1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.”
2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.
6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.
18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words.
20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?”
21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter,
23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.
24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me,”
26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
30 I and the Father are one.
31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?”
33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?”
35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—
36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me;
38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.
40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained.
41 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.”
42 And many believed in him there.
The True Meaning of John 10
This passage from the Gospel of John provides valuable insights into the teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ. The author, John, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and a close companion. He offers a unique perspective, drawing from his personal experiences and eyewitness accounts to shed light on the profound truths Jesus conveyed. Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his flock to illustrate the nature of his relationship with his followers in this chapter. He emphasizes his role as the “good shepherd” who cares for his sheep, in contrast to the false shepherds who seek their own gain. This imagery resonates with the prophecies of Ezekiel, where God promises to shepherd his people and provide for their needs (Ezekiel 34:11-16). We will witness Jesus’ bold proclamations about his divine identity and the eternal life he offers to those who believe in him as we delve into this passage. These teachings will lead to a growing division among the people, setting the stage for the pivotal events that will unfold in the coming chapters.
John 10:1-6
Jesus uses the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep to teach a profound spiritual truth in John 10:1-6. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a deeper understanding.
Verse 1 starts with Jesus saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” Here, Jesus is setting the stage for the analogy, portraying Himself as the legitimate way to enter into a relationship with God. The sheepfold represents the kingdom of God, and Jesus emphasizes the importance of entering through the proper way, which is Him. Jesus continues in verse 2, saying, “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.”” Jesus is establishing Himself as the rightful shepherd who leads, protects, and cares for His flock, which are His followers. This echoes the Old Testament imagery of God as the shepherd of Israel, as seen in passages like Psalm 23.
Moving on to verse 3, “To him, the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” Here, Jesus highlights the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. This signifies the personal nature of Jesus’ relationship with His followers. The imagery of Jesus calling His sheep by name reflects the individual care and love He has for each person who follows Him, reinforcing the idea of a personal and intimate connection with God.
Verse 4 goes on to say, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” This emphasizes the importance of discerning the voice of the shepherd. God often guides and instructs His people through His voice in the Bible. Just as sheep instinctively know and follow the voice of their shepherd, believers are called to listen to and follow the teachings of Jesus as their ultimate guide in life.
Finally, in verse 5 and 6, “A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This highlights the discernment that believers should have when it comes to recognizing false teachings or deceptive voices that try to lead them away from the truth. The sheep’s instinct to flee from strangers serves as a metaphor for believers being vigilant and cautious against false teachings and ideologies that are not in line with the teachings of Jesus. John 10:1-6 teaches us about the intimate and personal relationship that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, has with His followers. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing His voice, following His guidance, and discerning against false teachings. This passage reminds us of the eternal truth that Jesus is the rightful way to enter into a relationship with God, and His followers are called to listen, obey, and trust in Him as their ultimate Shepherd and guide.
John 10:7-10
Jesus says in John 10:7-10, “I am the gate for the sheep.” All who came [before me] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus uses the metaphor of being the gate for the sheep in this passage to illustrate that He is the only way to salvation. Jesus emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Himself by referring to Himself as the gate. This statement echoes what Jesus said earlier in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This exclusivity challenges the prevailing beliefs of the time that there were many ways to God. Jesus makes it clear that salvation can only be found through Him.
When Jesus mentions that all who came before Him are thieves and robbers, He is likely referring to false messiahs or religious leaders who misled the people and did not truly lead them to God. Throughout the Old Testament, there were prophecies about the coming of the true Messiah, who would be the ultimate savior of humanity. Jesus fulfills these prophecies, and by declaring Himself as the gate, He establishes His role as the long-awaited Messiah.
The contrast between the thief who comes to steal, slaughter, and destroy, and Jesus who came to give abundant life, highlights the stark difference between the enemy (Satan) and the Savior (Jesus). This reflects the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil that is portrayed throughout the Bible. Jesus describes the devil as the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning in John 8:44, emphasizing the destructive nature of the enemy. Jesus, on the other hand, offers abundant life, not just in the afterlife but also in the present life through His teachings, love, and grace. Jesus is not just talking about eternal life in heaven but also about a fulfilling and purposeful life on earth by offering abundant life. Jesus’ teachings provide guidance on how to live a life of love, service, and righteousness. Jesus in John 10:11 describes Himself as the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, further emphasizing His sacrificial love for humanity. The passage in John 10:7-10 underscores the central message of the Bible that Jesus is the only way to salvation and abundant life. It calls believers to place their trust and faith in Him alone, following His teachings and example to experience the fullness of life that He offers.
John 10:11-18
Jesus speaks and uses the analogy of a shepherd to describe his relationship with his followers in John 10:11-18. Let’s break down this verse into key sections to provide a more comprehensive commentary:
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“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
This statement is incredibly powerful as Jesus declares himself as not just any shepherd but the “good shepherd. Shepherds in ancient times were responsible for protecting their flock from danger, leading them to food and water, and caring for their overall well-being. Jesus is emphasizing his role as a protector, provider, and caretaker of his followers by likening himself to a shepherd. The phrase “lays down His life for the sheep” is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross for humanity’s sins. This act of selfless love and sacrifice reinforces the profound depth of Jesus’ commitment to his followers. -
“He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.”
