John 10:6

Jesus uses this sheep analogy to convey a spiritual truth. Sadly, the people who need to understand it most, fail to grasp it in the least. John 10:6 EFP

It’s just a simple scene drawn from everyday life in first century Palestine. The story resonates with the listeners. Their minds follow along as they imagine the mental pictures through their minds’ eye. There is a warm sensation that swells in their hearts as they frolic in the familiarity of the facts. Then…nothing.

Jesus’ intent is to draw them to a point of not only connecting, but to the point of understanding. Jesus knows they need to get it. They need what he has to give. He is their only hope of living a genuine and generous lives. But they miss the point. They hear the story. They devour the details. They fasten themselves to the facts. But they leave no closer to the truth than when they began.

Have I been guilty of the same travesty? Do I get caught up in the details and fail to grasp the overarching issues? Do I, who challenge others to consider a different perspective, fail personally to follow my advice, and this become entrenched in the safety of the known instead of a leap of faith into the unknown? I need to understand whatever Jesus is saying to the Pharisees, since it applies just as much to me.