John 10:1-18

This past week in our L3 readings, we have been reading through John 10 and John 11, and we have been getting a clearer picture of who Jesus really is. In one section of these readings, Jesus used the analogy of a shepherd to describe Himself, as well as others who would try to fill His role for His people. In this post, we will examine some of the imagery that Jesus uses, so that we can better understand what He means when He calls Himself the "Good Shepherd."

The Shepherd

The first and dominant image Jesus uses is that of the shepherd. In relationship to the sheep, the shepherd is the sole source of guidance and provision for the sheep. Sheep are lost without their shepherd telling them where to find food and providing shelter for them. They are truly helpless on their own.

Another related image we see early in this passage is that of the sheepfold. It was usually made of stones or branches (as in the image above) to provide protection from predators or thieves during the night. Many times it was even in a cave with these elements set up in front. In this protective barrier, the shepherd would often leave a gap, or "door," through which the sheep and the shepherd would enter and exit. We will focus more on this aspect later, but Jesus' point at the beginning is that the real shepherd enters and exits by the door, which is the right way. Anyone else would have to break in or use some other way of entering, which would not be the proper way. It would reveal them as false shepherds, or worse.

In 10:3-5, Jesus also refers to His sheep knowing His voice. This is a testament to how sheep connected with their shepherd. Sometimes several flocks of sheep would reside in one pen overnight, and a shepherd's sheep recognize his voice so well that they would follow only when he would call. If anyone would even try to imitate their shepherd's voice, they would scatter in fear. Their attachment to their own shepherd is truly uncanny.

Also, as the true Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus says that He lays His life down for the sheep. He was willing to die to rescue them from danger. He would give up His own life for their benefit. His love for His sheep knows no limit, and He would spare no expense of Himself to save them.

Thieves and Robbers

The next image is that of thieves and robbers, which have very specific meanings, respectively. Both of these are contrasts to His role as the Shepherd for His people. According to A "thief" here means someone to deceives or tricks the prey. A "robber" implies violence and and plundering (from "The Expositor's Bible Commentary" on John). In each case, those who would try to come to the sheep by some other, improper means come only for one purpose: harm to the sheep.

The Door

The third main image is that of the door (some translations use "gate"). When Jesus used this word, He was referring to a specific practice of the shepherds of His day. Once all of a shepherd's sheep were in the sheepfold for the night, and he was sure his pen was secure, he would lay down in the gap at the entrance and literally be the "door." If anything was going to enter the sheepfold, it would have to go through him. To come into the fold, we literally have to go through Jesus.

The Hired Hand

The last major image that Jesus uses is that of the hired hand. This is the second image that He uses as a contrast to Himself. Jesus is probably referring to the religious leaders here. These leaders do not have ill-will for the sheep, and may guide them to provision and protection, but they are certainly more concerned with their own well-being than that of the sheep. They will not risk their own lives for the sake of the sheep. When trials come, they will run and leave the sheep to fend for themselves.

The Bottom Line

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the one who cares most for us and knows how to lead us and guide us through life. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and cares deeply for us. He is the one who laid down His own life willingly for our benefit and salvation. He laid down His own life to rescue us, and He has taken His life up again by His own authority, and He reigns forever as our Good Shepherd.

May we each trust in His care and love for us. May we know His voice and hear Him when He calls us and leads us. May we trust in His life, death, and resurrection on our behalf, so that we may live with Him forever, with a quality of life beyond imagination.

In the Son,

Bill Horn
FBC Worship & Arts Pastor