Living in the Real World
The Jews were not only blind but that they were sinfully blind
John 9:41
41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Cast of Characters
Sheep
Shepherds
Criminals
Jesus uses a real world example to teach a real world truth.
In the real world, who you are spiritually close to and who you listen to determines your hurt or your happiness.
People Who Want to Hurt You (vs.8, 12)
- Robber – Uses Violence to get what they want
- Thief – Steal by Stealth
- Destroyer/Murderer – They don’t you’re your stuff, they your life. Destroy your soul.
People Who Should Help You (vs. 11)
Hireling – Act like they want to help or act like helping, but only interested in helping themselves.
The Lord sets the stage by depicting the false shepherds of Israel, lone foretold (Ezekiel 34:1–6; Jeremiah 23:1–6; Zechariah 11:4–11), who had just demonstrated their disregard for the welfare of the sheep by casting out the blind man.
Other Religious People
People Who Want to Help
The Great Shepherd (Jesus Christ)
He is the Door (vs. 6-7)
He is the Defender (vs.10-15)
Good Shepherds
A good shepherd
Points out the danger
Notices when you are out of the safety of the sheepfold
Knows the danger of being away from God
Doesn’t give up on you until the Great Shepherd does
Wants you to be where you are safe and happy
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Why Does this Matter in the Real World?
- Jesus is the only one who Saves (vs. 10a)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
- Jesus is the only one who Satisfies (vs. 10b)
- You have real enemies