NBBC SS: John 10
Notes
Transcript
Introduction: While I would love for us to explore all of John 10 today, I believe that it’s best for us to reflect on the first 21 verses instead. Please go home and read the remainder of the passage in preparation for John 11 next week. For now, let’s begin by looking at the first 6 verses in the passage before us.
John 10:1-6 “1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber.
If you recall, only Jesus uses the phrase “Truly, truly” in John’s Gospel as a means of emphasizing the truth of what He is about to share.
How can we tell who is a thief and who is a robber?
By the way that they choose to enter into the fold of the sheep (climbing up some other way instead of using the door).
Essentially, what we have is a description.
This is going to be important for us to consider as we discuss this passage because this is not the only description that Jesus is going to give us.
Relatedly, Jesus will not only give us a description but He will then also move to identification of the individuals that He describes.
The term thief is used in only one other place in John’s Gospel outside of ch. 10, John 12:6.
This verse pertains to one of Jesus’ famous disciples.
However, this disciple is not famous for anything good that he did in following Jesus.
Which disciple do you believe would be characterized as a thief?
Judas.
He’s described as pilfering from the money box.
In other words, Judas was taking money in such a way that he was hopeful that no one would know.
However, he was obviously unsuccessful for the Holy Spirit published abroad his thievery!
Hence, a thief is someone who tries to hide their efforts to take to take from others what does not belong to them.
Interestingly, the term “robber” is also used in only one other place outside of John 10, John 18:40.
Here, Jesus’ trial before His crucifixion is coming to a close.
Both Jesus and another man, described as a robber, stand before the crowd for the crowd to decide who will live and who will be executed by crucifixion.
What’s this man’s name?
Barabbas.
For Barabbas to be imprisoned by the Roman authorities for being a robber and held for execution, Barabbas must have done more than just attempting to take something from someone.
Barabbas must have been involved in a forceful altercation(s) to come to the attention of the Roman authorities to attempt to disrupt their regional authority.
Hence, the concept of a robber refers to one who takes by force what does not belong to them.
Thieves take from others by means of attempting to cover their tracks and robbers have the same objective but with the use of force.
2 “But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.
What does the word “But” suggest within the context of what we just considered?
A contrast.
Thieves and robbers act one way that is radically different from this way.
Hence, if the previous verse was about a description, then this one (through v. 4) will also be a description.
However, it’s not a description of two different kinds of takers.
What is the point of a contrast?
It’s to demonstrate how different two or more things are.
It can be used to show the badness of the bad in emphasizing the goodness of the good.
Thus, by the end of this section, we are going to be amazed at the goodness of one individual.
Instead, who is it a description of?
A shepherd of the sheep.
Notice, what does this phrase suggest about the nature of the relationship of the sheep to the shepherd?
The sheep are under the authority of the shepherd.
This is suggested through the implication that the sheep belong to the shepherd.
If the sheep belong to the shepherd (i.e., ownership) then he must exercise authority over the sheep.
Relatedly, how is the shepherd initially described?
As entering by the door.
With the initial “But” providing a contrast between those who take and the shepherd, what does this relate to us about the shepherd?
This is the means of determining the genuineness of the shepherd.
In other words, this is what proves that a shepherd is a shepherd from anyone else.
This is the authenticity of the shepherd as proved by his actions: he enters by the prescribed way.
Thus, what we are introduced to is a description of the authentic, authoritative shepherd.
3 “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
Notice how the authentic, authoritative shepherd is verified here.
The doorkeeper opens the door to him.
The term translated as “doorkeeper” is translated as “gatekeeper” in the Old Testament.
Doorkeepers are not merely concerned with the welfare of the door.
Instead, they’re concerned about the security of what’s inside, making sure that only authorized individuals are allowed in.
Doorkeepers are also tasked with taking the necessary steps to keep out unauthorized individuals.
Thus, doorkeepers are required to exercise discernment.
Therefore, the doorkeeper proves the genuineness of the authoritative shepherd by allowing him to enter through the prescribed means.
However, the doorkeeper is not the only one who supports the veracity of the genuine, authoritative shepherd.
What other group is referenced in this verse in relation to the shepherd?
The shepherd’s sheep.
How are the sheep described in their relationship to the shepherd?
The hear the shepherd.
As you can probably imagine, this hearing is more than just making out that someone is talking.
It’s a recognition of the shepherd’s unique voice.
In other words, the sheep hear the shepherd because he exercises authority over them.
