Explore the Bible: I Know My Own

• The Explore the Bible lesson for Feb. 19 focuses on John 10:7-14; 25-30.

Chapter 10 of John’s Gospel begins a new wave of interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees. The discussion begins with Jesus this time as he employs the sheep/shepherd imagery to speak about the differences between himself and the Pharisees. In doing so, Jesus makes the following claims in the first five verses: (1) Whoever enters the sheep pen any other way than the gate is a thief; (2) The shepherd calls his own sheep by name and they follow; (3) The sheep will run from a stranger because they do not recognize his voice. John states in verse 6, “Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.”

I Am the Gate (John 10:7-10)

On the heels of the Pharisees’ confusion as to what Jesus meant, Jesus declares: “I am the gate for the sheep. All who come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them” (John 10:6). This statement serves as the third “I am” saying in the Gospel, and the theme introduced in 10:1-6 is continued by Jesus aside from initial confusion.

Jesus’ purpose here is clearly to contrast himself with the Pharisees. In so doing, Jesus makes the following points: (1) The sheep have not listened to those who have come before; (2) Salvation and security are found in Jesus as “the gate;” and (3) The motives of Jesus are pure, life-giving, and directly oppose those of the thief who “steals, kills and destroys.”

The statement, “I am the gate” provides the Pharisees further understanding as to what role Jesus sees himself as operating in. John’s readers are also not surprised to discover that Jesus considers himself as one with full authority. This aspect of Jesus’ statement is certainly implied.

However, the themes of safety, protection, and salvation are primary. Unlike the actions of the thief, presumably the Pharisees, who interact with the sheep for selfish purposes, Jesus’ desires to offer security and salvation within the sheep pen.

As “the gate” he considers himself with the full authority and ability to make such an offer. Not only has Jesus contrasted his motives with the Pharisees, but also has implied the position of authority as the one who can alone deliver on the promise of protection.

I Am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14)

The pastoral theme continues in verse 11 with the next “I am” statement in John. Jesus states, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Staying with the topic, Jesus declares himself as not only the gate, but also the good shepherd as well. As the shepherd, Jesus announces, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This statement further expresses the divide between the thieves who “steel, kill and destroy,” (John 10:10) and the “good shepherd” who offers his own life for the benefit of the flock.

The opposing figure to the shepherd shifts in verse 12 from the thief to the “hired hand,” who may not have destructive motives, but also is not altruistic either. The hired hand is not as invested as the owner of the sheep and thus, when difficulty arises, he leaves the sheep to fend for themselves. Jesus’ places himself as one with personal investment. As the good shepherd, he will do whatever is needed to care for his own.

Jesus takes the shepherd image even further. As the “good shepherd,” the sheep interact differently than they would with a hired hand. Through the ability of the sheep to hear, recognize and follow the voice of the shepherd Jesus introduces the element of intimacy. John’s readers are to understand the sheep to be those who hear Jesus’ teachings, see the signs provided by John, and follow Jesus.

I Know my Own (John 10:25-30)

After a brief interlude in the middle of John 10, Jesus returns to the sheep theme once again and here presents a contrast to those who receive Jesus’ testimony concerning himself and to those who dismiss him out of unbelief.

For Jesus, the issue centers around the ability to hear and follow the voice of the shepherd. Those who follow him have heard his voice. They in turn receive from him eternal life and security (John 10:28). Jesus declares his sheep are his, because the Father has entrusted him with them.

The point is not a promise for those who have ever “made a decision,” but rather is stating what John’s readers and the early church understood: authentic Christians who have heard the call of the shepherd remain faithful because they were given to Jesus by the Father. They live in security and ongoing intimate fellowship with the one who laid down his life for them. No one is stronger than the Father to “snatch them” (John 10:28) away from where they desire to be and belong.

Matt Baird is assistant professor of Christian ministry and director of the graduate program in the School of Christian Studies at East Texas Baptist University.