John 10:16-21 New International Version (NIV)
16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
21 But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Saturday - May 9 - Read John 10:16-21
Before this “Good Shepherd” passage, Jesus healed a blind man. The religious leaders condemned Jesus for doing the “work” of healing on the Sabbath day. Since the issue was not life threatening Jesus could have waited until the next day. But that blind man was one of the sheep who was captive to sin, so Jesus gave him physical sight and then he gave him the sight of faith by calling him to follow the “Good Shepherd.” The religious leaders believed that everything depended on their actions, meaning that they needed to earn God’s approval. Instead, Jesus calls us to trust in his voice. God’s approval and love is given as a free gift that is proclaimed. By faith we follow our Good Shepherd and he leads to abundant life.