Baaa

 N.T.#739 "Baaa"

Feb. 19, 2026

John 10 

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (verse 9)

LET IT GLOW 

When our granddaughter was in 4H, she trained and showed her sheep at the county fair and another contest. The more she worked with the sheep, the more they trusted her, walked with her, knew her voice, obeyed her. By the time the contest came, she didn't need a halter to lead them. She had been the one to feed them, clean their stall, walk them, sheer them (with parents help). Last year, she won second place, which should have been grand champion, but the owners hired a guy to train the sheep and the boy could not even control his sheep. Our girl did a great job controlling hers. (That's politics-who you are. Sorry, this grandma had to vent.)

At night, sheep were gathered into a sheep pen to protect them from thieves, weather, or wild animals. Sheep pens were often caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd often slept at the doorway to protect the sheep. 

How do the sheep respond to their own shepherd?

• They hear their shepherd's voice and follow him. (verses 3-4)
• He calls the sheep by name and leads them out of the pen. (verse 3)
• The shepherd leads his sheep and they follow him because they know his voice. (verse 4)
• The sheep will not follow a stranger, but flee from him because they don't know his voice. (verse 5)

The more the sheep were with the shepherd, the more they trusted him and loved him. 

LET IT GROW 

You know where this analogy is going, don't you?

Who does Jesus say He is?

• Jesus is the door to God's salvation for us. He is the only way to God. 
• No man can shut the door that Jesus opens. (Rev. 3:8)
• Jesus will guide His sheep/followers to experience Him and no one can stop Him-we just need to obey and follow our Good Shepherd.
• The saved will go in and out and find pasture. Peace is ours through Jesus.

He offers access to safety and security. He is our protector. Jesus is the only way to access God and to heaven. (John 14:6) Entrance into the fold is by Him and Him alone. 

LET IT GO

Listen to the voice of Jesus and Holy Spirit.

Deny ourself and follow Him.

Love Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.