The Good Shepherd
Expanding the parable of the sheepfold, Jesus adds that not only is he the “the doorâ€, 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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