Voices and Motives

After the turbulence and fierce debates of the previous chapters, one might be forgiven for thinking that we have reached calmer waters. No way!

In this much-loved chapter with its apparent pastoral idyll, Jesus is launching a fierce critique of the Jewish religious leaders. In the opening verses he is talking in parables (1-5), which are expanded and explained through the rest of the chapter for the reasons given in verse 6. First, Jesus explains the metaphor of the “gate.” These metaphors used by Jesus would have been very familiar to his listeners. Even today in the Middle East, a shepherd will go into a crowded sheepfold, and his own sheep recognize his voice and follow him. Additionally, the shepherd lies down at night in the gateway to the sheepfold to prevent his sheep from escaping and predators from entering. Jesus further explains (7-11), he is the gate for the sheep that leads to life (9,10). Other religious leaders are not motivated by the interests of those they are supposed to be leading and are “thieves and robbers.” In verse 8, the focus is on those who came before Jesus as messianic pretenders who promised much, but could not deliver. We know about these from contemporary accounts (e.g. Acts 5:36,37). As the gate, Jesus excludes all others who claim to open the way to God (cf. John 14:6). It is only through entering that gate that the promise of verse 10 can be realized.

Any voices that draw people away from God and prevent them from seeing the work of God in Christ are, according to this passage, “thieves and robbers.” This is a clear challenge to those of us who lead, in whatever capacity. Does our leadership draw people to enter through the gate, or are we motivated by self-interest, so castigated by Jesus here?

Does your leadership draw people to enter through the gate, or are you motivated by self-interest, so castigated by Jesus here? Motives can be difficult to discern. Spend some time checking yours.