A study of John 10:11-21 reveals who the good shepherd is and what he does, relationships between father and son and shepherd and sheep, and Jesus’ authority to lay down his life and take it up again.
A study of John 10:11-21 reveals who the good shepherd is and what he does.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV, John 10:11)
In this parable that Jesus tells, he identifies himself as a shepherd. However, he’s not just a shepherd but “the good shepherd.” There are two different Greek words for “good.” One is kalŏs, which means morally and intrinsically good and upright. An example of this appears in Matthew 7:17.
So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
In this verse “good” (kalŏs) refers to the inner quality of the tree. It is good in nature and therefore produces good.
But in John 10:11, the Greek word for “good” is agathos, which means means beautiful, noble, excellent, and worthy.
Sheepherding was common in that day so the people easily related to the story. Not so much today. However, we should not imagine in our modern context that it was easy and carefree work. It was both rigorous and dangerous. In 1 Samuel 17:34–36, David tells King Saul that as a shepherd he risked his life and killed both lions and bears to protect his flock. But as the good shepherd, Jesus goes beyond risking his life. Instead, he willingly lays his life down for his sheep as the obedient son to the will of his father. He is the perfect sacrifice and God’s redemption for sin.
And unlike the hired hand who is in it for the money, Jesus is personally invested in the care and safety of his sheep. He is not simply morally decent. He is noble, beautiful, and excellent. The Son of God who takes away the sin of the world.
A study of John 10:11-21 reveals relationships between father and son and shepherd and sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. (ESV, John 10:14-15)
In Ezekiel 34, God admonishes the religious leaders as failed shepherds of his people. They tended to themselves rather than their sheep. Therefore, God declared he would take charge of what those spiritual shepherds neglected.
I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. (ESV, Ezekiel 34:15)
A spiritual comparison
Jesus possibly alludes to Ezekiel here as he compares his personal interest in the sheep to the self-interest of the religious leaders. He likens them to hired hands that scatter when danger threatens. What distinguishes Jesus? He builds a relationship with his sheep that is patterned after his relationship with the father. As the father knows him and Jesus knows the father, Jesus, in turn, knows his sheep who also know him. Furthermore, he lays his life down for them.
Then In V.16, Jesus mentions a different fold from the one he speaks about in V.1-5. Scholars suggest the first sheepfold mentioned in V.1-5 represents the people of Israel who are first to receive the gospel. And expand later to include Gentiles and the rest of the world represented by the other sheepfold. The apostle Paul confirms this in his teaching.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV, Romans 1:16)
A study of John 10:11-21 reveals Jesus’ authority to lay down his life and take it up again.
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 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.” (ESV, John 10:17-18)
Jesus ends by repeating that he lays down his life for his sheep. But with an addition. So he can take it up again. It’s an important reminder that his sacrificial death is followed by a resurrection. The final piece that completes the gospel. And important enough for Jesus to repeat twice.
Both the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus were part of God’s redemptive plan. And the claim that Jesus had the authority to take it up again was further evidence of his divinity. But the religious leaders were still divided in their opinions. Some insisted Jesus was demon possessed and insane. Others said he spoke sanely. And they could not imagine a demon with the power to open the eyes of a man born blind.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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