John 10 - The Good Shepherd

Joh 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. Jesus addresses these same Pharisees that were before Him with another truth. "Anyone who sneaks over the wall of the sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!" The "thief" (one who steals by stealth, or breaks into your house at night). The "robber" (a plunderer or bandit, one who beats you up on the street and steals your stuff). Now, lets take a look at what the sheepfold is: (a large stone wall enclosure with no roof, like a coral or pen). The sheepfold would have one entrance like and opening in the wall with a gate or door. In the summer, the flocks stayed out in the field all night, but in the winter, the flocks were gathered into the sheepfolds (or pens). The shepherd would lead the sheep and they would follow him. (In the east, the sheep were given names like pets and knew the voice of their shepherd). "The sheep will always follow a good shepherd."

Joh 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. One who enters through the gate (the door), is the shepherd of the sheep. (The word "pastor" comes from the Latin word "shepherd"). Jesus is saying that He is the "Door" and the "shepherd" is one who comes to the sheep through Jesus. i.e. "The Pastor comes to the sheep through Christ." However, Christ is also our "Chief Shepherd," and we are all His sheep. (Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:4).   

Joh 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. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him (the shepherd), and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls to the sheep by name and leads them out. Jesus knows your name also as one of His little sheep, or children.

Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. After the shepherd gathers his flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. The shepherd sets the example like Christ did. He does not push the sheep, he leads them. (1 Peter 2:21). God calls us to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. Christ is our example and we should try the best we can to follow His footsteps. It is good for the soul to be kind and pleasing to others like Christ was.

Joh 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. The sheep won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they do not know his voice. i.e. those who know Christ will follow Him, just as some of the Jews started to follow Jesus (like the blind man).

Joh 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. They still didn't understand what Jesus meant.

Joh 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. Jesus told them: "I am the gate (the door), of the sheep, not of the sheepfold." Christ is that "Door" that we must enter and pass through as He calls to us. If He does not call, knock on the door and He will answer. (Luke 11:9-10).

Joh 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. All who came before Me were thieves and robbers. i.e. They were not true shepherds, so the sheep did not hear them, or follow them. Remember (John 10:5), the sheep will not follow a stranger. The true Shepherd could not come till God's purpose was ripe in the fullness of the times. (Galatians 4:4). When the right time came, God sent His Son, born of woman, under the law. (Genesis 49:10, John 1:14, Hebrews 2:14). But Christ did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill the law. (Matthew 5:17). Moses and the prophets were the ones that came before Christ, but they were not "thieves and robbers." None of them claimed to do more then point, as John the Baptist did, to the Coming One. All the others were deceivers. False messiahs and wicked leaders like Herod. (Here Jesus was aiming at the Scribes and Pharisees, those who were not trusting, and did not recognize the Messiah).

Joh 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. "I AM" (Yahveh), "The Door," Jesus continues. "Those who come in through Me will be saved." They will come and go as they please and find good pastures. We have a condition here. "It is important that you know who He is." Who is He? He is the "Bread of life," (John 6:35). He is "The Light of the world," (John 8:12). He is "The Payment for our sins," (John 8:24). He is the "The Way, The Truth, and The Life," (John 14:6). He is "The I AM," (John 8:58). "He is God!"

Joh 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. The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. (i.e. Satan). My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. Eternal life! (John 3:16). In other words, follow Satan and you will die. Follow Christ and you will live.

Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. The "Good Shepherd" (Jesus Christ), sacrifices His "life" (soul), for the "sheep" (His children). This is connected with death, and (Psalms 22). The "great Shepherd" is connected with the resurrection. (Hebrews 13:20, Psalms 23). The "Chief Shepherd" with glory (1 Peter 5:4, Psalms 24).

