Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

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“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God, the same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:1-3).

Why is it so difficult for people to understand that Jesus was and is God? In the first few verses of the Gospel of John, the deity of Christ is confirmed. This is a very basic truth and is stated throughout the Bible. In fact, the most blatant sign that a religious group is a cult is that they deny the deity of Christ. Jesus, the Word, existed “in the beginning”. When was that? Well, that’s before time began and He created all things.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

Compare Genesis 1:1 to John 1:1. Genesis tells us that before anything else existed, God existed. John 1:1 says that in the beginning was the Word (or in Greek, logos). Genesis tells us that God spoke and everything came into existence. John wrote: “The Word was with God and the Word was God and all things were made by Him.”

John makes it clear that Jesus is God. John goes on to say:

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

We know that there is only one God who has three distinct personalities…God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God the Son. He stepped into His creation to redeem what Adam lost.

A common statement heard from those who deny Christ’s deity is that He never said He was God. Well, yes He did. He said it many times. John wrote a lot about Jesus’ deity and in the first verses of his Gospel we see it very clearly. We also read in Revelation, which Jesus dictated to John, that Jesus said:

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).

Is this just a poetic thing to say? No, Jesus is stating that He was there in the beginning (He created everything) and He will be there at the end. The word in the Greek for “Almighty” is päntokrätōr which is defined as: 1) he who holds sway over all things. 2) the ruler of all. 3) almighty: God. This is a clear statement by Jesus that He is the beginning, the end, and God Almighty.

Now let’s look a little farther back in time. We all know the account of Moses and the burning bush. He saw a bush that was on fire, but was not consumed by that fire. He found that interesting and went to take a closer look. The LORD spoke to Moses from that bush. He told Moses to take off his shoes, for he was standing on holy ground.

“Moreover he said, ‘I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. ‘And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God” (Exodus 3:6).

From surrounding verses we know that the voice from the bush was a Theophany, an Old Testament appearance of Jesus. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him to set them free. Moses had many excuses as to why he couldn’t do what God asked, but when he ran out of excuses he asked God what he should say if they asked the name of the One who sent him.

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exodus 3:14).

God told Moses to tell the Israelites “I AM” sent him. He didn’t need any other name or description. Jesus used that name sometimes when talking to the Pharisees and they understood exactly what He meant. They knew He was proclaiming Himself to be God. For instance, after a long conversation recorded in John chapter 8, wherein the Jews accused Jesus of being conceived in fornication, Jesus said to them:

“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:56-58).

Just in case we don’t understand that Jesus was saying that He is God (I am), which is blasphemy to the Jews, the next verse says:

“Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:59).

The Jews understood exactly what Jesus meant when He said, “Before Abraham was, I am.” That is why they were so eager to stone Him. Jesus said He was God.

There are many more instances recorded by John wherein Jesus says that He is God. For instance in John chapter 10, Jesus was having another discussion with the Jews. When I say “discussion” I really mean heated argument. This one took place in Jerusalem and the Jews asked Him how long before He would tell them plainly if He was the Christ – in Greek it is “Christos” meaning the anointed one, the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus stated that He had told them but they didn’t believe Him, because they are not His sheep.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).

The Jewish leaders were not His sheep; only those who hear His voice and follow Him belong to Him. Then He finished His statement by saying egō kai patēr esmen heis, which is translated “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30).

To our English ears this sounds as if Jesus was saying that He and His Father had the same ways of doing things. This might have been a valid idea, except for the reaction of the Jews and the conversation, which followed.

“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, for a good work we stone thee not; buy for blasphemy, and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God” (John 10:31-33).

You see, the Jewish religious leaders knew exactly what Jesus was saying. If a mere man claimed to be God it was blasphemy and that was a stoning offence. They wanted to stone Him because He stated that He is God. There many other places where it is recorded that Jesus stated that He is God, and it is a worthwhile study.

Now, let’s look at His death on the cross. Under the Law there were many animal sacrifices to cover sin. None of them could take sin away.

“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:1-4).

God set up the animal sacrifices to foreshadow the once for all sacrifice, which Jesus would make on the Cross of Calvary. God never ever required human sacrifice. Never. Human sacrifice was practiced by pagans who worshipped Satan. They called their gods by various names, such as Baal, Molech, Kronos, etc. These false gods were satanic and demanded sacrifices of human blood. These demons are still around today. If Jesus Christ were a mere man then His death on the cross would have been a human sacrifice and unacceptable by God. On the other hand, since He is God His shed blood on the cross takes our sin away when we accept this free gift.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

John the Baptist knew that Jesus is God.

