š Jesus: The Good Shepherd (John 10)
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Dive into one of the most beloved and enduring images in church history: Jesus as the Good Shepherd. This passage from John 10 reveals not just what Jesus is (Creator, Son of God), but who He isāa humble, hardworking, gentle, and intentional Shepherd.
A Beloved Image: The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd has been popular and enduring throughout the ages, often appearing in Christian art and even early Christian tombs.
The Person of Christ Over Abstraction: The imagery puts "flesh and blood" on the idea of Jesus, reminding us that He is not an abstract notion, but a living, breathing person with whom we have a personal relationship. The goal of teaching the Word is always to get to Jesus, the person, and his work, not just to focus on action points or theological concepts as ends in themselves.
The Parable of the Sheepfold: Jesus uses the common illustration of the shepherd, the sheepfold, the door, and the thieves/robbers to teach an important truth.
The Door: Jesus explicitly states, "I am the door". This means He is the only lawful access point to life, salvation, and the knowledge of God.
The Shepherd's Call: The shepherd knows his own sheep by name and leads them out to abundant life. The sheep follow Him because they know His voice, and they will flee from the voice of a stranger.
The Threat: The flock faces real threats from wild animals (like wolves and lions) and thieves/robbers who seek to steal, kill, and destroy. The hired hand flees, but the Good Shepherd stands His ground.
Life Abundant: Jesus came so His sheep "may have life and have it abundantly". This "abundant life" is not just everlasting (life without end), but qualitative lifeālimitless in scope and depth, which is participation in the very life of God.
What Makes Jesus the Good Shepherd?
He calls His own by name.
He is the only lawful access to life (the Door).
He gives abundant life.
He stands guard against the enemy.
He lays down His life for the sheep.
John Chapter 9: Chapter 10 explains the previous events. The fold is Israel, and the man born blind (and healed) is a lost sheep pursued and found by the Good Shepherd. The Jewish authorities, who should have been the under-shepherds, acted as thieves and robbers by rejecting the true Shepherd and casting out the healed man.
Old Testament Imagery: The shepherd imagery carries royal undertones in antiquity (Pharaohs and kings claimed the title). Most importantly, it overtly "screamed of biblical imagery" , as the title was most often applied to Yahweh (God) Himself in passages like Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34.
Scripture Reference: John 10:1-18 (Focus on verses 1-14)
If you have not believed, why not believe today? Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone, He alone who is Savior, so that you might have life and life abundantly.
