The Thieves

The Thieves

John 10:8-10, NLT

All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Setting the Scene

Jesus’ statement about all those who had come before him did not refer to Old Testament prophets and other spiritual leaders but to those who had claimed to be the Messiah or who had led the people astray. Many of the Pharisees and religious leaders could be included in that second group. They invented their own gateway (the keeping of numerous traditions and rules) and appointed themselves as gatekeepers. Jesus reminded them that any other supposed way to salvation was false.

The “thieves” (false messiahs) and the “hired hands” (corrupt religious leaders, John 10:12, NLT) had evil intentions. They cared only about feeding themselves or making money off of the flock. Israel had suffered through numerous evil leaders, false prophets, and false messiahs (see, for example, Jeremiah 10:21-22; 12:10; Zechariah 11:4-17).

“Thieves” don’t care for the sheep and are only interested in themselves and what they can gain from the flock. For “hired hands,” working with the sheep is only a job—at the first sign of trouble they take off, abandoning the vulnerable sheep.

The early church would struggle with false teachers motivated by ego, power, and money. Their heretical teachings always tried to diminish Jesus’ identity in some way. But he is humanity’s only hope. All other ways lead to destruction.

Getting Personal

Which false teachers or false teachings are you most familiar with?

What can you do to make sure you won’t be taken in by a spiritual “thief”?

We continue to be plagued by spiritual “thieves and robbers”—false religions and cults, self-serving speakers, and religious leaders demanding allegiance and financial commitment. The one common denominator is that they diminish Jesus. Often the message is subtle and enticing as they offer Jesus-minus or Jesus-plus. Sadly, many of these false teachers can be found in houses of worship with “Jesus,” “Christ,” or “Christian” in their name.

“And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist” (1 John 2:22, NLT).

Talking to God

Thank God for what he is teaching you about Jesus through the Gospels. Focusing on who Jesus really is prevents confusion when it comes to confronting false teaching. Praise God for the trustworthiness of his Word!