The Good Shepherd

Expanding the parable of the sheepfold, Jesus adds that not only is he the “the door”, he is also “the shepherd” of the parable.

John 10:11-21

Jesus is the good shepherd, not a hireling. (v. 11-14).

• For some, it’s just a job. And when the job of shepherding becomes difficult or dangerous, they quickly resign, leaving the sheep to fend for themselves. The hireling leaves in such a situation because it is the nature of a hireling. Of course we are talking about those who pastor people.

Jesus has other sheep, not of the Hebrew line (v. 15-16).

• Known to him, and possibly not to others, is the reality of other sheep. His calling is to gather all sheep into one fold/family under one shepherd, Christ himself. The salvation of the Gentiles and their fellowship with believers who come from the Jewish tradition should not be a surprise to students of the Old or New Testaments.

Jesus offers his life to save others, not that he has to (v. 17-18).

• Voluntary.There is no greater love than this.

Jesus divides men into two groups-those who know him and those who do not (v. 19-21).

• While some think him mad or demon-possessed, others accept Jesus as a miracle-worker from God.

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