Imagine a sunlit pasture filled with sheep, each one knowing its shepherd's voice. In John 10, Jesus paints this vivid picture to explain his relationship with us.
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
In this chapter, Jesus shares a parable about sheep, shepherds, and thieves. He begins by saying that anyone who tries to get to the sheep without going through the door is a thief. This door represents him, and it's through him that the sheep find safety and sustenance.
The Good Shepherd
Jesus claims, "I am the door" for the sheep, emphasizing that anyone who enters through him will find safety and nourishment. He contrasts himself with thieves whose only intent is to steal and destroy, asserting that he came to give life in abundance.
He refers to himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, demonstrating his deep commitment and love. Unlike a hired hand who might abandon the sheep in the face of danger, Jesus stresses that he knows each sheep personally and is willing to sacrifice himself for their safety.
A Call to Belief
As the conversation continues, the religious leaders struggle to understand his words, leading to division among them. Some dismiss him as insane, while others recognize the truth in his actions, especially the miracles he performs, like healing the blind. Jesus insists that his authority comes from his unity with the Father, implying that to know him is to know God.
The chapter concludes with Jesus moving beyond the Jordan, where many believe in him, recognizing him as the one John spoke about. This shows that even amid opposition, his message resonates and draws people in.
Why It Matters
Hearing the Shepherd's Voice
John 10 teaches us about the importance of recognizing the voice of Jesus in our lives. Just as sheep follow their shepherd, we are called to listen for Christ amidst the chaos of our world. This chapter invites us to discern his voice among the many distractions we face daily.
Abundant Life
Jesus' promise of abundant life encourages us to seek fulfillment through him. He offers not just survival but a rich, full life that brings peace and purpose. This is a reminder that faith is not about restrictions but about experiencing true freedom and joy.
Finding Community
In our journey of faith, it's essential to be part of a community of believers. As Jesus mentions having other sheep who will hear his voice, it showcases the inclusive nature of his mission. No matter where you are, consider connecting with a local church to walk alongside others in faith. You can find a church near you to explore this together.
Coming Up Next: John 11
In the next chapter, John 11, we will witness one of Jesus' most astonishing miracles as he raises Lazarus from the dead. This powerful story will deepen our understanding of life, death, and the hope we find in Christ.