Thieves and Robbers - John 10:8

The apostle John wrote, “This parable spoke Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spoke unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep”, and in chapter ten and verse eight of his book John shared how Jesus said, “all that ever came before me are thieves and robbers” where we read:

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

The verse reads, “All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers:” John began with the words, “all that ever came” which means “each, every, the whole and everyone who at any time appeared, arose and made entry” “before me” or “in advance and prior to me, Jesus” “are thieves” which means “exist as embezzlers, pilferers and stealers” “and robbers” or “and plunderers, freebooters and brigands”. John shared how Jesus told the people listening to Him that everyone who came in advance of Him were actually “embezzlers and plunderers”.

The verse goes on to say, “but the sheep did not hear them.” John continued with the words, “but the sheep” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the four footed, tame animals which are accustomed to graze” “did not hear them” or “were not endowed with the faculty or hearing, perceiving, comprehending or understanding the thieves and robbers”. John shared Jesus said the “sheep” of His “fold” did not “perceive or understand” the “thieves and robbers” who arose before Him.

When we think through John's words in this verse, we learn how Jesus labeled the people who came “falsely” in advance of Him and were not “heard” by those who followed Him. Jesus has the words of “eternal life”, and although there are many “voices” in the world, those who are wise will only yield to the “voice” of Jesus. God sent His Son Jesus to be the Messiah, Christ and Savior of the world, and every person who “hears”, believes, trusts in, relies upon and clings to Him become as His “sheep” who will not be deceived by another “voice”. Let everyone who is reading these words “hear” only Jesus who is able to forgive sins and grant everlasting life with His Father God in Heaven.

Next time John shares how Jesus says, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".