Here, Jesus contrasts himself as the good shepherd with a hired hand who does not have a genuine concern for the sheep. The hired hand’s primary motivation is monetary gain, and when faced with danger, they abandon the sheep to save themselves. This analogy serves as a warning against false leaders who do not genuinely care for the well-being of their followers but are only concerned with their self-interest. It underscores the importance of discerning true leaders who are willing to sacrifice for their flock, just as Jesus did. -
“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep.”
Jesus emphasizes the intimate relationship he shares with his followers. The language of knowing and being known signifies a deep, personal connection based on mutual love, trust, and understanding. This relationship mirrors the unity between Jesus and the Father, highlighting the Trinitarian nature of God. The phrase “I lay down My life for the sheep” further reinforces Jesus’ sacrificial love and his willingness to give everything for the sake of his followers. This profound bond between the shepherd and the sheep demonstrates the depth of Jesus’ love and care for each individual within his flock. -
“I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice, and they will become one flock with one shepherd. Jesus alludes to the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God in this verse. At the time, many Jews believed that salvation was exclusively for them, but Jesus’ statement challenges this notion by indicating that there are others who will also be welcomed into his flock. This foreshadows the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to all peoples, fulfilling the prophecy of a global redemption through Christ. It speaks to the universality of God’s salvation and the unity of believers under the leadership of Jesus, the one true shepherd. John 10:11-18 encapsulates essential themes of sacrificial love, genuine leadership, intimate relationship with God, and the inclusivity of God’s salvation. It underscores the centrality of Jesus as the ultimate shepherd who guides, protects, and lays down his life for his flock, mirroring the love and care that God has for His people. We, as believers, are called to recognize Jesus as our shepherd, follow his voice, and abide in his love, knowing that he will never abandon us but will lead us to eternal life (John 10:27-28).
John 10:19-21
A division among the Jews regarding Jesus and His teachings is seen in John 10:19-21. This division reflects a recurring theme throughout the Gospel of John, where Jesus is either accepted or rejected by those around Him. This passage states, “There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. Many of them said, ‘He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?’ Others said, ‘These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’”
The reaction of the Jews to Jesus’ words showcases the spiritual blindness that existed among some of them. Some were quick to dismiss Jesus as being demon-possessed and insane, unable to recognize the truth and authority in His teachings. This rejection of Jesus is a theme that runs through the Gospels, where many failed to see Him for who He truly was, the Son of God.
On the other hand, there were those who recognized the power and wisdom in Jesus’ words. They pointed out that a demon-possessed person wouldn’t be able to perform the miraculous signs and wonders that Jesus did, such as opening the eyes of the blind. This group showed a willingness to consider the evidence and not simply dismiss Jesus based on preconceived notions or biases.
This division among the Jews highlights the importance of discernment and spiritual understanding when it comes to recognizing the truth of Jesus’ identity and His teachings. It also serves as a reminder that not everyone will accept or believe in Jesus, even when presented with clear evidence of His authority and power.
Throughout the Bible, we see similar instances where people had to choose whether to believe in the miraculous works and teachings of Jesus. Jesus did not do many miracles in his hometown because of the people’s lack of faith, as mentioned in Matthew 13:58. This highlights the significance of faith in accepting Jesus and His message, as those who doubted Him were often unable to fully experience His power and presence in their lives. The division among the Jews in response to Jesus’ words ultimately serves as a call to each of us to carefully consider who Jesus is and what He offers. It challenges us to move beyond our doubts and preconceptions, and to open our hearts and minds to the truth of His teachings. Just as with the Jews in John 10, we too are faced with a choice – to either accept Jesus as the Son of God and follow Him faithfully, or to reject Him based on our own limited understanding and wisdom.
John 10:22-30
We need to break down multiple important sections in John 10:22-30 for a deeper understanding of the meaning conveyed in these verses. The passage begins with a reference to the Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, which was a Jewish festival celebrated in December to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This context is crucial as it sets the stage for the encounter Jesus has with the Jews in the temple courts.
Jesus is walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon, when the Jews surround him and ask him to plainly state whether he is the Christ. They are seeking clarity and directness in his response, wanting to know if he is indeed the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus’ response is significant as he points out that he has already told them, but they do not believe because they are not part of his flock. This statement underscores the idea of belief and faith being essential components of understanding Jesus’ identity and purpose.
Jesus goes on to emphasize the intimate relationship between himself and his followers using the metaphor of the shepherd and his sheep. He describes how his sheep know his voice, and he knows them, implying a deep connection and mutual recognition between the shepherd (Jesus) and his flock (believers). This metaphor draws on the Old Testament imagery of God as the shepherd of Israel, underscoring Jesus’ divine role and authority over his followers. Jesus declares the eternal security and protection he provides for his sheep, stating that no one can snatch them out of his hand. This assurance of salvation and preservation is a comforting promise for believers, emphasizing the security they have in their relationship with Jesus. This notion aligns with the broader theme of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty found throughout the Bible, highlighting the unchanging nature of His promises and the unwavering love and care He has for His people.
