sheep require leadership.
  • They follow the voice of they know.
  • They are skittish of the unknown.
  • They lack awareness beyond.
  • Trust to a fault that which they know.
  • They have little to know defense.
  • Safety is with the flock and shepherd.

• The shepherd leader is filled with truth. [Compare to 7:15-20]
  • Comes in by way of truth through the gate.
  • His motives are not to steal, kill, or destroy.
  • Gatekeepers or servants trust him.
  • He knows his sheep.
  • He leads them and does not drive them.

• The sheep pen can be a safe haven or a place of slaughter if the gate is not guarded by a good shepherd. [Picture of the shepherd guarding the entrance]
  • It is a picture of beauty with the right person sitting there.
  • Creates a flow for going out to feed in the daytime and at night a place for security.
  • Multiple flocks can be together.
  • A mere call of the shepherd will separate his flock from the rest.

Jesus declares himself THE GATE!  John 10:7-10

• Jesus declares himself the exclusive point of entry into the flock of God.
  • He says this twice for emphasis. (7, 9)
  • He separates himself from the religious leaders who were choosing who belonged and who did not.
  • Anyone else attempting make this selection is a thief or robber. (8)

• Jesus is the means by which salvation can be found.
  • He is saying he is sufficient for the covering of sins and reconciling us to God.
  • He is THE Lamb of God.

• Jesus gives life and that life is best. (10)
  • He offers a life that allows for protection in the pen and entrance into an abundant life outside of the pen.
  • That life will also be led by him as the Good Shepherd.

Prayer

Song

Benediction:  John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

Discussion Guide:

1. In light of John 10:9 and 14:6, why does the world struggle with Jesus being the exclusive way to God? Explain why or why not you believe Jesus to be the only way to be reconciled to God.
2. How do we explain to someone in our oikos the means by which we can enter through Jesus as the exclusive “gate” that leads to a relationship with God?
3. In John 10:1-6, Jesus is warning us about other “shepherds” that try to lead the sheep astray or harm the sheep. How does Matthew 7:15-20 help you discern a friend from foe?