The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-08-25
John x, lilo.

door," he exclaimed (Versc y. No one may en-
ter the church except by coming to Christ.
Whoever attempts TO come by any other method
IS unworthy TO enter at all (Eph. iils). II any
in any former time assumed that place-and un.
fortunately many have set themselves up as heads
of the church-they were thieves and robbers,
seeking to destroy the flock, and consequently
feared by the sheep Verse s.. Christ is the
door, and ii is His business to admit the sheep
and to exclude all others (Gal. v:l2). All who
enter by Him shall be saved Verse %, not
merely because they entered, but because they
entered rightly, Yet the church is BOT a prison.
As the sheep go in and out OF the fold, so church
members will have liberty under Christ's guild.
ance (Gal. v;D.
CONTRASTING. Having thus showl Ills re-
lation to the church as an organized body, Jesus
next presents Himself as closely related to the
individual members in that body. lie Is the
door through which they pass, and He is the
one who cares for them as a shepherd cares for
the sheep. The change in the figure was neces-
sary TO make the contrast between Him and the
Pharisees. They not only had false methods Of
entrance. but exercised imperfect and even sell
fish and unhoy care. Jesus lkened them To
thieves who came 20 steal and to kill and Ges-
troy (verse l0), who would break down the
wholesome regulations Of the fold and oyerpower
the keeper, and resort to any Yioent measures
to accomplish their sinister purpose. This was
a very faithful description Of the men who then
| exercised ecclesiastical authority at Jerusalem.
(Matt xiii: l5). But He, the Christ, came on
| a benevolent errsnd-that men might live (John
1: 2l,) and that they might might attain unto a
richer, more abundant life than had been posi-
Bile under a former dispensation. And in doing
| this Jesus was a like a good shepherd who sacri-
fees his own life in order TO save his sheep from
the mouth Of the lion (verse IL, delicate al
fusion to the death on the cross through the
malice OF these same Pharisees.
! DESCRIBING The real shepherd is the owner
OF the sheep who delights in his possession,
partly because profit is derived therefrom and
| party because through long contact with the
| flock, he feels affection for the dumb animals
| who cophde in him. But the owner is compelled
at times 10 engage assistants to work for wages,
who have little regard for that which is com.
mitted 10 their keeping The hireling, seeing
| the wolf coming, 1ees, leaving the sheep TO be
taken out and devoured (verses IL and 49, Such
J persons, recreants 10 duty, were to be found In
made the subjects Of seyerest criticism. by
this figure Jesus attempts TO describe those min
| listers Of religion who perform certain tasks for
the money consideration offered, but who dis.
appear when there is any sacrifice demanded OF
| any danger encountered (Ezek. Xxxiv: s. Suc
were many Jewish priests By this reference
| Jesus intended more fully 10 distinguish Him.
self. lie was no hireling, but the owner q Cor
VI: 20), the good shepherd who could give His
life TO defend His sheep.
| KNOWING next furnishes the basis OF
proof Of the statement that lie Is a good, true
shepherd and not hireling; that His conduct
is governed not by love for wages but By love
| for Inen whom He would save. That proof is iii.