Jesus was fully God and fully man. Only the blood of God could take away sin completely, but He also had to be our kinsman (human) in order for His sacrifice to apply to us. According to Jewish Law if a man was forced to sell his possessions a kinsman, or close relative, could redeem it for him.

“If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold” (Leviticus 25:25).

The first man, Adam, sold his possession to Satan. Only a kinsman (another man) could redeem it. That is why God Himself had to step into His creation as a man in order to become our kinsman redeemer. He had to be fully God for His blood to be our once for all sacrifice. He also had to be fully human to be our Kinsman Redeemer.

Even the Prophets spoke of His deity.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

We’ve all seen this on Christmas cards, but have you really looked at it. It tells of the coming Messiah…Jesus. “A child is born”…a human virgin named Mary was impregnated by God the Holy Spirit and gave birth to a child. “A Son is given”…God gave His Son. Now look at the names “Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father. Jesus is God. He is our kinsman Redeemer. He is the Lamb of God, which takes away our sins. He is our once for all sacrifice. Neither the deity nor the humanity of Jesus is negotiable. If we diminish either He is unable to save us.

In Acts we read that Paul was concerned about the Ekklesia in Ephesus. He called the leaders of that congregation together and warned them:

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:28-30).

Notice that Paul says they are to “feed the church of God.” The King James translation says “church” but the real word is: “ekklēsia” which is the congregation, believers in Christ…Christians. Paul says this “Ekklesia of God” was purchased with God’s own blood. Yes, Jesus is God. Paul knew that false teachers would enter into the midst of the congregations and pervert the truth. He knew that many would follow their lies. Denying the deity of Christ is indeed “speaking perverse things.”

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

The translators inserted a word into the text that does not appear in the original Greek, and I also omitted it. They added the word “he” after “I am”. Once again Jesus stated that He is the “I AM” who spoke to Moses. Many people corrupt and pervert the truth of Christ’s deity. Don’t be one who believes the lies. Believe it, Jesus is God. The blood of bulls and goats cannot save you. Human sacrifice is abominable and cannot purchase salvation. Only Christ Jesus can accomplish that. Only God Himself gives eternal life. Believe it.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham

Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

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“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1).

It’s always important to look at context to understand any passage of Scripture, and parables are no exception. In this case we need to back up into the previous chapter and see what happened. Jesus had just healed a man who had been blind from birth and the Pharisees were angry. Oh, they aren’t mad that the man was healed, but they are mad that Jesus did it and that He healed him on the Sabbath.

“And he said unto them, the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28).

These religious leaders cared nothing about showing God’s love and mercy; they only cared that the letter of the Law and their precious traditions be followed. God ordained the Sabbath as a day for rest and not a day for rules. Don’t think that the inquiry which followed the healing were the Pharisees trying to find truth. No, they were trying to find evidence against Jesus.

When Jesus and His disciples had first encountered this blind man the disciples asked if this man or the man’s parents had sinned and caused the blindness.

“Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him” (John 9:3).

Our choice to sin can cause illness and suffering, but that wasn’t the case for this man. This man’s blindness was for a greater reason. Jesus healed this man in order that the power of God would be seen. When the Pharisees learned of the healing they interrogated this poor blind beggar. The man was healed, but the people around him just didn’t share his joy. We can learn much from the dialogue that took place between this once blind man and the still blind Pharisees.

These Pharisees, the esteemed religious leaders only wanted to condemn the miracle and thus condemn Jesus. The Pharisees held a place in society that was respected and feared by the Jews. The blind man was not intimidated by them and answered each of their questions with truth, even if the truth upset those religious legalists. He stood firm on what he knew and was not afraid to speak up, even though the truth resulted in him being kicked out of the synagogue…he was excommunicated.

“They answered and said unto him, “Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?” And they cast him out” (John 9:34).

Today we need to answer those who would condemn Jesus and His good works by answering questions honestly and standing on the truth. It may cost us a friendship or get us kicked out of a congregation, but God’s truth is more important than losing a friend or fellowship with those who will not hear truth. Peter and some other apostles were put into prison for teaching about Jesus. An angel set them free and they went right back to teaching about Jesus even though the high priest told them not to speak of Jesus. When caught they were once again brought before the high priest who reminded them they were not to speak about Jesus. Peter makes a statement, which we all need to heed.

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, ‘We ought to obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29).

How true! It is God we need to follow rather men.

When Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees about the healing, He told this parable of the sheepfold. It is directed towards those who claim to have the truth but who are actually false leaders who lead their flock away from God. The Pharisees thought they had truth, but they were blind to the real truth. The Law was given by God, but the Pharisees used it for their own gain. They used their position of leadership to control people and in pride they raised themselves to a position far above the common person.

They held strongly to the Law and the oral traditions and they controlled the people with fear. They left no room for God’s mercy. We see that same attitude today. Many religions have a list of things to do and things not to do. These lists exist in Christian denominations (Catholic, Episcopal, etc.), also in Islam, Mormonism, Hinduism, etc. Christ entered His creation to show us what truth is and to give us the only way of salvation, not to give us religion. If a man who has been blind from birth is healed that is a reason to praise God – even if it is on the Sabbath or on Sunday.

Throughout the Old Testament God is referred to as a Shepherd. We all know Psalm 23 but there are many other references. “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth” (Psalm 80:1).

This psalm refers to God as “O Shepherd of Israel.” We also see it in Isaiah:

“Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:10-11).

There is only one true Sheppard, and that is Jesus Christ. Many attempt to stake a claim to those sheep, which belong to Christ but they are claim jumpers.

There were two types of sheepfolds in Jesus’ time, and both are spoken of in this parable. First, there was a public one, usually in a village that was built to hold many flocks. At night the shepherds would lead their sheep into the sheepfold for protection. There was only one-way in or out with a guard stationed at the door by night to guard against predators…two-legged or four-legged.

“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out” (John 10:2-3).

These sheepfolds had only one door, so there was no way to escape through a side door. Anyone wanting the sheep to follow him would have to go through the only door, call his sheep, and then lead them out of the sheepfold. Only his own sheep would recognize their shepherd’s voice and follow him.

“And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers” (John 10:5).

This parable was specifically written about the Jews but we can apply it to our world today. There are many flocks in the sheepfold (the world) and many will follow the voice of those who lead to destruction.

“Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! The sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up and his right eye shall be utterly darkened” (Zechariah 11:17).

Some say this describes the Antichrist, but certainly this shepherd does not follow truth…he is the idol shepherd and those who follow his lies will be lead to destruction. On the other hand there are some, sheep who hear the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and follow Him…His true sheep know His voice and they will not follow an idol shepherd.

“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them” (John 10:7-8).

We now learn of a second sheepfold. This one is not for the public but is built for one flock. It still has only one door. That one door is Jesus.

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9).

Only Christians enter in and dwell in this sheepfold. We have heard the voice of Jesus and have followed Him out of the first sheepfold – out of the world and its evils – and now enter in to this second sheepfold only by Him.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

Indeed, Jesus gave His life for His sheep.

Because of His sacrifice, we who are His sheep hear His voice and have eternal life.

“I come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b).

The Good Shepherd leads His flock and He knows them all by name. This would be an impossible task for a mere man. Jesus is God and He knows each one in His flock by name, and He gives us abundant life.

The question you might ask is how do we know Jesus’ voice? We have the Bible.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

This passage was written to a young pastor, Timothy, as instructions from an older pastor, Paul in order for Timothy to better lead his flock. We are also told to search the Scriptures daily.

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

The Scripture referred to in these passages is the Old Testament, but we are blessed to have the New Testament today and we also know it is inspired by God. A Christian who does not study the Bible doesn’t know the Shepherd’s voice. Pastors are a subset of the good shepherd concept and need to lead their congregations in the study of Scripture, not a watered down run through of a verse or two, but a deep study. Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd of which He holds exclusive title, but pastors also have a responsibility to their flock.

Like Timothy they are doing what they are called to do by God. It’s not just a preaching job. The title of pastor means he will be as Jesus is, he will sacrifice for his flock; he leads them and cares for them. They know him and he knows them. He will not be a hireling who pleases the world, but one who pleases the Good Shepherd. In a sense, each Christian is a shepherd. We need to care about each other and we need to help our brethren learn to follow the Good Shepherd’s voice more clearly.

Jesus laid down His life for His sheep, the Jews, but more were added to the sheepfold of Christ.

“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:16).

Gentiles were also added to the fold and we have one Shepherd.

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).

Jesus Christ is the only door into the sheepfold and salvation.

Do you know the Good Shepherd? Do you hear His voice? Hear Him and follow Him out of the sheepfold of the world and into His sheepfold of salvation. If you are following an “idol shepherd” you need to learn the truth and follow the Good Shepherd. Don’t wait another minute to enter the sheepfold where Jesus Christ is the door. If you have questions there is a Christian near you who would love to teach you the truth and bring you into the sheepfold where Jesus is the only door.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

God bless you all,

Ron Graham