The True Shepherd and the Thieves
John 10:1–21
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”
— John 10:1 (NKJV)
🧱 Climbing Another Way
There are people who appear spiritual—who know scripture, who teach with authority—but who do not come through the door.
In this passage, Jesus isn’t just telling a story about sheep—He’s calling out false teachers, specifically the Pharisees, who had just cast out the healed blind man (John 9). These men did not come to shepherd the people in love—they came to control, to accuse, to exclude, and to climb their own way into leadership.
Jesus makes it plain: “The one who climbs in another way is a thief and a robber.” They bypass God's method. They preach law without love, and tradition without transformation. They do not enter through the Gate—Jesus Himself.
🎙️ The Voice That Calls by Name
“The sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (v.3)
This is about relationship.
Not rank. Not rules. Not religious performance.
The Good Shepherd doesn’t drive His sheep with fear—He leads them by name, gently, personally, and lovingly. And His sheep know His voice.
That voice isn’t harsh. It isn’t confusing. It doesn’t manipulate or shame.
It leads with truth, peace, and clarity.
🐍 Thieves, Hirelings, and the Wolf
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life…” (v.10)
We often attribute this verse to Satan—and rightly so. But in this context, Jesus is also referring to spiritual leaders who mislead. The thief could be a false teacher, a legalistic system, or a seductive philosophy that draws people away from truth.
And then there’s the hireling—someone who looks like a shepherd, but isn’t committed to the sheep. They will preach, sing, serve—until it costs them something. When danger comes, they run.
But not Jesus.
✝️ The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (v.11)
This is the difference.
Jesus doesn’t flee when the wolf comes—He fights.
He doesn’t abandon the vulnerable—He stands in the gap.
He doesn’t lead for applause, recognition, or power—He leads to protect, provide, and pour out His life.
🧠 Reflect & Respond
Have I followed voices that climbed “another way” into my life?
Do I know the Shepherd’s voice? Do I trust it above all others?
Am I learning to discern between the hireling and the true Shepherd?
🙏 A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You are the true Shepherd. Thank You for calling me by name and leading me into safety. Help me recognize Your voice and silence the ones that came in by another way. Remove the hirelings, thieves, and false comforters from my life. I choose to follow You into life, peace, and abundance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
