Notes on the Gospel of John: Chapter 10

Why sheep? Why shepherd?

They connect with the audience – many of whom were shepherds and those who weren’t would certainly understand the analogy.

Again, it’s no coincidence. The prophet Ezekiel declared that the Messiah would come like a shepherd to lead His people.

This portion of John comes as close to being Parable as anything else in John but it doesn’t quite have the narrative structure that the parables in the other Gospels have.

Who is the gate?

Jesus. He is the one who allows sheep in and out. He is the one who protects the sheep from the bad guys, from the stormy weather. He is the one who keeps them together and safe – again a Messianic allusion to the fact that the Messiah will gather all of His “sheep” and make them as one.

Who is the shepherd? Well. . .not just any shepherd but the good shepherd?

Again, it’s Jesus. Verses 14-18 are beautiful testimonies to Jesus’ grace and mercy. As the good shepherd, He will lay down His life for His sheep. He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. He will not abandon His sheep.

Clearly this is an allusion to Jesus’ own upcoming death on behalf of His flock.

Who are the thieves and bandits?

We could spend time discussing who Jesus is specifically referring to here (I think we all have a good guess based on our study of the Gospel) but let’s suffice it to say this: The thief is anyone who is not Jesus.

Who are the other sheep?

The common belief here is that these are non-Jews. Yes, you and me.

Upon saying all this, Jesus again divides those who hear – just like He does today. Some believe. Some think He is demon-possessed.

And, again, He hammers home a now consistent theme in verse 30: “I and the Father are one.”

I like the mental picture I get in verses 31-33 when the people around Jesus prepare to stone Him and He says: “You are going to stone me for performing miracles?” And they answer: “Oh, no, not for that but for blasphemy.” It all sounds so cordial when read in the scripture. But you know it had to be an incredibly tense situation.

Amen.