Thus, the sheep respect the authority of the shepherd as demonstrated through their hearing.
What we have is a reciprocal effect here.
The sheep demonstrate that they are part of the Shepherd’s fold by recognizing His authority in hearing His voice; they are proven to be authentic sheep of the Shepherd
The sheep verify the authority of the Shepherd by respecting the authority of the Shepherd in hearing His voice.
The latter part of v. 3 shifts from focusing on verifying the genuineness and authority of the shepherd to another description of the shepherd.
If the shepherd calls his sheep by name, what does that suggest about the shepherd’s relationship to the sheep?
He knows them, intimately.
We all know how powerful it can be to a developing relationship to be called by name or to call someone by their name.
It demonstrates that we care enough about them to use their name.
Hence, the authoritative, authentic, verified shepherd has a personal relationship with his sheep to the extent that He calls them by name.
Relatedly, the authority of the shepherd is further suggested through His calling them all by name.
In calling them by name, the implication is that the Shepherd gave the sheep their names.
When you name something, you exercise authority over that item.
Yet, the shepherd does more than just call his sheep by name.
What else does v. 3 suggest that he does?
He personally leads them all.
What we’re going to see in the next verse is an elaboration on the nature of the genuine, authoritative, and personal shepherd’s leadership introduced here.
4 “When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
The scene described for us in this verse is the natural result of the progression suggested with the initial introduction of the shepherd.
He is granted permission to enter the sheepfold by the doorkeeper.
The shepherd rounds up the sheep with his voice by calling them by name.
They are led out of the sheepfold by the shepherd who has gone ahead of them as the initial demonstration of his leadership.
In leading the sheep, the shepherd demonstrates confidence that he knows where he is going to provide for them.
The shepherd also takes responsibility for the protection of his sheep in leading them away from the sheepfold that would ultimately be a place of security.
Hence, as the leader of the sheep, the shepherd is a confident provider and protector.
As the shepherd leads, the sheep follow him.
Why do the sheep follow the shepherd?
Because they know his voice.
That is, as the shepherd knows the sheep intimately in being able to call them by name, the sheep know the shepherd intimately for they are familiar with the sound of his voice.
Thus, we have before us 2 more characteristics related to the Shepherd and sheep, respectively.
The Shepherd leads with authority and effectively, given the response of the sheep to follow.
The sheep are proven genuine through their following the Shepherd.
What has been put before us so far is that the authentic, authoritative shepherd is verified, intimately knows his sheep, and leads those that follow as their confident provider and protector.
All of this is set in contrast to the thieves and robbers who want to take either through subtlety or by force.
If, by contrast, we are to understand the Shepherd as being the opposite of thieves and robbers, what does this suggest about the Shepherd?
He does not take.
If He does not take, then what does He do?
He gives.
Thus the Shepherd is concerned about the welfare of His sheep.
5 “A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
In reading this, we might be tempted to think, “Ok, we know that the Shepherd is great, why does Jesus introduce a stranger?”
What actions are stressed in this verse?
Follow and flee.
What did the sheep do in relation to the authentic, authoritative shepherd in the previous verse?
They follow the shepherd.
You see, this verses is carrying on the idea of leadership as introduced in v. 3.
Particularly, it bolsters the leadership of the Shepherd and further sets apart the sheep as uniquely belonging to the Shepherd.
Interestingly, the term “stranger” is frequently translated in the Old Testament as “foreigner”.
In other words, a stranger is someone that we’re not acquainted with because they’re not from around here!
It’s someone that we don’t recognize.
How do the sheep react to someone other than the shepherd?
They will not follow him.
They also will flee or run away.
Keep in mind that these are two different ways of responding.
One suggests outright stubbornness.
The other is an active attempt to get away, most likely to a place considered safe.
Why would the sheep act this way?
Because they do not know the voice of strangers.
In other words, they do not have the same relationship that the shepherd has cultivated with them.
6 This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them.”
How is Jesus’ discussion here described?
As a figure of speech.
A figure of speech means that Jesus has intended for this to be understood as an illustration.
However, did the people get the point of Jesus’ illustration?
Unfortunately, no.
Notice, where is the emphasis on understanding?
On the people.
It does not say that the illustration was not understandable.
Hence, the problem related to understanding is not with Jesus.
Thus, the problem of not understanding Jesus’ illustration has to be with the people.
Did Jesus speak in such a way as He wanted to confuse His hearers?
