The Shepherd
4TH and 1
The Shepherd & His Sheep
The
Figure of Speech (10:1-6)
The chapter break here is somewhat arbitrary.
Jesus continues rebuking the Pharisees by using a figure of speech containing a
number of potential analogies. Since they did not understand Him, Jesus
explained and expanded His metaphor.
The
First Explanation & Expansion (10:7-10)
In a sense, Jesus compares to the gate. The gate
is the appointed place where the shepherd meets with the sheep. Any ‘other way’
is unsafe, unauthorized, and only utilized by thieves and robbers. Essentially,
Jesus was calling the Pharisees thieves & robbers b/c they were trying to
accumulate sheep for their own interests and without pointing the sheep toward
Jesus. Only through Jesus could the sheep live the ideal life.
The
Second Explanation & Expansion (10:11-15)
In another sense, Jesus compares to the shepherd
(but is even greater than a typical shepherd). As Shepherd, He is willing to
lay down his life for the sheep (unlike a hired hand that works only for pay).
He has an intimate knowledge of each sheep in His flock. Speaking of Himself as
the good shepherd placed Him in the role of God (Ezekiel 34:11-12) and the
Davidic Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23-24).
The
Third Explanation & Expansion (10:16)
The sheep pen seems to have represented Israel.
Only some ‘sheep’ within Israel truly knew the ‘Shepherd’. Here, Jesus alerts
His hearers to the fact that there are other ‘sheep’ that belong to Him that
are not part of Israel (a reference to Gentiles who listen to Jesus). These
Jews and Gentiles who follow Jesus will become one ‘flock’ (The people of God).
The
Fourth Explanation & Expansion (10:17-21)
It would have been rare for a shepherd to lose
his life while shepherding, and it seemed very odd for Jesus to be speaking of
Himself in Messianic terms while also predicting His own death. Because of
this, Jesus explains that He will be voluntarily sacrificing Himself for His
‘sheep’ and will subsequently live again. All of this seemed absurd to many of
His listeners.
At
the Feast of Dedication (10:22-42)
Some time later (during Hanukkah), Jesus once
again brought up the Shepherd/Sheep analogy. His ‘sheep’ listen to Him and are
given eternal life and security, but those who refuse to believe will perish.
When Jesus claimed unity with the Father (Deity), His hearers wanted to stone
Him. Jesus responded with a passage to ponder (Psalm 82:6) and a reference to
His actions and miracles. When they tried to seize Him Jesus went back to where
His ministry had began (the place of His baptism) and many believed in Him.
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