10.1 Intentions Matter
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Setting the Stage: Understanding the Backdrop
One of the highlights of growing up in my small hometown was going to the movies at the Ilex Theater. The single-screen theater showed a different weekly film, but only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Saturday was my day, and I called it going to the “picture show” and, sometimes, “the show.”
I grew up at the Ilex, going from Tom and Jerry to John Wayne to James Bond. It's where I learned to hold my girlfriend’s hand.
All day Saturday, there was the wondrous repetition of cartoons, previews, and feature films, followed immediately by the same cartoons, previews, and feature films. I don't ever remember checking the start time of any movie. I just went when I could and watched until I could safely say, "This is where I came in!”
In today's segment, we're starting chapter 10 of John's story, but if we jump right in, it’ll be like walking in the middle of the movie without seeing the beginning or starting Outlander in season four. We’ll miss the genius of Jesus’ words if we don't hear the echoes of the previous chapters underneath them: turning over the money changers’ tables, Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, healing on the Sabbath, feeding the 5000, the adulterous woman, and now the man born blind.
These stories are like little waves leading to the tsunami of truth found in this chapter.
The Pharisees and Their Blindness to Truth
It begins as Jesus confronts the Pharisees, who have questioned and dismissed the formerly blind man. The dialogue goes like this: Jesus says, “I’m here so the blind might see.” The Pharisees say, “We’re not blind; we see." Jesus says, “Therefore, your sin remains.” Their wide-open, unseeing eyes are demanding, “Where have we sinned? What have we done wrong? Where have we missed the mark?” They are so deeply invested in their religion and culture that they can't imagine, let alone see, their errors.
Tradition vs. Truth: The Danger of Clinging to the Past
It happens in many different religions. Somewhere along the way, the leaders stop seeking truth and focus on conformity and compliance with their ancestors’ understanding of the truth, even if it’s outdated. Even when the truth becomes evident, these leaders close their eyes and hum their ancient mantra, clinging to the security of the past like a childhood “blankie.” Living, breathing truth passed down orally in glorious self-adapting stories becomes written down, canonized, and recited in unchanging creeds.
To my children, grandchildren, and their children: whenever you notice a desire to return to the past, consider it a warning light signaling time to go within and seek the truth as it applies to your current situation. It takes courage, but it's worth it.
Jesus would say,
"Don't give me that old-time religion because it's not good enough for me.”
Jesus, on the other hand, cannot imagine a person who does not actively seek a living truth. He said, ”I am the truth,” which meant I am being the truth, living the truth, and starting fresh with each new day. He came on the scene, declaring, “Change your thinking, and do as I do.” He constantly admonished everyone to ask, seek, knock, and know the truth and its freedom - to live a life of daily discovery.
With these thoughts in mind, I'm finally ready to move into chapter 10, where Jesus responds with a well-known story. However, this time, I want to avoid connecting the familiar dots: I am the sheep, Jesus is the shepherd, and the devil is the thief. Instead, I notice how Jesus provides a stark contrast between two people charged with the tender responsibility of the souls of others—a good shepherd and a bad shepherd.
Leadership According to Jesus: The Good Shepherd vs. The Bandit
As I get ready to sidle up beside Jesus and start pointing fingers at the Pharisees, I'm reminded that this story is not for them alone, any more than "Love thy neighbor" was meant for its immediate audience only. His fable contains a timeless truth for leaders of all shapes and colors: Pharisees, parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, CEOs, ship captains, plane pilots, and others. It's for anyone who bears the temporary responsibility for another person.
Let’s begin his response to their questions, "Where have we gone wrong, sinned, or missed the mark? What is it we’re not seeing?”
10:1 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
The Power of Intention in Leadership
Why does Jesus start with the entrance? Because the entrance indicates my intentions, and for Jesus, intentions are everything. Intentions are the starting line for thoughts, ideas, actions, habits, and character. He would say, "What's in the heart that counts!” Here, they only come in two flavors: good and bad. Am I a good leader or a bad leader?
To personalize it, let me stand with the Pharisees and hear the story through a parent's ears. (but I could substitute any leadership role.) Shepherd or Bandit? Am I a good parent or a bad parent? Jesus is asking me to question my intentions continually. Is my heart turned toward them or me? Do I actively look out for my children's interests, or are they a means (or hindrance) to an end—my success? Do I call them by name in my silence and think, "How can I enhance their lives?” Do they sense my good intentions when I speak to them, "hear my voice,” and respond accordingly?
