Bible Study of the week
The 4th Sunday of Easter

John 10:1-10

Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.

Jesus said: ¹“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. ²The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.⁷So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Gospel Reflection Questions:

• In this text, Jesus uses two different “figures of speech: to describe himself – first the shepherd, and then the gate – and to explain who Jesus really is. Can you think of other times Jesus uses a figure of speech that we should not take literally?
• Jesus’ disciples “did not understand” who Jesus was. Are there times when we still do not understand who Jesus is?
• Jesus says, “Whoever enters by me will be saved.” Can people enter that gate and not realize it is Jesus allowing them to enter?

Prayer:

O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Mt. Olive's online Bible Study is a weekly opportunity to reflect on
the coming weekend's Gospel text before worship.  We encourage you
to read the text, reflect on the questions with others. 
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