John 10:1-21

Jesus, the Good Shepherd Who Leads, Provides, and Preserves

Have you ever received one of those emails claiming you've won a million dollars, and all you need to do is provide your bank details? Or perhaps a message from a "distant relative" who left you an inheritance, but there's a small processing fee? These are classic scams—attempts to deceive us for personal gain.

In our daily lives, we're constantly on guard against such frauds. We install spam filters, set up "Do Not Call" lists, and educate ourselves on the latest cons. But while we're vigilant about protecting our finances and personal information, are we equally cautious about our spiritual well-being?

Transition to Scripture:

In John 10, Jesus addresses a form of deception far more dangerous than any email scam. He speaks of "thieves and robbers" who don't come through the gate but climb in by another way, seeking to harm the sheep. These aren't petty criminals; they're false shepherds—spiritual scammers aiming to lead God's people astray.

Illustration:

Consider the story of a man who received a call from someone claiming to be from his bank. The caller had all his personal details and informed him of suspicious activity on his account. To "secure" his funds, the caller instructed him to transfer money to a "safe" account. Trusting the voice on the other end, the man complied, only to later discover he'd been conned by an imposter.

Just as this man was deceived by someone pretending to protect him, many are led astray by individuals who appear to be spiritual guides but are, in fact, leading them away from the truth.

Application:

Jesus warns us to be discerning, to recognize His voice amidst the clamor of false teachings. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, offering not just protection but abundant life. In contrast, the thieves and robbers—those spiritual scammers—come only to steal, kill, and destroy.

The True Shepherd Who Leads His Sheep (John 10:1-6)

The False Shepherds and Christ’s Exclusive Authority (v.1-2)

False teachers and leaders seek to enter illegitimately (cf. Ezekiel 34).

False Religious Leaders or Movements**

- **Prosperity Gospel Preachers**: Those who exploit believers by promising health, wealth, or miracles in exchange for money, twisting Scripture for personal gain (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3).

- **Cult Leaders**: Individuals or groups who demand unquestioning loyalty, isolate followers from biblical truth, and replace Christ’s authority with their own.

- **Moralistic Legalists**: Leaders who burden people with man-made rules or guilt-driven religion instead of pointing them to grace and the finished work of Christ.

---

### **2. Secular Ideologies Competing for Devotion**

- **Materialism/Consumerism**: A cultural "thief" that promises fulfillment through possessions, status, or self-sufficiency, stealing hearts from dependence on God.

- **Relativism**: The claim that "all truth is personal" undermines the exclusive claims of Christ (John 14:6) and confuses people about the need for repentance and faith.

- **Political Idolatry**: Systems or movements that demand ultimate allegiance (e.g., nationalism, wokeism, or radical ideologies), positioning themselves as saviors while marginalizing Christ’s lordship.

---

### **3. Spiritual Deception in the Church**

- **False Teachers**: Those who deny core doctrines (e.g., substitutionary atonement, justification by faith alone) or distort the gospel to make it more palatable to the world (Galatians 1:6-9).

- **Shallow Discipleship**: Churches or influencers who prioritize entertainment, emotional experiences, or numerical growth over teaching the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).

- **Compromised Leadership**: Pastors or elders who neglect guarding the flock, tolerate sin, or prioritize cultural relevance over biblical fidelity.

---

### **How These "Thieves" Operate**

- **They "Climb In Another Way" (v. 1)**: They bypass Christ’s authority, offering alternative paths to "salvation" (e.g., works, self-help, or political utopias).

- **They "Steal, Kill, and Destroy" (v. 10)**: They plunder faith, kill spiritual growth, and destroy unity by sowing doubt, division, or false hope.

- **They "Flee When Danger Comes" (v. 12)**: Like hired hands, they abandon the vulnerable when trials arise, revealing their lack of sacrificial love.

---

### **Application for Believers**

- **Discernment**: Test all teachings against Scripture (1 John 4:1) and reject any voice that contradicts Christ’s Word.

- **Dependence on the True Shepherd**: Find security in Christ’s promises (e.g., eternal life, v. 28) and His sovereign care over His flock.