No.
Jesus meant to be clear.
Thus, the problem had to be, not with their reasoning capability but with their heart.
What’s fascinating is that Jesus does not immediately respond with chiding them for their lack of understanding.
Instead, He goes into explaining His illustration again!
What do we call this when, instead of a rebuke, someone responds by saying all over again what they said before but, maybe with some elaboration?
Patience.
Jesus is patiently bearing with His audience.
Why?
Because He wants them to understand what He is saying.
He wants to get to their heart.
This is a generous invitation for the people to understand and respond in the way that Jesus desires.
You know what Jesus is doing?
He is patterning for the people a description that He has just given.
While we’re all thinking, “Yes, Jesus is the Shepherd in His illustration,” let’s continue on to v. 7.
John 10:7-10 “7 So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
Does this strike any of us as being odd?
Don’t we expect Jesus to have said, “I am the shepherd?”
He just elaborated in extensive detail about the shepherd in the previous verses!
Instead, He compares Himself to the door.
In fact, He only used the term for door 2 times, unless you count the related word doorkeeper which suggests that there is a door to be kept.
Interestingly, Jesus uses a phrase here that has been coined as the “I am” statements in John’s Gospel.
The literal way of translating this might also be “I, I am.”
Thus, the statement itself is emphatic on the person of Jesus.
This emphatic statement calls attention to more than just mere existence but highlights unique aspects cluing us in on Jesus’ identity, more specifically, as God.
Before we consider the true nature of what it means for Jesus to be the door, let’s consider another contrast that Jesus makes in the following verse.
8 “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.
We already know about thieves and robbers in terms of their desire to take what is not theirs either through subtlety or force and are identified as not using the door but other means of entry.
However, Jesus also identifies another description of them.
The sheep did not hear them.
Hence, the sheep did not recognize them as possessing any authority.
Who else in this passage was identified as the sheep not hearing?
Strangers.
Therefore, the thieves, robbers, and strangers are all lumped into the same category of individuals to be avoided.
Yet, we might all be thinking, “Who are they?”
The unfortunate reality is, Israel’s history is filled with individuals who sought to take from the people.
We need only turn to our recent study of Amos as an example.
Thus, Jesus is referring to leaders among the people who, for their own selfish purposes, wanted to take from the people, using whatever means would best suit their purposes.
Think about it, Jesus is still carrying through the contrast that He introduced in His illustration that He’s elaborating on.
If Jesus is referring to selfish leadership among the people as all who came before Him, Who is Jesus in this illustration?
He’s also the Shepherd.
In being the Shepherd, He is generous in His care for His sheep.
But wait, you might be thinking, didn’t Jesus describe Himself as the door?
What did Jesus mean in describing Himself as the Door? (Glad you asked!)
9 “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
Notice, Jesus moves from an identification statement to a descriptive statement.
What is suggested through Jesus’ use of the statement “if anyone”?
It’s possible for anyone to enter through Him!
In fact, the wording that Jesus uses includes a specific word that refers to anyone in general.
Jesus wants to make it clear that this applies to people in the most general sense!
However, it’s not possible to enter through just anyone!
In the verse, Jesus emphasizes Himself by referring to Himself first, “Through Me, if anyone …”
By implication, what does this mean for the crowd that Jesus is speaking to?
They all have the opportunity to enter through Jesus.
More importantly, they and we have the need to enter through Jesus.
What are the results if anyone enters through Jesus?
“[Will] be saved”
So far, Jesus has used this term twice.
In John 3:17, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus about the spiritual life.
Jesus draws a distinction about His work.
He came to save, not judge.
Hence, because Jesus and the Spirit give new life, His work is to provide new spiritual life, salvation from the consequences of our sin that leads to eternal life (as demonstrated through His referring to His Own crucifixion in relating the event of the fiery serpents in the OT [Num 21]), securely in God’s Kingdom.
In John 5:34, Jesus has just healed the man who was confined to his bed for 38 years.
Jesus exercises authority over the Sabbath to compassionately heal this man.
The authority He exercises over the Sabbath and the man’s life demonstrates His authority to save that encourages us to believe in Him.
So, when Jesus uses the term “saved” in this passage, it is fraught with spiritual significance.
Jesus is the only Savior from the consequences of our sins that leads to new spiritual life with Him in the Kingdom.
Jesus has the authority to save us as demonstrated in His authority over all of life: the sabbath and human biology.
