What Jesus Did! 'The Shepherd Uses the Gate' — John 10:1-2

Saturday, July 11, 2026

[Jesus said,] "I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep."
— John 10:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

If you want to know the attributes of God's shepherd, John 10 is the chapter for you. Of course, the ultimate shepherd is God, and Jesus comes to us as God in human flesh. Jesus didn't sneak into a leadership position or hide himself and run some subversive movement. Instead, he publicly ministered to God's people in open sight. There were no secret meetings to determine policy and no clandestine rendezvous to plan the overthrow of the current leadership. Instead, Jesus did what he did openly before the people and in the presence of God. Any other way and any other shepherd are not to be trusted.

Today's Prayer

Father, bless me as I follow Jesus as my shepherd. Thank you for his public ministry before the people. Thank you for sharing that ministry through the Gospels in the Bible. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

What We Listen To
Article by Tom Norvell
Who you listening to? Who and what we listen to is crucial if we are to stay on track and also drown out the voices that make us fear and doubt.
Who Will You Follow?
Article by Alan Smith
What sets the direction to your life? Don't follow a blind guide dog!
He Knows My Name!
Article by Phil Ware
Does He really speak to people today? Phil Ware shares insights on Jesus calling Mary by name and speaking to us today.
The Good Shepherd
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Few passages of Scripture were more beloved in My time on earth than the twenty-third Psalm. Like in your day, many found great..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 10:1-2 NLT — "I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, July 11, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Don't Share the Altar with Demons'
"Think about the Israelites: Do not those who eat the sacrifices share in the altar? I do not mean that the food sacrificed to an idol is important. I...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 119:64
"The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 1:19-20
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'By His Power' (Je. 51:15-16)
"The Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens. When he speaks in..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!