John 10:1-10 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

The message that Jesus is giving is one that has been consistent throughout the whole book of John, and it will continue to be. He is the only way in which mankind can be saved. The Pharisees were putting it off as their way was the way. You need to uphold the law perfectly. It was works based. Jesus insists upon Himself being the way.

To the original audience, this would have proven a significant point. Many who wrestled with conversion found themselves weighing whether or not it was worth the risk. The synagogue was under protection and in a political neutrality with Rome. Christianity was not. If they confessed Jesus as Lord, they would be removed from the synagogue and be an enemy of Rome and the Jews. So there were many who waffled on following Jesus as a result. What John is sharing is a vital distinction for them. If they are clinging to the synagogue, they are not of Christ. They have not entered by Him and will not reap the benefit of belonging to Him. If they want Jesus, they need to be fully surrendered.

This also provided the distinction of where the Jewish leaders stood. This would cause a recognition for the audience to see that any who was against Jesus was indeed a thief. You cannot be allied with the thief and the Shepherd. They needed to make a decision. The decision that John presents is a clear one.

What lesson do you see?