The Good Shepherd [John 10]

Thoughts:

In John chapter 10, Jesus is more than likely at or near the Temple in Jerusalem, speaking primarily to the pharisees, after healing the blind man in chapter 9, and He begins the Good Shepherd discourse. 

What is the signifcance of Jesus' discourse near the Temple? 

First, the Temple was a place of worship but also the seat of religious authority and power. The religious leaders were supposed to be the shepherds of the Jewish people. Yet from Old Testament passages like Ezekiel 34 and Jeremiah 23, we learn that the leaders of Israel were scattering and destroying the flock and in it just for themselves. However, God would appoint from the line of David, a Shepherd King, who would love and care for the sheep and ultimately lay His life down for the sheep. 

Second, the Temple was a place where the leaders would guard holiness for the people on behalf of God but Jesus points out that their purpose was to actually kill, steal, and destroy the flock but that Jesus' purpose was to give the sheep a rich and satisfying life (v. 10).

Finally, the Temple was a place which symbolized unity among the Jewish people and Gentiles were not a part of that. However, Jesus mentioned that He had other sheep not in this sheepfold that He must bring also and they will listen to His Voice (v. 16) signifying that the true Temple was not made of stone but was Jesus, who would gather peoples from all nations, not just the Jewish people. 

The Psalm 23 and John 10 connection

David writes Psalm 23 and lays out what was a description of Yahweh as Shepherd of Israel.

• God provides → "I have all I need" (vv. 1-2)
• God guides → "He guides me along right paths" (v. 3)
• God protects → "His rod and staff protect and comfort me" (v. 4) 
• God defeats enemies → "You prepare a feast before me in the presence of my enemies" (v. 5)
• God promises eternal dwelling → "I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (v. 6)

In John 10, Jesus isn't just choosing a random metaphor to describe Himself. He knows that the religious leaders will recognize that He is comparing Himself to Yahweh, the Shepherd of Israel, and thus ultimately to God Himself, which He actually does later in the chapter (v.30) at the Feast of Hanukkah.

• Jesus provides → “My purpose to give a rich and satisfying life” (v. 10)
• Jesus guides → “The sheep hear my voice … he leads them out” (v. 3)
• Jesus protects → “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (v. 11)
• Jesus defeats enemies → "No one can snatch them away... He is more powerful (vv. 28-29)
• Jesus promise eternal dwelling → “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish” (v. 28)

Prayer:

Father, I thank you that we have a good and true shepherd in Jesus, who has laid down His life for the sake of protecting and ultimately saving the sheep that you have given to Him. In the times, when we feel like we don't have what we need or are feeling discontent, may we remember that You provide everything we need and that we have a rich and satisfying life in Jesus. In the times when we feel lost, may we remember that if we acknowledge You in all our ways, and don't lean on our own understanding that you will direct our paths in righteousness. In times, when we feel unsafe, may we remember that You comfort and protect us with Your rod and staff. In times where we feel defeated and overwhelmed by the enemies of doubt and fear, may we enjoy the feast at the table that you prepare before us in their presence. And in times when we become short-sighted and get distracted with the things of this life, may You remind us that we have an eternal dwelling place with You. In Jesus' name I ask all these things, Amen!