The thief! According to John 10:10, it is “the thief” that comes to steal, kill, and destroy. We see this word, thief, recited in nearly every translation of His Word.
While we may easily determine that the thief must be in reference to Satan, there is actually more to this verse than meets the eye. Let’s take a deeper look.
Who Said It?
As Jesus went out to spread the good news, teaching on how to grow in the faith, love and forgive others, and that He was the fulfillment of messianic prophecy, He was met with a mixed crowd of sorts.
While many believed Jesus was the Son of God, sought out His teachings, and knew the miracles performed came from His divine power and holiness, there were others that did not believe. They called Jesus a blasphemer, mocking and ridiculing Him.
This verse came about as He was met with a crowd questioning Who He was. Jesus shared this verse to describe the difference between living a façade and living an abundant life.
He longed for the people to be aware and notice the difference between distinguishing real truth and understanding that there are those that will try to steal, kill, and destroy the truth.
It was a warning for those who loved Him and those who were questioning their faith and teetered on the fence about whom Jesus claimed to be.
In John 10, we see that Jesus shares a parable as He usually did to teach a valuable lesson. In this lesson, He was explaining to the crowd, many being Pharisees, that they must be on guard and listen to the voice of their Good Shepherd and not be swayed by the malicious and ill intent of “the thief.”
He goes on to describe the thief as sneaky and cunning, like an undercover spy waiting to pounce, with a mission to mislead, manipulate, and deceive.
On the contrary, Jesus points out that there is a Good Shepherd that leads and protects His sheep, offering a full life.
Who Is the Thief?
The Pharisees essentially opposed Jesus being the Son of God and denounced Him as being the Good Shepherd. They followed their own set of rules given to them in the Torah, holding on to their Jewish foundation and roots.
Their powerful religious movement caused a rise in their group of political leaders, gaining social and influential sway among the people.
Yet, Jesus did not back down from sharing the truth. While the relationship between Jesus and the Pharisees was complex at best, Jesus still loved them and wanted to save them (John 14:6).
He was not afraid of meeting among them, pointing out their flawed views and sins, all while boldly and lovingly pointing them back to the grace of God.
So, as Jesus was telling this story in John 10, sharing the message of the thief, maybe a bit of conviction was being dosed out as well.
While many claim that Satan himself is the thief, and we can’t put the trickery and devious behavior past him, Jesus was actually referring to the misleading and false teaching of the Pharisees.
Jesus was very intentional and purposeful in His storytelling. Jesus often used figurative language and created beautiful symbolism in order to get His point across and target the heart of His audience. This story of the thief was no different.
Jesus knew the people were in need of a fresh perspective and a heart transformation. Israel had become blind, holding fast to their old ways of false claims and religious beliefs.
Jesus entered the picture and turned all that on its head. He used the metaphor of comparing the misleading religious leaders that were misrepresenting God, bending to their own selfishness as thieves (John 10:1).
We can’t paint all the religious leaders or Pharisees with a broad brush labeling them all robbers and thieves, but we can see that Jesus was unveiling the motives of those in charge, henceforth calling them out.
He goes on to say that the thief is the wolf in disguise, claiming to be a good shepherd (John 10:8), all while misleading them. Ultimately stealing their minds, killing their hearts, and destroying their souls.
His warning is clear, and the message still rings true today. We must guard our hearts and minds and be sure that the congregations and fellowship groups we surround ourselves align with the Word of God.
Jesus Is the Good Shepherd
Jesus boldly declares that He is the Good Shephard (John 10:11). As with any good shepherd, he protects his flock. Jesus says He is the gate to the sheep, acting as a boundary or barrier against the savages and wolves.
A good shepherd cares for his sheep. His sheep are his livelihood, and therefore he wants to build trust. Jesus says He knows His sheep by name and proves there is a special bond and relationship formed between Him and the sheep (John 10:3).
There are several shepherds noted throughout Scripture. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and King David are perhaps the most recognizable. The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep conveys such beautiful imagery.
Sheep are often described as being fearful and skittish animals that tend to wander off easily. The significance cannot here be ignored here.
A good shepherd not only cares, leads, and protects His flock but soothes them, making them feel loved. Jesus’ love for us goes so much deeper than that. Jesus claims to lay down His life for the sheep, even the ones that disobey Him, bend to fear, or wander off (Luke 15:3-7).
We Are His Sheep
Oh, dear friend. Remember who you are… and Whom you follow! These words are said repeatedly in our home. As believers, we must hold tightly to the truth of who we are as God’s children.
He calls us chosen, beloved, treasured, and His most prized possession, just to name a few. His promises for us are scattered throughout His Word, proclaiming that He is with us and goes before us (Deuteronomy 31:8-9).
His mercies never fail, and His grace is greater than anything we can humanly conceive. As believers, we must carry ourselves in a manner that knows who we are and walk in a way that shows Whom we follow.
Be on guard, my friend. False teaching and imposters are everywhere. They will try to sway you away from the real Truth with their tantalizing messages.
Don’t fall for it! Stand firm in the foundation of Christ. Etch the truth in your heart and bind it around your neck (Proverbs 3:3). That way you will be able to distinguish the false teaching from those that preach from the Word.
We must also acknowledge that we can easily grow legalistic and pave the way to meet the needs of our own selfish desires. If we aren’t equipping ourselves with truth and connecting deeply with Jesus, we will easily be taken in by the wolves and thieves.
So, invite Jesus into every part of your life and allow Him to restore your mind, heal your heart, and sanctify your soul.
A Closing Prayer
Jesus, we are so thankful that You are our Good Shephard. Thank you for the love, care, and protection You provide. Thank you for laying down your life so that we may live an abundant one.
You are so very good to us. Please lead us to Your truth and help us place our faith in You alone. We long to love You with all our minds, all our hearts, and all our souls. Amen.
For further reading:
Why Is God ‘Like A Thief in the Night’?
Why Did Jesus Say, ‘The Thief Comes Only to Steal, Kill and Destroy’?
What Do We Know about the Thief on the Cross?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Liubomyr Vorona
