In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we explore John 10:1-21, part of our ongoing series on the Gospel of John. We’ll unpack how Jesus uses the shepherd and sheep metaphor to reveal his identity and challenge listeners to discern whom they will trust.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
- The continuation of Jesus’ conversation from John 9, addressing spiritual blindness and the judgment his presence brings.
- Jesus’ shepherd and sheep analogy, illustrating his protective relationship with believers while critiquing the Pharisees as false leaders.
- The significance of Jesus as the “good shepherd” who voluntarily lays down his life for his sheep, contrasting with self-serving hired hands.
- The division among the Jews reacting to Jesus’ words and miracles, underscoring the complexity of belief.
- The choice confronting the healed blind man—and all listeners—about whom to believe amidst competing voices.
By tuning into this episode, you’ll gain insight into how Jesus’ teachings in John 10 affirm his role as the true shepherd guiding believers to eternal life. Krisan Marotta’s thoughtful exploration encourages you to reflect on the evidence of Jesus’ identity, the importance of recognizing his voice over others, and the depth of his sacrificial love. Whether you’re studying the Gospel of John or seeking to strengthen your faith, this episode offers meaningful perspectives on trusting Jesus as the way to abundant life.
Understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-21)
Understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd: Jesus reveals more of his purpose as Messiah. He describes himself as both “the door” to salvation, and “the good shepherd,” who willingly gives his life for his flock.
Review—Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-21)
The thesis of John’s gospel is the only way to gain eternal life in the kingdom of heaven is to believe Jesus is the Christ. John chose certain aspects of the ministry of Jesus to highlight certain themes.
- Theme 1: The importance of testimony. Why should we believe what we haven’t seen for ourselves? We believe because of the testimony of those who saw it.
- Theme 2: The only way to receive eternal life is to believe in Jesus. What’s the point of all this testimony? That we believe in Jesus. Why is believing in Jesus so important? Because he’s the only one who can grant us eternal life.
- Theme 3: Those who believe do so because of the activity of the Spirit of God. We don’t manufacture belief. The Spirit gives it to us.
John 10 continues the conversation that began in John 9.
- On the Sabbath, Jesus healed a man who had been born blind.
- John records various reactions to the healing.
- The man’s neighbors are confused. They think he is an imposter.
- The man’s parents testify that this man is their son who has been blind his whole life, but they are afraid to say Jesus healed him for fear of the Pharisees.
- The Pharisees are divided. Some claim Jesus can’t be a prophet sent from God because he breaks their Sabbath rules.
- Others think he’s performing miracles, so we should investigate his claims. But the ones who reject Jesus win the day.
- The Pharisees and ask the man for his testimony. He testifies Jesus healed him and therefore he must be a prophet from God.
- The Pharisees don’t like that answer. They cast the man out of the synagogue.
- When Jesus hears what happened, he finds the man, tells the man he is the Messiah, and the man believes.
- Jesus said he came to bring judgment, so that those who know they are spiritually blind can see the truth. But those who think they can spiritually see will remain blind.
The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-5)
- A community had one large central pen or sheepfold. Shepherds brought their small individual herds to the big sheepfold for the night. They combined their resources to pay a gatekeeper who stayed with the sheep overnight.
- In the morning, the gatekeeper opened the gate to the shepherds of the flock inside. The shepherds entered by the gate because they owned the sheep.
- When a shepherd entered the fold, he began calling his sheep, and his sheep responded to his voice.
- Jesus uses this illustration to describe his relationships to believers, the children of God.
- The elect know the voice of their Savior because the Spirit opens their eyes and teaches them the truth.
- The story provokes the question: Who will you listen to? This has just played out in the story of healing the blind man.
- The formerly blind man was under intense pressure to deny Jesus, yet he remained true to his shepherd’s voice.
The Door (John 10:6-10)
- The Pharisees misunderstand, so Jesus explains again, changing the analogy.
- The sheep must find pasture. The pasture is the field where all their needs will be taken care of. How are they going to find it?
- Jesus is the door through which they can find the pasture where they will find life.
- This is a harsh criticism of the Pharisees. Their teaching will not lead to life, but to death and destruction.
- They do not care for the souls in their flock. They care only for themselves, their power and their reputation.
The Good Shepherd vs. the Hired Hand (John 11-18)
- Jesus changes the metaphor again. He contrasts the shepherd with the hired hand.
- If someone’s estate was large enough, he might hire a shepherd to watch his flock.
- When the master of the flock tends his own sheep and a wolf threatens, the master stands in the gap. He uses his rod to beat off the attack. If necessary, he lays down his life for his sheep because they are his.
- When the hired hand sees a wolf coming, he flees. No matter what he’s getting paid, he doesn’t want to exchange his life for the sheep.
- The other flock is the Gentiles (10:16).
- Jesus states clearly he is volunteering to give his life. He has the authority to make this choice, and he is voluntarily making it.
- The animal sacrifices of the Old Testament had no choice.
- Jesus could have ended his execution at any moment (Matthew 26:52-54).
- The blind man faced a choice that each of us must ultimately face: Who will we follow and believe?
Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.
Next: 20 Why Jesus said “I and the Father are One” (John 10:22-42)
Previous: 18 Jesus heals the Man Born Blind (John 9)
Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find Life
Study: Gospel of John Bible Study Resources
Podcast season 25, episode 19