John: The Gate, Good Shepherd

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The Gate and the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-42)

In this chapter, Jesus was probably speaking near the temple in Jerusalem, where sheep were kept in folds to be sold for sacrifices. Jesus presents himself as both the gate and the shepherd for the sheep. The concept of God as our shepherd is clearly seen in the Old Testament (see Psalm 23:1-6; 77:20; 80:1; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:31), which also speaks about false shepherds who would injure the flock.

A first-century Jewish shepherd lived with his sheep. He knew his sheep who were named by him. Shepherds in a village would share a communal sheepfold, which had only one door, to protect the sheep at night. The shepherds would take turns to guard the door and one of them would sleep next to the door all night. In the morning each shepherd would come and call his sheep by making a special sound, such as a clucking noise or a whistle. The shepherd's own sheep would recognise that sound and follow him. Jesus used the picture of sheep in the sheepfold to show how much he loves and cares for us and the intimate relationship that we can have with him.

Questions to consider:

1) What do you think the following represent in the passage: the sheepfold, the shepherd, the thief, the sheep, the gate and the hired hand?

2) What can you learn from vs11-15 about Jesus' care for and his relationship with those who trust in him?

3) What does Jesus mean by the “other sheep” (v16)?

4) Why does Jesus stress that he lays down his life of his own accord (vs17-18)?

5) What does Jesus mean in v27? What promises and assurances does Jesus give his sheep in vs28-29?

6) Why did the Jews pick up stones to stone him (v31)?

Notes:

v3-4 The gate of the sheep pen is usually fastened on the inside and the watchman stays with the sheep all night. In Israel, sheep are not driven but led.

v7-10 The gate is a symbol both of (a) entrance into protection and shelter and (b) exit to freedom and plenty. Jesus has come to give us a fulfilling and satisfying life. We need to enter the gate first in order to become his sheep.

v14-16 Jesus and his sheep share an intimate relationship which is similar to the one between him and God the Father. The “other sheep” refers to the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the kingdom of God. Notice that Jesus will take the initiative to bring them into his fold; these sheep will respond to his voice.

v17-18 Jesus' death was not an accident, but was entirely under his control. But our shepherd didn't remain dead, but rose again to be the shepherd of his flock once more.

v30 Jesus' claim was of divinity; he claimed equality with the Father as God. Even today, we must either reject him completely or accept him for who he is: fully God and fully man.

1)	What do you think the following represent in the passage: the sheepfold, the shepherd, the thief, the sheep, the gate and the hired hand?
2)	What can you learn from vs11-15 about Jesus' care for and his relationship with those who trust in him?
3)	What does Jesus mean by the “other sheep” (v16)?
4)	Why does Jesus stress that he lays down his life of his own accord (vs17-18)?
5)	What does Jesus mean in v27? What promises and assurances does Jesus give his sheep in vs28-29?
6)	Why did the Jews pick up stones to stone him (v31)?

v3-4	The gate of the sheep pen is usually fastened on the inside and the watchman stays with the sheep all night. In Israel, sheep are not driven but led.
v7-10	The gate is a symbol both of (a) entrance into protection and shelter and (b) exit to freedom and plenty. Jesus has come to give us a fulfilling and satisfying life. We need to enter the gate first in order to become his sheep.
v14-16	Jesus and his sheep share an intimate relationship which is similar to the one between him and God the Father. The “other sheep” refers to the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the kingdom of God. Notice that Jesus will take the initiative to bring them into his fold; these sheep will respond to his voice.
v17-18	Jesus' death was not an accident, but was entirely under his control. But our shepherd didn't remain dead, but rose again to be the shepherd of his flock once more.
v30	Jesus' claim was of divinity; he claimed equality with the Father as God. Even today, we must either reject him completely or accept him for who he is: fully God and fully man.