Notice, what does the term “saved” suggest about the way that Jesus saves?
He saves completely.
In other words, the salvation that Jesus provides is secure.
“Will go in and out and find pasture”.
What does the portion of the phrase “will go in and out” suggest?
Movement.
In fact, it suggests freedom of movement, or freedom to move freely.
Thus, the imagery suggests the freedom that is found in Christ to save us.
This is not freedom in the sense of we can do whatever we want.
Instead, it’s freedom from those things that would enslave us and lead us to death and destruction: namely, sin.
When you think about it, the contrast between the Shepherd and the thieves and robbers, Jesus’ reference to the freedom that He offers makes sense.
The thieves and robbers can only promise domination and destruction.
Thus, the path that thieves and robbers offer leads to destruction.
Notice, what does this freedom pertain to?
“Finding pasture.”
What does it mean to find pasture?
Sustenance, nourishment.
Does a shepherd seek nourishment for his flock only to increase their appetite?
No.
To satisfy their appetite.
Hence, what we have is not only an expression of freedom but also satisfaction.
10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
What I find fascinating is the further contrast that is implied here.
Essentially, what does the contrast boil down to here?
The difference between certain death and abundant life.
Contextually speaking, abundant life can only refer to the new spiritual life that Jesus gives when one believes in Him as the Messiah Who alone can save from sin.
Hence, this is not about living your best life now in terms of materially, physically speaking.
Instead, it’s about finding our confidence in Jesus to save us from the consequences of our sin that leads to living with Him forever in the Kingdom of God.
Therefore, what does it mean for Jesus to be the Door of the sheep?
He only can securely provide salvation.
This salvation entails both freedom [from the penalty and bondage of sin] and satisfaction [in Jesus alone].
John 10:11-18 “11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
While Jesus may have alluded to being the Shepherd before, He makes it explicit now.
Jesus is thus both the Door and the Good Shepherd.
Jesus, however, is not just any shepherd.
How is Jesus’ shepherding described?
Good.
What’s interesting is that this word also means beautiful.
In other words, there’s something appealing or attractive about the object that this word modifies.
You see, what Jesus is doing is He’s giving us a description, like before, and then He’s going to elaborate on that description.
How do we know that Jesus is the Good Shepherd?
He is the only way of secure salvation that leads to freedom from the bondage and consequence of sin and ultimate satisfaction.
However, in this verse we’re told about an action that He performs.
What is it that Jesus as the Good Shepherd does that draws others to Him?
He lays down His life for the sheep.
I’m sure that we all have an idea of what this means; Jesus is referring to His sacrificial death.
What’s interesting is how this word is used throughout John’s Gospel.
It can refer to serving others, thus suggesting humility (John 2:10; 13:4)
Most often, it refers in some way to death.
John 11:34, Jesus asking where Lazarus’ dead body has been laid.
John 13:37-38; 15:13, Jesus talking in terms of anticipating His death.
John 19:41-42; 20:2, 13, 15 relate to taking the dead in terms of placing His body in the tomb or inquiring about where Jesus’ body is following the resurrection.
Thus, what’s suggested in the use of this term is not just Jesus’ death but that His death is a humble sacrifice that He has made.
The implication of this stands in stark contrast to the thieves and robbers mentioned earlier.
Thieves and robbers selfishly take.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, humbly and sacrificially gives.
What also is fascinating is the word that is translated “for”.
It can also be translated as “on behalf of”.
This gives the added idea of something that is for the benefit of another.
Hence, Jesus’ sacrifice of His life is concerned about the welfare of others, as opposed to the thieves and robbers who are interested in taking for their selfish desires.
12-13 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep”.
What is the main difference identified here between the hired hand and the shepherd?
The hired hand is not the owner of the sheep.
The sheep do not belong to him, therefore, he does not have the same interest.
The fundamental difference is that the hired hand does not have the same relationship to the sheep as what the shepherd does.
14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,
Jesus begins again with a description.
What relationship does he describe here?
That of knowing.
The intimacy of the relationship is what is in view here.
Remember, Jesus described the Shepherd initially as calling the sheep by name.
Relatedly, the sheep know the voice of the Shepherd.
In other words, the closeness of the relationship between Jesus and His own (sheep) is suggested.
Did you notice, what word does Jesus leave out when discussing “My own?”
Sheep.
Thus, what is it that Jesus is talking about?
He’s talking about more than just sheep.
He’s talking about people, people that belong to Jesus.
