John - Chapter 10

John 10.1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. John 10.2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. John 10.3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. John 10.4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. John 10.5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. John 10.6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. John 10.7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. John 10.8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. John 10.9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10.10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10.11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10.12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. John 10.13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. John 10.14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10.15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10.16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. John 10.17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. John 10.18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10.19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. John 10.20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? John 10.21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? John 10.22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. John 10.23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. John 10.24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. John 10.25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. John 10.26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. John 10.27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10.28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10.29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. John 10.30 I and my Father are one. John 10.31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. John 10.32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? John 10.33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. John 10.34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? John 10.35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; John 10.36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? John 10.37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. John 10.38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. John 10.39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, John 10.40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. John 10.41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. John 10.42 And many believed on him there.

John : Chapter 10

Jesus, the Good Shepherd

Chapter 10 of the Gospel of John presents us with Jesus as the Good Shepherd, illustrating the deep and loving relationship he has with his sheep. Through this powerful metaphor, we discover the care, protection, and sacrifice that Jesus offers to each of us.

A Relationship of Trust

This comforting text reminds us that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, calls us into a relationship of trust and intimacy. He watches over us and guides us to eternal security. The unity between the Father and the Son is highlighted, strengthening our faith and hope in His constant presence.

Growing Opposition

However, John 10 also speaks of growing opposition to Jesus, testifying to the challenges he faced in fulfilling his mission. These tensions remind us of the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith in the face of adversity.

Five Enlightening Bible Passages

To deepen our understanding of this beautiful pastoral analogy, let's explore five biblical passages that resonate with the theme of the Good Shepherd in John 10.

Ezekiel 34:23

"I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will feed them and be your shepherd." - This prophecy echoes Jesus' statement in John 10, emphasizing his role as guide and protector.

Psalm 23:1

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." - This psalm celebrates God's divine care and provision, directly related to the theme of the Good Shepherd.

Isaiah 40:11

"As a shepherd, he cares for his flock; with his arm he gathers the lambs and carries them on his knees; he carefully leads the nursing ewes." - This prophetic passage illustrates Jesus' tenderness and concern for his people.

Zechariah 11:17

"Woe to the useless shepherd who abandons his flock! May the sword strike his right arm and his right eye! May your arm be completely withered and your right eye completely blind!" - This verse contrasts the true Good Shepherd, Jesus, with those who do not care for their sheep.

1 Peter 2:25

"For you were like lost sheep, but now you are turning to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." - Peter applies the metaphor of the shepherd to Christ, strengthening our connection with him as our spiritual guide.

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to deepen our relationship with Jesus, the Good Pastor, who cares for us with love and devotion. May our faith be renewed and may we find comfort and assurance in his protective presence.