John 10
The True Shepherd
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 …
Rejected by the Religious Leaders
Bible scholars say that approximately two months had passed between the previous account and these events. The “feast of the dedication†(Hanukkah) (v. 22) takes place in December, which is near the time when we celebrate our Christmas. This feast celebrates the reded …
Renewed Efforts to Stone Jesus
Angered that Jesus would claim equality with the Father, these Jews “took up stones to kill Him†(v. 31). Jesus asks why his good work deserved such cruel treatment (v. 32). They claimed that they did not have a problem with His works. They objected to Him, a mere man, claiming to be …
The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep
The Pharisees were strangers, but Christ knows His sheep (vv. 14-16). Christ has a relationship with the sheep similar to His relationship with His Father. Jesus will bring other sheep (both Jews and Gentiles) into his flock (v. 16). Jesus will take up his life again. His death will be followed by …