Joh 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. A hired hand (unlearned, inexperienced teacher), will run when he sees a wolf (false prophets and teachers) coming. He will abandon the sheep because they do not belong to him because he is not their shepherd. So, the wolf (Satan, false prophets and teachers), attacks them and scatters the flock. (Matthew 7:15, Matthew 10:16, Acts 20:29). The Apostle Paul knew that after he was gone that false teachers would jump on the flock like vicious wolves. (Just as it is today, the holier than thou people spreading the traditions of men and false doctrine). "Do Not Be Deceived."

Joh 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. The hired hand runs away because he's just in it for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep. (2 Peter 2:3). They think up clever lies and twist the truth of the Word to make it fit your way of thinking, so they can get a hold of your money. "Their time is coming." (Beware of preachers always asking for money). "You will find in most churches today that the ones who give the most money, will get the most attention."

Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. The Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ), knows His children and they know Him. (2 Timothy 2:19). God knows who are His and who teaches the truth. All who belong to God must turn away from false teachings and tradition of men.

Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. Jesus is saying that just as He knows His children, His Father knows Him, and as His children know Him, He knows the Father. 

Joh 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. Jesus tells us about other sheep that He has that are not of this sheepfold. He says that He must bring them also, and they will listen to His voice when He calls to them. Then their will be just one flock and One Shepherd. Of course the "One Shepherd" will be Christ, but who are the "other sheep" He is talking about? Some say that this is referring to the ten lost tribes of Israel that migrated to Europe and America. However, I believe that here He is talking about the Gentile nations. (Revelation 5:9). Christ's blood has bought our salvation if we accept it, and "all" can have eternal life. (Other sheep not from the fold of Israel will also make it to the flock of God). "God is the Father of all people." (Ephesians 4:6).

Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. Jesus is saying that the Father loves Me because I lay down My life for these people, so I can take it back again. (Hebrews 2:9). Christ suffered the death for us, and "He is now crowned with glory and honor." He tasted and defeated death for all of us. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). One of the most important verses in the bible. His purpose foretold in the book of Isaiah. (Isaiah 42:1-7). Jesus will also be the light to the gentiles and those who are prisoners to darkness. (Those all the way back to Adam and Noah's time).

Joh 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. No one can take the life from Jesus. He sacrificed it voluntarily. He has the authority to lay His life down when He wants and to take it up again at His will. This is what the Heavenly Father has commanded. (He made the choice to die for you because He loves you).

Joh 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. Division again among the people because of what He had said. "Jesus speaks of this division." (Matthew 10:34-35, Luke 12:51-53). The division is between good and evil; "God and Satan." (Matthew 10:34-36, 24:7-10). Even families will be divided over Me. Division among the families and the churches. (John 10:19-21, 15:18-21). Take a good look today at the churches, and even in your own family. One believes this way, and another believes a different way. People believing different religions and doctrines of men. (Satan divides families with religion). "Satan has divided this country!"

Joh 10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Some said that Jesus was demon possessed and out of His mind, so why listen to Him? The answer is in (John 8:47), they would not listen because they did not belong to God. If they were from God, they would have gladly listened.

Joh 10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? But, others would say; this man is not possesses by a demon. "Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" The answer is no. (John 9:32, Psalm 146:8, Proverbs 20:12, Isaiah 35:5-6). Only God can do it.

Joh 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. It was winter now in Jerusalem and Jesus was there during the time of Hanukkak, the festival of dedication. (i.e. celebrates the cleansing of Ezra's temple, victory by Judas Maccabeus). After its defilement by Antiochus Epiphanes, 25th Chislen (December), 164 B.C.  

Joh 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Jesus was in the temple walking through the section know as Solomon's Colonnade. (Acts 3:11, Acts 5:12).

Joh 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. The non-believers surrounded Him and asked; How long are you going to keep us in suspense? "If you are the Messiah, just tell us plainly." (He was trying to, but their eyes and ears were spiritually covered). They made it sound like Jesus was not very clear as to who He was. But, back in (John 8:58), He made it very clear to them. (He was the "I AM" claiming to be God).

Joh 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. Jesus tells them very clearly, "I told you before who "I AM" and you don't believe Me." The works I do in My Father's name are proof. (John 5:36, 9:32, 15:24). Proof to those who had eyes to see.

Joh 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. You don't believe Me because you are not My sheep. (1 John 4:6). Only those who are children of God will listen to us. (Will listen to the truth of the Word). The majority won't! That is another way to discern if the message of truth is from God; if it is, the world will not listen to it. (The world would rather follow what is popular, new, or the old traditions of men).

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: My sheep (children), listen to My voice (the Word), and I know them, and they follow Me. (True Christians and children of God will listen, learn, follow, and lead). "They won't act like a bunch of holier than thou powder puffs."

Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. What is the reward for following Jesus. "Eternal life!" (His children will never perish). No man can snatch them away from Jesus. Lets take a good look at this word "perish" in the Strong's #G622 "apollumi" which means "to fully destroy." i.e. man can kill your flesh, but only God can kill the soul. (Matthew 10:28). Yes, only God can destroy your soul. (Your soul is yourself; the spirit is the intellect of the soul). God can blot you out as though you never existed, just as Satan is sentenced to perish. Once the anointed cherub that guarded the mercy seat of God will perish forever. (Ezekiel 28:14-19).

Joh 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. My Father has given Me these children, and He is more powerful than anyone else Jesus is saying. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand.

Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one. One in essence. "The deity of Christ." (Isaiah 9:6). His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. "The I AM." (John 8:58). Before Abraham I AM. "The apostles called Him God." (John 1:1, John 20:28, Romans 9:5). "God calls Jesus God." (Hebrews 1:7-8). His throne will be forever. What is the importance of His identity? You better know His true identity because their is more than one claiming to be Jesus out there. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4). Don't forget false teachers and the antichrist. Make sure you follow the "true" Jesus of the bible and not the fake.     

Joh 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Once again they wanted to kill Him. Remember that these were mostly kenites, those who claimed to be Jews, but were of the synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 3:9).

Joh 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? Jesus tells them, "At My Father's direction I have done many good works. Which one are you going to stone Me for?" (Psalm 35:12, 1 John 3:13). They wanted to repay Christ evil for good. Don't be surprised if the world hates you for teaching the truth. They hated Christ because they could not take the truth, just as so many today. Popular doctrine and traditions of men will never bring you salvation. "Only the truth will set you free."

Joh 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. The Jews replied, "Were stoning you for blasphemy, not for any good works." Your a mere man, and claim to be God!

Joh 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? Jesus replies, "It is written in your own scriptures, I say you are gods." (Luke 24:44, Psalm 82). Describing the judges of Israel. Not that these judges were exalted beings, but that they were like "gods" because they held power over the people they judged.

Joh 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Jesus goes on to say, you know the scriptures can't be altered. The scriptures say the people who received God's message were called god's.

Joh 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? So then, why do you call it blasphemy when I say 'I am the Son of God?' The Father set Me apart and sent Me into the world. (i.e. Jesus is saying, if the lesser thing is true, then the greater thing is true).   

Joh 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. Jesus tells them, "Don't believe Me unless I carry out My Father's work."

Joh 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. But, If I do the works of My Father, believe in them, even if you do not believe in Me. Then you will know that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father. In other words, His works have a voice of their own. (Psalm 19:1-4). "The heavens declare God's glory."

Joh 10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, Once again they tried to kill Him, but He got away and left them. (Devine intervention because it was not His time yet).

Joh 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. He went to beyond the Jordan River near the place John was first baptizing. (This was December, He remained away till April, visiting Bethany (John 11:1). Then spending the latter part of the time at Ephraim. (John 11:54). 

Joh 10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. Many followed Jesus. The people remarked to one another, "John didn't perform miraculous signs," but everything he said about this man has come true.

Joh 10:42 And many believed on him there. Many who were there believed in Jesus. The important lesson here... Do you believe in Him?

Keep the faith,
Barton