One of the central features of John’s Gospel is his emphasis on Jesus’ “I AM” statements. These are seven statements that Jesus makes about Himself that reveal who He is as the divine Son of God and His redemptive plan for the world. In previous chapters, we have seen two of these statements: “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35) and “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12). John 10 introduces us to two additional “I AM” statements that Jesus makes about Himself: “I am the Door” and “I am the Good Shepherd.”
Jesus describes Himself as the Door and the Good Shepherd to not only explain the nature of salvation and His role in the life of the believer, but also to expose the false teachings of the Jewish leaders. He begins by painting a picture of sheep enclosure. Jesus often describes humanity in its sinful, fallen state as “sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Without Christ, we are lost in our sin and vulnerable to Satan, who is described as a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The enclosure provides safety, security, and rest for the sheep – a metaphor for the salvation and promise of eternal life that we can only have through Christ. Note that this enclosure has only one door. It is only through Jesus that one can be saved from sin and have the hope of redemption and a reconciled relationship with the Father. There is no other way.
Jesus then describes Himself as the Good Shepherd to illustrate how He saves. Just as a shepherd knows each of his sheep, Jesus knows each one of us and calls us to draw near to Him. All we as His sheep must do is to simply hear His voice and follow Him. Sheep are helpless and can do nothing to save themselves when in danger. They are completely reliant on the protection and care of their shepherd. And just as a shepherd would risk his life to protect and care for his sheep, Jesus says that He “gives His life for the sheep.” Here He is referring to His death and ultimate resurrection, further explained in verses 17-18 that He lays down His life for the sheep and takes it up again. Jesus as the divine Son of God has the power over life and death, and through Him we have victory over the latter both physically and spiritually. Moreover, Jesus’ salvation plan is not for a select few. He intends that all would be saved. This is evidence in verse 16 when Jesus refers to sheep “that are not of this fold,” indicating that salvation is for both the Jewish people as well as for the Gentiles. While the Good Shepherd calls everyone to salvation, it is our responsibility to listen and follow His voice.
Jesus describes the Jewish leaders as thieves and hirelings who do not care for the sheep. Despite knowing the Law, they failed to recognize Christ in the Law. They claimed that salvation was through obedience to their interpretation of the Law. However, any teaching that claims that the way to salvation is outside of Christ’s redemptive work leads to death. In verses 34-39, Jesus refers to Psalm 82 not to affirm that the Jewish leaders were gods, but quite the opposite. The Jewish leaders had usurped the position of God in assuming His role as judge and claiming a path to salvation outside of the true Son of God. As the Psalm states, only God is our Judge. And though we are deserving of death for our sins according to God’s holy standard, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins through His death and promises us the hope of eternal security in Him.
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” – John 10:28
Read the passage prayerfully a few times over and then answer the questions: John 10
Questions:
- What do you learn about salvation through Jesus’ description of Himself as the Door and the Good Shepherd? (v.1-18)
- Why is it important to be on guard against false teaching and how can we discern and protect ourselves against it? What are some examples of false teaching regarding Jesus, the Bible, and salvation that you have encountered? (cf. Matthew 7:15-20, Acts 17:10-15, Colossians 2:8, Galatians 1:6-9, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 1 John 4:1-3)
- What was the response of the Jewish leaders to Jesus’ claims? How does Jesus expose the false teachings of the Jewish leaders while also offering salvation to them as well? (v. 19-39 cf. Psalm 82)
Application:
- Reflect on John 10:27-29. How does the promise of eternal security in Christ bring you comfort? How would you live your life differently knowing this truth?
- Is Jesus your Good Shepherd? What are some practical ways that you can be attuned to the voice of the Shepherd and walk closely with Him?
Conclusion & Heart Prayer:
Lord, what are You saying to me? And what are You calling me to do about it?
