Imagine standing in a sunlit pasture, surrounded by sheep, as Jesus speaks of His deep connection with them. In John 10, He unveils the beautiful metaphor of the Good Shepherd, describing how He knows His sheep and cares for them profoundly. This chapter invites us to explore the rich relationship we can have with Him.
The Reading: John 10
World English Bible1 “Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
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2 But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
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3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.
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4 Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
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5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers.”
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6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn’t understand what he was telling them.
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7 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door.
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8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them.
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9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.
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10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
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11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
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12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them.
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13 The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn’t care for the sheep.
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14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own;
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15 even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.
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16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.
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17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.
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18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”
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19 Therefore a division arose again among the Jews because of these words.
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20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane! Why do you listen to him?”
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21 Others said, “These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It isn’t possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?”
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22 It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem.
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23 It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.
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24 The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, “How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
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25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you don’t believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, these testify about me.
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26 But you don’t believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you.
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27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
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28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
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29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
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30 I and the Father are one.”
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31 Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him.
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32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?”
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33 The Jews answered him, “We don’t stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
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34 Jesus answered them, “Isn’t it written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods?’
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35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture can’t be broken),
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36 do you say of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God?’
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37 If I don’t do the works of my Father, don’t believe me.
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38 But if I do them, though you don’t believe me, believe the works; that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
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39 They sought again to seize him, and he went out of their hand.
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40 He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was baptizing at first, and there he stayed.
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41 Many came to him. They said, “John indeed did no sign, but everything that John said about this man is true.”
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42 Many believed in him there.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Sheep and the Shepherd
In John 10, Jesus opens with a vivid image familiar to His audience: a sheepfold. He tells them that anyone who tries to sneak into the fold without going through the gate is a thief or a robber. The true shepherd, however, enters through the door, and the gatekeeper recognizes him, allowing him to lead his sheep out. This sets the stage for a deeper teaching.
The Voice of the Shepherd
Jesus explains that His sheep know His voice and follow Him because they recognize him. They will not follow a stranger, as they are attuned to the voice of their shepherd. This emphasizes the intimate relationship Jesus has with His followers - they trust Him and respond to His guidance.
The Door and the Abundant Life
Jesus then makes a powerful declaration: "I am the door." He invites all to enter through Him for safety, nourishment, and life. He contrasts Himself with the thief, who comes to harm, while He offers life in abundance. The chapter emphasizes that Jesus is not just a leader but the protector who lays down His life for His sheep.
The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice
Jesus reiterates His identity as the Good Shepherd, who knows His own and is known by them. His commitment is so profound that He willingly lays down His life for them. He even mentions other sheep not of this fold, pointing to His mission to unify all under one shepherd.
The Divided Response
As Jesus continues, He speaks boldly about His unity with the Father. This prompts a divided response among the Jews - some believe while others accuse Him of blasphemy. Faced with hostility, Jesus encourages them to believe based on His works if they struggle with His claims.
A Journey Beyond
The chapter concludes with Jesus retreating beyond the Jordan, where many find Him and affirm the truth of His message. It's a moment that invites readers to ponder their own responses to His call.
Why It Matters
Understanding Our Shepherd
John 10 teaches us the profound nature of Jesus' love and protection. Just as sheep rely on their shepherd, we are invited to trust in His guidance and care. His voice leads us towards safety and abundance, reminding us that we are known and valued.
The Call to Follow
This chapter urges us to examine our own lives. Are we attentive to His voice? In a world filled with distractions and competing calls, it's essential to cultivate our relationship with Jesus, recognizing His invitation to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Finding Community
Jesus' mention of other sheep highlights His desire for unity among all believers. It reminds us that our faith journey is not solitary; we are called to be part of a community. If you're seeking a place to grow and connect with others, the Sancta app can help you find a church near you where you can explore faith with others.
Living Abundantly
The promise of abundant life is not just about physical well-being; it encompasses peace, purpose, and hope. As we lean into our relationship with Jesus, we experience the fullness of life that He offers, despite the challenges we may face.
Coming Up Next: John 11
In our next part of the journey through John 11, we witness a powerful moment as Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Prepare for a story that challenges our understanding of life, death, and the miraculous power of faith.