Lessons from Chapter 10
1) The first part is described as a parable but it is more of a description of how the sheep are kept.
2) In the section called the good shepherd he is the door through which the sheep find safety.
3) There is, in verse 11 to 15 a contrast between Jesus and the Pharisees who are viewed as the gatekeeper not concerned about the sheep.
4) Christ as the good shepherd is willing to put his life before the sheep an reference to what is to happen.
5) There is continued debate as to who Jesus is.
John 10
The Parable of the Shepherd
Jesus started by saying he was telling the truth. A man who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate is a thief. The shepherd opens the gate and the sheep here his voice and follow him. They do not follow someone else’s voice but run away. Those who heard this did not understand.
Jesus the Good Shepherd
Jesus said he was the gate. The others who came before me were robbers. Those who hear me will be saved. Robbers only come to steal and kill; I come so you might have life in its fullness.
I am the good shepherd who is willing to die for his sheep. When a wolf comes a hired man runs and leaves the sheep to be scattered as he does not care for his sheep. As my father knows me and I know him, I know my sheep and will die for them. There are sheep not in the sheepfold which will hear my voice and will come. One flock one shepherd.
The Father loves me so that I may give my life up so that I may get it back. This confused many. Some thought he was a demon while others did not.
Jesus is Rejected
When Jesus was walking in Solomon’s Porch a crowd gathered around him asked if he would plainly state if he was the Messiah? And Jesus said he had explained but as they were not his sheep they did not hear.
But they picked up stones and threw them at Him. And He asked why they stoned Him? They said not for his good deeds but because blasphemy. He was only a man and he was trying to make himself God.
But Jesus referred them to scripture which said that for those whom the message were given, God called them Gods? Since the Father chooses me to come into the world how can you say I blaspheme? If you cannot believe in me believe then believe in my deeds so that you may know the Father is within me
Then again they tried to seize them but he eluded their grasp. He crossed the Jordan and many followed Him.