The Good Shepherd (John 9:35 - 10:21)

Introduction

Biblical History

Jesus, throughout his ministry, was declaring who he was and what he was doing.

He was/is God in the flesh.

He came to seek and save that which was lost.

He came to call all to repent and believe that Gospel. He turned none away or refused to associate with them.

The reaction to Jesus life and ministry varied greatly.

Some accepted Him for who he was and put their trust in Him. (Levi)

Some did not know what to think about Him. (Questioning Jews)

Some were hostile towards Him even seeking to Kill him. (Religious Leaders)

Theses are the same reactions we see to the Gospel of Jesus today.

Jesus continued to teach until his final assent to Jerusalem.

Here we see another confrontation between the Pharisees and Jesus.

Jesus just healed a man Born Blind.

The Beggar born blind did not know who healed him and was questioned by people and the religious leaders. The religious leaders fought against and tried to discredit the beggars testimony about Jesus because of their fear/hatred of Jesus. (John 9:1-34)

He was confronted by the Pharisees and gave one of the best testimonies in Scripture.

John 9:24–25 (ESV)

24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

The Beggar born blind did not know who healed him. After he was released from the presence of the Pharisees, Jesus found him and gave Him clarity on His identity. This is where we join in the story.

Jesus’s Revelation (John 9:35-39)

Jesus Identity (35-38)

Jesus’ Question (35)

John 9:35 (ESV)

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

Son of Man - is a Phrase used to talk about the Leader of the Kingdom of God in Daniel 7:13-14.

Response of the Beggar (36)

John 9:36 (ESV)

36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”

Jesus’ declaration (37-38)

John 9:37–38 (ESV)

37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

Jesus is telling a beggar born blind that he healed, “You have seen Him...” Jesus is declaring the the man that he is the Son of Man.

The man believed and worshiped.

Jesus Mission (39)

John 9:39 (ESV)

39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”

“The reason for our Lord’s coming was salvation, but the result of His coming was condemnation of those who would not believe. … The religious leaders were blind and would not admit it; therefore, the light of truth only made them blinder. … The beggar admitted his need, and he received both physical and spiritual sight. ” (Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.)

Jesus mission was to bring the light of the Gospel to those in Sin. However, those who do not recognize their sin will ignore or reject Jesus message of repentance and belief in Him.

Pharisee’s Challenge (John 9:40)

John 9:40 (ESV)

40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?”

Jesus’s Response (John 9:41-10:6)

Initial response (9:41)

John 9:41 (ESV)

41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

“The listening Pharisees heard what Jesus said and it disturbed them. “Are we blind also?” ... They were blinded by their pride, their self-righteousness, their tradition, and their false interpretation of the Word of God. Our Lord’s reply was a paradox. “If you were blind, you would be better off. But you claim to see. Therefore, you are guilty!” Blindness would at least be an excuse for not knowing what was going on. But they did know what was going on. Jesus had performed many miracles and the religious leaders ignored the evidence to make a right decision. Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5). The only people who cannot see the light are blind people and those who refuse to look, those who make themselves blind. The beggar was physically blind and spiritually blind, yet both his eyes and his heart were opened. Why? Because he listened to the Word, believed it, obeyed, and experienced the grace of God. The Pharisees had good physical vision, but they were blind spiritually. Had they listened to the Word and sincerely considered the evidence, they too would have believed on Jesus Christ and been born again.” (Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.)

Jesus, himself and message, is the Light showing out darkness in Sin and need of a Savior. If we reject the Light of the Gospel then we continue in our Sin and guilt. If we accept the Message and Messenger (Jesus our Savior) we will receive God’s grace and forgiveness.

Illustration of Sheepfold (10:1-5)

Jesus uses a well known idea of a shepherd and his sheep to continue to address the Pharisees. He addresses them with the difference between the Shepherd and Thieves.

Sheepfold - In ancient (and still modern) times, a sheepfold was often a cave with a rock fence enclosure surrounding the opening of the cave. Or, it could simply be a free-standing, circular rock fence enclosure. In either case, a small gap was left in the walk to allow the flock to enter and exit the sheepfold to find pasturage or security. The shepherd, or other trusted individual, would then station themselves in the opening of the enclosure, acting as the door, and thus protecting the flock from any predators who might attempt to attack the flocks. Any attempted entry into the sheepfold over or through the fence at a different location was agressively seeking to harm either the animals or the owner of the animals. (Alexander, Vernon H. “The ‘Good Shepherd’ and Other Metaphors of Pastoralism.” Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels. Ed. Barry J. Beitzel and Kristopher A. Lyle. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016. 380. Print. Lexham Geographic Commentary.)

The wrong way, climbing over a wall (10:1): This is the method of thieves and robbers.

John 10:1 (ESV)

1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.

The Thief is there to hut the sheep.

The right way, entering through the gate (10:2–5): This is the method of a true shepherd.

John 10:2–5 (ESV)

2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

The shepherd goes in through the Gate and is there for the betterment of the Sheep. The shepherd is recognized by the sheep and He leads them to safety or provisions.

Sheep recognize their Shepherd’s voice not a Stranger.

“Jesus referred to well-known shepherding techniques: calling to the sheep to lead and guide them, as well as defending them. Today, one can hear shepherds making very distinct sounds akin to whistling, chirping, purring, or other guttural sounds. These sounds are unique to each shepherd and the flocks respond and follow upon hearing the shepherd’s voice.” (Alexander, Vernon H. “The ‘Good Shepherd’ and Other Metaphors of Pastoralism.” Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels. Ed. Barry J. Beitzel and Kristopher A. Lyle. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016. 380–381. Print. Lexham Geographic Commentary.)

