John 7:25-39
Blinded to The Truth
John 7:40-53
Divided Opinions About Jesus
John 8:1-11
Jesus Forgives The Adulterous Women
John 8:12-30
Jesus Predicts His Death
John 8:31-38
The Truth Will Set You Free
John 8:39-47
You Are of Your Father The Devil
John 8:48-59
Jesus’ Claims To His Identity
John 9:1-12
Contentment in Any Circumstance
John 9:13-23
Trouble with the Jewish Leaders
John 9:24-34
The Testimony of the Healed Man
John 9:35-41
The Pharisees Blindless
John 10:1-13
The True Shepherd
John 10:14-30
The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep
John 10:22-30
Rejected by the Religious Leaders
John 10:31-42
Renewed Efforts to Stone Jesus
John 11:1-6
News of Lazarus’ Death
John 11:7-16
The Disciples Warn Jesus About Going to Judea
John 11:17-27
Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha
John 11:28-37
Emotions of Jesus
John 11:38-44
Jesus Calls Lazarus Forth From the Grave
John 11:45-52
The Sanhedrin plot to kill Jesus
John 11:53-57
The People arrive for the Passover
John 12:1-11
Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet
John 12:12-19
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
John 12:20-26
Some Greeks Seek Jesus
John 12:27-36
Jesus Predicts His Death
John 12:37-50
Hardened Hearts and the Fear of Man
John 13:1-11
Humbleness, Holiness and Happiness
John 13:12-20
Happiness Comes by Serving Others
The True Shepherd
John 10:1–13
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
A father was telling his young son the story of a young lamb that one day found a hole in the fence and wandered away from the fold. He told of the terrors and dangers faced by the sheep. He told of how the shepherd went out into the cold, stormy night seeking the lamb, and of th … More
Jesus opens this passage with an illustration, one that every listener would have understood. Thieves and robbers attempt to enter the sheepfold by climbing over the wall. A sheepfold normally consisted of four walls of stone, with one door and no roof. The fold is Israel (v. 16), and the thieves are the Jewish leaders who were trying to lead Israel while avoiding Christ, the door (v. 1). A true leader enters by the door and is the only shepherd of the sheep (vv. 2-4). The true shepherdhas a unique relationship with his sheep. He calls them by name and goes before them. The sheep hear his voice and follow Him. They will never follow a stranger, choosing to flee instead, because they don’t recognize their voice (v. 5). The Pharisees did not understand this illustration (v. 6).
Christ explained, “I am the door.” The shepherd would guard his flock at night by lying across the opening. He was the only entrance into the fold (vv. 7-8). The Scribes and Pharisees attempted to enter the fold without using the door. Again, Jesus emphasized that He is the door (vv. 9-10). If any man enters in, he will be saved and find pasture (v. 10) referring to abundant life or the constant nourishment necessary to maintain life. The scribes and Pharisees steal, kill, and destroy. The True Shepherd came to save the sheep, but the false shepherds take advantage of them. Christ gives life (salvation) and gives it abundantly (v. 10). Besides being the only door into the sheepfold, Christ is also the good shepherd (v. 11). He is good because He gives his life for the benefit of the sheep (Ps 23). Jesus is contrasted with the false shepherds who oversaw the Jewish religion of that day. The scribes were merely hirelings who had no true love and concern for the welfare of the sheep (vv. 12-13). In the moment of danger, hirelings run away.
Application
A shepherd is out in front leading his sheep and not behind driving them. Jesus is a good shepherd who does not drive His sheep but goes before them and they follow Him. In my leadership responsibilities I want to be in front with a banner and not behind with a whip.
John 10:1-13 (English Standard Version)
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View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »