A Thief at Any Time

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:10-18

In college, I shared an apartment with a buddy. We lived in complete poverty: we owned a couch, a desk, a chair, and an old TV. Late one afternoon, I fell asleep on the floor. I heard some noise and assumed it was my roommate rummaging around. It wasn’t.

A guy had broken in by slicing a hole through our bedroom screen. Even though I heard him, I pretended to sleep, which is a good thing since he carried a knife. I can’t imagine a more disappointed thief as he wandered through our sparse apartment, ultimately leaving empty-handed.

Jesus describes a different thief—followed by a stark contrast—in John 10:10, saying, “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Those are powerful words. Stealing. Killing. Destroying. The thief cares not about you or me. A thief will take what isn’t theirs and may harm others in the process. Satan, the greatest thief of all, wants your joy, peace, and even your very life. He hates God and the people He has created.

But here’s the contrast. In verse 11, Jesus goes on to say that He is the Good Shepherd, and He is willing to lay down His life to protect the sheep. The sheep are His people—everyone who puts their trust in Him. He not only protects the sheep, but He has “come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (verse 10). Sheep are very vulnerable to predators, but the Good Shepherd provides both safety and abundant life, safeguarding them from thieves who want their death.

Jesus accomplished all this by laying down His life for His sheep, providing the ultimate sacrifice at the cross. He gave His life so the thief would not take ours. A hired hand might run, but a real shepherd will safeguard his sheep, even to the point of death. And because Jesus rose from the dead, we can rest in the promise of the Good Shepherd: that He will not lose a single sheep (John 6:39; 10:28-30). • Mike Hurley

• Jesus isn’t the only one who talks about sheep and a shepherd as a metaphor for people and God—we see this comparison throughout the Old Testament as well. In fact, all these passages point forward to Jesus. Why do you think God describes our relationship to Him this way?

• Jesus offers us life and peace through His death and resurrection—while sin and Satan only offer us death. To learn more about how Jesus saves us from sin and death, check out our "Know Jesus" page.

[Jesus said,] “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10 (CSB)