John 10:1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.
The Pharisees and religious leaders are all about following the arbitrary rules that they assigned to scripture, the Sabbath, etc. Here, Jesus is reinforcing that, yes, there are rules, but they aren’t yours and they aren’t arbitrary.
John 10:7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
This scripture also seems to speak to familiarity with the Shepherd. It implies a relationship between sheep and Shepherd, an intentional relationship that is cultivated to the point that the sheep recognize and trust the voice of the Shepherd.
John 10:8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.
Lord, Thank You for the reminder that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Thank You for the reminder that I need to cultivate a personal, intentional relationship with You daily. Draw me closer. Amen.
John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.
Have a blessed day.