“All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the Door: by Me if anyone enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief does not come but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd: The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” – (John 10:8-11)
Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees with good reason. Thieves have a personal ambition to take what belongs to others for themselves. The Pharisees stole honor that belonged to God alone: they wanted to be revered. They killed faith in Christ (which logically concluded that Jesus’ miracles and authority of the Scriptures proved He was the Messiah) because they wanted to be the source of knowledge. They destroyed the lives and reputations of those who wouldn’t bow to their tyranny, because they loved absolute authority.
The robber, while also stealing for gain, also holds a deep hatred for the people they inflict. They delight in doing bodily harm. Jesus used this word in the parable of the Good Samaritan when robbers stripped the traveling Jew of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Today we still endure thieves and robbers. But now we understand the omission, and the distinction, when Jesus applies only one of these words to Himself… “Behold, I return as a thief. Blessed is the one who watches…” (Revelation 16:15). He will take back His stolen honor, He will resurrect faith all over the world, and to His authority, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that He is LORD of all.
Maranatha!
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