Even though I like to view things on a continuum, on a scale of 1 to 10, Jesus focuses on the extremes at each end to awaken our consciousness. There are two kinds of leaders in this world: those who look out for their interests and those who look out for the individual interests of those they lead. It's black and white, either or—either walk openly through the gate or sneak in another way. Throughout my career, I have known those who truly cared for the growth of those they managed and those whose primary concern was their career and success.
Jesus paints a beautiful picture of authentic leadership. There are no tricks, deceit, or force, just a deep recognition between the teacher and the student.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.”
Jesus continues answering the questions on their minds and faces. "Where have we missed the mark? What is it we’re not seeing? Why are so many following you?” He goes on with the story.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Voice Recognition: Following Leaders with Heart-Centered Intentions
First things first: Sheep don't understand Hebrew or any language. They rely solely on voice recognition and resonance. Their survival depends on interpreting the intentions of the one calling, so they listen with their hearts for that resonance deep within. Recognition leads to following; non-recognition leads to fleeing.
I get this! I do the same thing when someone rings the doorbell. Answering the door, I'm busy picking up visual and verbal cues to determine whether to continue with this person, invite them in, or quickly end the conversation and close the door. I have worked for and, therefore, followed people whose intentions were servant-based and also those whose intentions were self-based. Just like the sheep, my heart knew the difference.
Brené Brown put it nicely: “Trust is earned in the smallest of moments. It is earned not through heroic deeds or even highly visible actions, but through paying attention, listening, and gestures of genuine care and connection.”
In her latest book, Atlas of the Heart, she defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” That reminds me of the old proverb, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Shepherd or Bandit? Good leader or Bad? Good parent or Bad? I love that about Jesus’ teaching. He provides a clear standard to measure yourself and enables immediate adjustments. The ancient text said, "Repent and follow me.” Today, I hear him say, "Change your thinking, Alan, and do as I do. Allow my thoughts to become your ideas, actions, habits, and character.” Regarding parenting and any leadership, I should transform “What's in It for Me” into how I can enhance the lives of those for whom I am responsible.
The Gate as a Metaphor for Authentic Living and Leading
Now that Jesus has taught about leadership, he twists his metaphor to answer their question, “Why are so many following you - and not us?”
7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
The Gate. This indicates "the way," the way to lead, parent, and live. By "being the gate,” Jesus says he is also "being the way.” Unlike these leaders, he is not telling how to live but living how to live. He’s turning over the money changers’ tables, engaging the Samaritan woman, feeding the hungry, freeing the adulterous woman, and now healing the man born blind on the Sabbath. Those who "enter by Jesus" or live the way he lived will be saved from the effects of bad leadership. They will discover what had to sound like the “good life” for a sheep, coming in for protection and going out for nourishment. Still waters, green pastures, rod and staff. What else could a sheep want?
Abundant Life: The Impact of True Leadership
Jesus’ listeners understood the meaning of the story. The Pharisees were told that coercive leadership, with its suppressive regulations, was stealing joy, killing the spirit, and destroying the followers' hope. That's why so many are leaving them and coming through his gate, living his way, regaining joy, rekindling spirit, and rediscovering hope - all elements of an abundant life, where “surely goodness and mercy will follow.”.
What is this story not about? It’s not about “there and then” or “heaven when you die,” but about life today, tomorrow, and all the following days—more about that in the next segment.
Before we quickly hit the key takeaways, a sidenote to my grandchildren and their children: Numerous wandering rabbis were likely traveling in Israel, attracting followers, and promoting an anti-temple establishment message. How do I know? The first sign is the number of temple enforcers always present, indicating a high threat level, much like a significant police presence signals a high crime rate area. Those listening to Jesus have listened to many, and he is giving them a method to identify a true leader. Seek someone transparent who prioritizes your best interests rather than someone only concerned with their own gain. Don’t follow because"the Bible tells me so,” but because your spirit tells you so. Listen for that silent resonance in your heart.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Context: The stories leading up to John 10, including the healing of the blind man and encounters with various people, set the stage for Jesus’ teachings on leadership and truth.
Intentions Matter: Whether self-serving or others-centered, my intentions determine my legitimacy and the well-being of those I lead.
Voice Recognition: Just as sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice, followers respond to leaders who genuinely care for them. Trust and leadership are deeply relational.