Confusion (10:6)

John 10:6 (ESV)

6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

The pharisees and others understand what he is talking about but does not understand why he is saying it or the message he is trying to get across.

Jesus’s Explanation (John 10:7-21)

I Am the Door of the sheep. (7-10)

Character distinction (7-8)

I am the door (7)

John 10:7 (ESV)

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

Sheepfold - a small gap was left in the walk to allow the flock to enter and exit the sheepfold to find pasturage or security. The shepherd, or other trusted individual, would then station themselves in the opening of the enclosure, acting as the door, and thus protecting the flock from any predators who might attempt to attack the flocks. (Alexander, Vernon H. “The ‘Good Shepherd’ and Other Metaphors of Pastoralism.” Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels. Ed. Barry J. Beitzel and Kristopher A. Lyle. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016. 380. Print. Lexham Geographic Commentary.)

Jesus is the shepherd at the Door into the pen for safety. This has to do with Salvation.

Contrast to Thieves and Robbers (8)

John 10:8 (ESV)

8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.

“thieves and robbers Highlights the misleading ministry of previous generations of Israel’s leaders who had been leading them astray. See note on Ezek 34:1–10.” (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)

Ezekiel 34:1–16 (ESV)

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? 3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. 4 The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered; 6 they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them. 7 “Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As I live, declares the Lord God, surely because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd, and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep, 9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 10 Thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them. 11 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.

Leaders of the past and present are the ones using their leadership over the sheep to better themselves not the sheep. Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophesy.

Effect on Sheep (9-10)

Jesus (9, 10b)

John 10:9–10 (ESV)

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jesus is the door (opening to the pen) that the sheep can enter and find safety and protection. (Salvation)

Abundant Life - pertaining to that which is exceptional in the sense of being more than what is expected—‘exceptional, outstanding, remarkable, unusual.’ (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains 1996: 591. Print.)

We were created to live our life with our creator. We are separated from our creator because of our Sin.

Jesus came to restore our relationship with God and therefore give us life abundantly.

Thieves and Robbers (10a)

John 10:10 (ESV)

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

In the message God gave to Ezekiel, He stated that the shepherds were using the sheep to fatten themselves and for their betterment. Shepherds are to serve and sacrifice for the sheep so they are bettered.

Thieves in this illustration represent the past leaders of Israel and present leaders of Israel (ie. Pharisees). They are described as the ones that Steal, Kill, and Destroy for personal gain. (reread Ezekiel 24)

I Am the Good Shepherd (11-18)

Shepherd vs. hired Hands (11-13)

John 10:11 (ESV)

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Jesus is the good shepherd because he laid down his life for the sheep in contrast to the hires hands who ran from the danger.

King David talked about fighting a bear and lion in order to protect the sheep. Jesus is saying that he loves his sheep so much that he is willing to lay down his life for them.

Romans 5:8 (ESV)

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Hired Hands

John 10:12–13 (ESV)

12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

Hired hands are addressing that same leaders as the thieves and robbers. They were to care for the sheep, but did not care for them, but exploited them. They would run when enemies advanced because that did not care about the sheep.

Jesus is clearly showing that he cares for the sheep.

Jesus knows his role and authority as the Good Shepherd (14-18)

Jesus understanding of his relationship with the Father and the Sheep (14-15)

John 10:14–15 (ESV)

14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Know - This Greek word has a vase range of meaning depending on the context, from general knowledge about someone or something to close intimate relationships.

“Whoever knows Jesus also knows the Father, and the Father loves those who love Jesus and believe in him (Herman Ridderbos).” (Köstenberger, Andreas J. “John.” CSB Study Bible: Notes. Ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017. 1687. Print.)

Jesus calls the entire flock together (16)

John 10:16 (ESV)

16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

This is referring to the Gentile believers that will come in through the ministry of the Church and the proclamation of the Gospel. Jesus not only the shepherd of the Israelites, but also the whole world.

Through Christ, God is calling all people to be a part of His Kingdom. (Gen 12:1-3, Eph 2:11-22)

Jesus authority as the shepherd (17-18)

John 10:17–18 (ESV)

17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Jesus went to the cross willingly not because the events surrounding it got chaotic. Jesus willingly laid down his life as a good shepherd to deal with the enemies of the sheep (Sin, Spiritual enemies, Worldly temptations) to be the door for the sheep to find safety and good pasture.

“Received this command is covenantal language, relating Jesus’s relationship with the Father to the OT depiction of God’s relationship with Israel. These words also remind readers that Jesus’s death was not the result of events that got out of hand. This was the reason he came (see 12:27).” (Köstenberger, Andreas J. “John.” CSB Study Bible: Notes. Ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017. 1687. Print.)

Fathers command to Jesus is to provide salvation through His death on the cross.

Matthew 26:39 (ESV)

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Lessons from The Good Shepherd

Jesus the Door for the Sheep

John 10:7–8 (ESV)

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.

Jesus is the way of Salvation.

John 14:6 (ESV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

John 10:11 (ESV)

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Jesus is the one that was willing to die for the betterment of the sheep.

Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

We are His sheep when we put our trust in Him as our Shepherd.

John 3:16 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.