15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
How close is this relationship between Jesus and His sheep?
It’s comparable to that of Jesus with God the Father.
This is how Jesus wants all believers to know Him.
This is how closely Jesus knows all those who have believed in Him, who belong to Him.
16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.
What does Jesus mean by indicating that He has other sheep but are of a different fold?
He’s talking about those that would believe in Him but have come from a different background other than the Jewish nation.
In other words, us!
When Jesus indicates that He must bring them and they will hear His voice, what does He suggest by that?
He is committed to bringing all His sheep together.
He has the power to bring all His sheep together - He can do it!
In reflecting that they will be one flock, He’s referring to unity.
Jesus will eventually pray for the unity of His people, John 17.
In other words, this is the ideal that Jesus is working out among His people.
17 “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.
What is it about this sacrifice that prompts the Father’s love of the Son?
The Father’s love is not conditioned on Jesus’ sacrifice.
Instead, Jesus is obeying the Father
Hence, the Father loves obedience.
Thus, Jesus is exemplifying for us the blessing of obedience in that we do what the Father loves; not that obedience secures His love.
18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.””
With Jesus indicating that no one has taken His life from Him but, instead, He sacrifices His life at His own initiative, what is He indicating?
Jesus is the One in charge of this whole process.
The Jewish authorities and Roman government did not take Jesus’ life from Him.
He voluntarily sacrificed His life.
Everything happened according to plan under the authority of Jesus.
Think about how this gives one confidence in Jesus’ authority.
He has power over His life that is unparalleled to the extent that, even when it seems like He’s not in control, He really is!
Thus, His sheep, all who have believed in Jesus have all the more confidence in His leadership because of the unparalleled authority that He exercises over His life and, therefore, all things!
John 10:19-21 “19 A division occurred again among the Jews because of these words.
What happened in response to Jesus’ teaching?
Division.
But wait a minute!
Didn’t Jesus just address His intent to unify His people?
Why did the respond in division?
It’s because the people who divided over these words against Jesus were demonstrating what was going on in their heart.
At that point, they had not believed in Jesus and become part of His flock.
You see, their actions only pointed to the reality of their heart.
20 Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to Him?”
For a part of the crowd to accuse Jesus of having a demon and thereby being insane is very telling about what’s going on in their heart.
Remember, Jesus is not trying to be cryptic.
He is being clear with the people about who He is.
The people are just demonstrating what’s going on in their heart.
21 Others were saying, “These are not the sayings of one demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?””
Why would others in the crowd respond with Jesus’ miracle of restoring sight to the blind from John 9 as evidence that Jesus is not demon-possessed?
It’s a clear recognition that this can only be attributed to divine authority.
Specifically, in Isaiah 42:7, the Lord identifies that He will open the eyes of the blind.
Thus, the people recognized that, according to God’s Word, not just anyone can give sight to the blind.
Only the Lord can do this.
Therefore, what’s the connection between this passage and John 9?
There are people in the crowd who, though they have seen and heard the Good Shepherd in front of them, they are still blinded to His identity by their own sin.
They and we need the Good Shepherd to save us.
Conclusion: At this point in the passage, we might be thinking, “how do we respond to what has been put before us?”
Starting with the negative examples of the thief, robber, stranger, and hired hand these are individuals who, instead of leading us to the fold of the Good Shepherd, their intent is to take others away from being part of the Good Shepherd’s fold, which leads to destruction.
Are there individuals out their who speak in a way that is different from Jesus’ voice in God’s Word using either subtlety or even force who have no interest in the spiritual welfare of others only to take what they can that leaves destruction in their wake?
Unfortunately, yes.
The only way that we can discern their actions and words is through Jesus’ voice preserved for us in God’s Word.
Additionally, Jesus has described Himself as the genuine, authoritative Door of the sheep and the Good Shepherd.
He invites anyone to be part of His flock by believing in Him as their only Savior and Lord to receive new, spiritual life which means salvation from the consequences of their sins and being allowed entrance in God’s Kingdom to live with Jesus forevermore.
If you have believed in Jesus as your Savior, rejoice in the secure salvation that He has guaranteed for you and made available through His humble, sacrificial death that pleased God the Father.
Additionally, let’s look to Jesus’ example of doing what the Father loves, obedience.
Finally, if you have not believed in Jesus as your Savior, hear the voice of the Savior today and believe in Him and become part of His sheepfold that He will bring together in the unity He has envisioned.