Furthermore, Jesus reinforces the unity between himself and the Father, claiming that he and the Father are one. This assertion of unity and divinity echoes the concept of the Triune God, where Jesus, as the Son, is in perfect unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit. It affirms Jesus’ deity and his inseparable connection with the Father, underlining the theological foundation of the Christian belief in the Trinity. John 10:22-30 encapsulates essential teachings about Jesus’ identity as the Good Shepherd, the nature of belief and faith, the security of believers in Christ, and the unity within the Godhead. This passage reinforces fundamental truths of Christianity, such as salvation through faith in Jesus, the unbreakable bond between the Shepherd and his flock, and the eternal nature of God’s care and protection for His people. It serves as a reminder of the profound love and commitment God has towards those who belong to Him, inviting believers to trust in His faithfulness and rest in the assurance of their salvation.
John 10:31-39
Several important sections in John 10:31-39 provide rich insight into the teachings and interactions of Jesus with the Jews. The passage begins with the Jews picking up stones to stone Jesus after He claimed to be one with the Father. This act of the Jews picking up stones to stone Jesus reveals their disbelief and rejection of Jesus as the Son of God. It also foreshadows Jesus’ future crucifixion, where He would ultimately be put to death by crucifixion, the ultimate act of rejection by the religious leaders of the time. Jesus questions the Jews about the good works He has done in response to their intention to stone Him. He highlights the miracles and teachings that He has performed in the name of the Father. Jesus is essentially challenging them to consider the evidence of His divine authority that is reflected in His works. This illustrates the importance of not just hearing the word of God but also observing and acknowledging the works that come as a result of that word. Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:16 that “you will recognize them by their fruits,” emphasizing the importance of actions as evidence of faith.
Jesus then quotes from Psalm 82:6, where God calls the judges and the rulers of Israel “gods” because they represent Him in their roles of authority. Jesus is not claiming divinity for Himself by referencing this, but rather highlighting the hypocrisy of the Jews who, as representatives of God in their positions of authority, should recognize and accept Him who truly comes from the Father. This challenges the mindset of the religious leaders who should have been more attuned to recognizing the true Messiah when He was among them.
Further on in the passage, Jesus tells the Jews that they do not believe because they are not His sheep. This statement reveals a crucial aspect of faith and belonging to Christ. Jesus portrays Himself as the good shepherd who knows His sheep and is known by them. Jesus underscores the intimate and personal relationship that believers have with Him by saying in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” This signifies that true followers of Christ are not just passive listeners but active participants who engage with Him, listen to His voice, and follow His teachings in faith and obedience.
Lastly, Jesus emphasizes His unity with the Father, stating that “the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” This declaration of oneness with the Father underscores the divine nature of Jesus and His unique relationship with God. Jesus tells Philip in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father,” highlighting the inseparable bond between the Father and the Son. This unity is central to the Christian faith and highlights the belief in the Trinity – one God in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The passage in John 10:31-39 serves as a powerful reminder of the rejection, disbelief, and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for the salvation of humanity. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and beliefs, to recognize the evidence of God’s work in our lives, and to have a personal relationship with Jesus as the good shepherd who guides and protects His flock.
John 10:40-42
A few important sections in John 10:40-42 have significance in the broader context of the Gospel of John. Firstly, Jesus goes back across the Jordan River to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. This act of returning to the place where John the Baptist had been ministering is symbolic in many ways. John the Baptist had been the one to prepare the way for Jesus, baptizing him and proclaiming him as the Lamb of God. Jesus is aligning himself with John’s ministry and emphasizing the connection between his own mission and that of John the Baptist by returning to this place.
This act also serves to highlight the continuity between the Old Testament prophets, represented by John the Baptist, and Jesus himself. Throughout the Gospel of John, there is a recurring theme of Jesus fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and establishing himself as the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus is reaffirming his role as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the continuation of the prophetic tradition by going back to the place where John had been baptizing. Many people came to Jesus at that place and believed in him in these verses. This response from the people signifies the impact of Jesus’ ministry and the faith that he was able to inspire in those who encountered him. The fact that many believed in him is a testament to the power of Jesus’ teachings and his ability to work miracles that confirmed his identity as the Son of God.
This episode in John 10:40-42 serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. Throughout the Gospel of John, the theme of belief is central, as John himself states in John 20:31, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” The response of the people who came to Jesus and believed in him reflects the call to faith that runs throughout the Gospel of John and the broader message of the entire Bible.
After John 10
Jesus is seen as the Good Shepherd in this chapter, guiding and protecting his flock. He speaks of the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, emphasizing his care and love for them. Jesus also talks about his authority and the unity between him and the Father. The chapter ends with the Jews picking up stones to stone Jesus for claiming to be one with God. Let us reflect on Jesus’ words in this chapter and remember the importance of following him as our shepherd, recognizing his authority in our lives. Despite facing opposition and threats, Jesus remains steadfast in his mission to bring salvation to all. We will continue seeking his guidance and trusting in his protection as we move forward in our journey of faith.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.