John 10:8

Arabic Bible AVDDV 1999 (الكتاب المقدس (تخفيف تشكيل))

جميعُ الّذينَ أتَوْا قَبلي هُم سُرّاقٌ ولُصوصٌ، ولكن الخِرافَ لَمْ تسمَعْ لهُمْ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from John's Gospel, Jesus is speaking and he says that all who came before him were like thieves or robbers. The sheep did not listen to them because they weren't the true shepherd.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a favorite toy, and someone tries to take it away. They're like the thieves Jesus talks about. But your mom or dad would never try to take your toy; they love you too much. That's like how Jesus says he is the good shepherd who loves his sheep.

Historical Background

This verse comes from John, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, written around 90-100 AD. The audience was likely early Christians trying to understand Jesus' teachings within a Jewish and Greco-Roman cultural context.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse reminds us to be discerning about who we listen to for spiritual guidance. It's important to seek out those who truly have our best interests at heart, much like finding trusted mentors or leaders in your community.

Topics

• faith
• salvation
• shepherd imagery
• truth
• discernment
• leadership

Related Verses

• Isaiah 53:6
• Matthew 9:12-13
• Luke 10:30-37
• Ezekiel 34:8
• John 10:11

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the 'thieves and robbers' in John 10:8?

The 'thieves and robbers' refer to those who claim to lead God's people but actually do so for their own selfish motives, not for the true benefit of the people they claim to serve.

How does this relate to choosing spiritual guidance today?

This verse reminds us to carefully choose our sources of spiritual teaching by ensuring they are grounded in truth and genuinely care for our well-being.

What is the significance of Jesus identifying himself as the true shepherd?

By calling himself the true shepherd, Jesus emphasizes his role as the ultimate source of guidance and protection, which should be sought over all other false teachings or leaders.