- **Guard the Flock**: Churches must uphold biblical eldership (1 Peter 5:2-4) and protect believers from wolves in sheep’s clothing (Acts 20:28-31).

Christ alone is the Shepherd appointed by the Father (Psalm 2:6-7, Hebrews 5:4-5).

Reformed Emphasis: God alone ordains true leadership for His people; Christ is the head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23).

The Sheep Know His Voice (v.3-5)

Christ effectually calls His own by name (John 6:37, Romans 8:30).

The elect will not ultimately follow a false teacher because they have been given discernment (1 John 2:20).

Application:

Are we discerning between Christ’s voice in Scripture and the world’s competing voices?

Do we trust His leadership in every area of life, knowing He sovereignly guides His people?

Jesus is the Door of the Sheepfold and the Source of True Provision (John 10:7-10)

Jesus as the Only Mediator (v.7)

The sheep must enter through Him (1 Timothy 2:5).

No other access to spiritual provision and security but through Christ.

Reformed Emphasis: The exclusivity of Christ’s mediatorial work—He is the ordained way, not just a means among many (Hebrews 9:15).

The Contrast Between Christ and the Thief (v.8-10a)

False teachers seek to manipulate, not serve.

The prosperity gospel, legalism, and man-centered religion rob people of true peace.

Reformed Emphasis: The doctrines of grace free us from spiritual bondage; Christ provides allthat is needed for godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Jesus Gives Life Abundantly (v.10b)

The true abundance is not earthly wealth but spiritual richness in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

He gives not merely existence but flourishing in communion with God.

Application:

Do we live with a sufficiency in Christ, knowing that He alone sustains and nourishes our souls?

Are we guarding ourselves against false teaching that seeks to rob us of this contentment?

Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who Provides and Preserves His People (John 10:11-18)

The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life (v.11)

His sacrifice was a substitutionary atonement (Isaiah 53:6).

The cross was not an accident but a divine purpose (Acts 2:23).

The Hireling vs. the True Shepherd (v.12-13)

The hireling cares for himself; the Good Shepherd is committed to His sheep.

A picture of false ministers who neglect the flock (Jeremiah 23:1-2).

Reformed Emphasis: Christ’s pastoral care is ultimate, but under-shepherds must reflect His example (1 Peter 5:1-4).

Christ Knows His Sheep Intimately (v.14-15)

This is not mere cognitive knowledge but covenantal, relational, and redemptive (Jeremiah 31:33-34).

The Other Sheep He Will Bring (v.16)

A clear reference to Gentile inclusion in the New Covenant (Ephesians 2:11-16).

Reformed Emphasis: The expansion of God’s redemptive plan according to His sovereign decree.

The Father’s Will and Christ’s Authority (v.17-18)

Christ lays down His life voluntarily, fulfilling the eternal covenant of redemption (Hebrews 13:20).

His resurrection secures the perseverance of the saints.

Application:

Are we trusting in Christ’s constant care over our lives, knowing that He does not abandon His sheep?

As under-shepherds (pastors, parents, or disciple-makers), are we reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love in our care for others?

Jesus is the True Shepherd who is the Dividing Line Between Belief and Rejection (John 10:19-21)

The Response to Christ Always Divides (v.19-20)

Many reject Christ’s words, claiming He is demonic (cf. John 6:66).

The Gospel is offensive to the natural man (1 Corinthians 1:18).

The Evidence of Christ’s Power (v.21)

The works of Christ affirm His authority (John 5:36).

Many recognize His works but fail to submit to His lordship.

Application:

Are we prepared for the Gospel to bring division in our own lives?

Do we trust that Christ’s truth will be revealed in time, even when many reject Him?

Final Challenge:

Jesus is not merely a moral teacher or example of love—He is the sovereign Shepherd, Mediator, and Preserver of His people. As Reformed Baptists, we affirm that:

He sovereignly calls His own, and they will follow Him.

He provides all things necessary for the Christian life.

He preserves His people, and none will be lost.

Are we daily resting in His shepherding care, listening to His voice, and walking in confidence that He will lead us home