Posted on October 7, 2026 Posted By: Jenni Nikolakakis Categories: Message Notes, Weekly Program

Believe! The Gospel of John

WK 30 – “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”

John 10:1-21 NASB

October 11, 2026

Justin Scarberry

“The sheep follow him because they know his voice…”

– John 10:1-6

Jesus used local examples to help illustrate various spiritual
The shepherd accompanied the flock to protect it from outside dangers.
In some areas, there were large pens that fit several flocks inside.
Each morning, shepherds would call each of their flocks out of the pen.

“Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.”

– John 10:7

They had areas to protect sheep at night; either a cave or a corral.
At night, the shepherd would lead the animals into the cave or the corral.
The shepherd would block the entrance; in essence, his body was the door.
He would protect the flock from danger and keep the flock together.
“I am the door of the sheep.” = Jesus is the only way to heaven. Period.

“I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.”

– John 10:8-10

We can only enter into an eternity in heaven through
We “will be saved” through our belief in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us.
“Thieves and robbers” – a direct shot at the Pharisees. (Matthew 23:4)
Thieves and robbers are those who lead us away from the truth of Jesus.
“Have life abundantly” – God loves to bless His children (James 1:17), but God chooses to bless those He wants to bless (Exodus 33:19).
It’s important to be content in “any and every situation.” – Philippians 4:11-12
How to be content: Through Jesus who gives us strength. – Philippians 4:13

“I am the good shepherd”

– John 10:11

Jesus was giving them a prophecy about His future (6 months away).
He would lay down His life (on the cross) for the sheep (everyone!).

**“The wolf snatches them and scatters the flock.”**

– John 10:12-13

Satan will try to break up and scatter the flock. Satan divides!
Watch out for “wolves in sheep’s clothing!” – Matthew 7:15
We need to “bear with each other” and “forgive.” – Colossians 3:12-15

“I know My own, and My own know Me”

– John 10:14-15

A very important statement from our Good Shepherd; We can know Jesus, but does He know us?
When we have the Spirit of God living inside us, we listen to the Spirit’s prompting in our lives, we start to emulate Jesus’ unselfish love in our lives, and we start to do what God wants us to do.

**“They will become one flock, with one shepherd.”**

– John 10:16

“Not of this fold” – people who are not Jewish.
The church belongs to Jesus; one flock with our One Shepherd.
Listen for the “gentle whisper”, or “still small” – 1 Kings 19:11-12

“No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own.”

– John 10:17-18

Who killed Jesus? – Jesus did!
He chose to come to the earth and live just like we all live and die for the sins of the world. He laid down His life so that we can have life, and have it more abundantly, both on this side of heaven and when we are with Him for eternity.

Dissension occurred again… because of these words.

– John 10:19-21

Some said He was demon-possessed while others looked at Him logically.
Jesus is either God in human flesh who died for the sins of the world or He is “insane.”
It’s a decision we all have to make!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Jesus died for the sins of the world.

He is the only “door” to heaven!

He is inviting you to join His fold; to be a part of His flock.

Will you answer that call?

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Colossians 3:12 NIV

¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Read John 10:1-6, what is a figure of speech (verse 6)? What is meant by the figure of speech in these verses?
What is the significance of sheep in the Bible?
Read John 10:7-11, why does Jesus say “Truly, truly….” several times in the Bible? What does it mean when Jesus says, “I am the door of the sheep.”? Who are the “thieves and robbers” in verse 8?
What does it mean in verse 10 to “have life, and have it abundantly”? Does God bless all of His children in the same way? Why or why not?
Read Philippians 4:13, who is it that Paul says, “him who gives me strength.”? Can we use this verse to do anything we want? Why or why not?
Read John 10:12-16, what is the significance of wolves in the Bible? If you wanted to look up all the verse that talk about wolves, how could you do it? Who are the “other sheep” Jesus talks about in verse 16?
Who was Elijah in the Bible? What are some of his successes? What issue did he run into later in life?
Read John 10:17-21, who killed Jesus? What are some ways we can deal with division in the church? Can we have different opinions about things in the Bible and still maintain fellowship? What are some ways we can express an alternative opinion?

October 11, 2026 Sermon Notes and Questions