10:1-10 The gate for the sheep

March 18, 2021

Read John 10:1-10

This chapter introduces some new thoughts which are summed up in two further “I am” sayings of Jesus: “I am the gate” (7,9) and “I am the good shepherd” (10:11,14). But it follows on directly from chapter 9 and the healing of the blind man is still in mind (10:21). The Pharisees, as spiritual leaders, were the appointed shepherds but they had been shown to be blind (Isaiah 56:10-11). In contrast, Jesus fulfils God’s promise that the Messiah will be the true and good shepherd who cares for the sheep (Jer.23:1-2,5-6; Ezek.34:1-10,23-24).

As in the parables, not all the details of this “figure of speech” (6) are meant to be interpreted. The two main thoughts are drawn from the contemporary method of looking after sheep, and both emphasise marks of a true shepherd. At night sheep were kept in a pen for protection, sometimes with a guard to watch the door. The shepherd would be allowed to enter, robbers would not (1-3a). In particular, a true shepherd was characterised by his relationship with the sheep. He called and led them individually (“by name”), and they in turn knew him and followed him (3-5).

Jesus is not only the shepherd who goes in through the gate; “ Very truly” he is the gate itself (7). In contrast to the unfaithful shepherds (8), Jesus alone is the way into God’s salvation (9; 14:6; Psalm 118:20). Entering through him is the start of a relationship with him, in which he cares for and feeds the sheep so that they have security and all that they need (9). Indeed, they will have “life, and have it to the full” (10) – eternal life is the life of the highest possible quality, the life of God himself, through knowing Jesus (17:3). That is the reason why he came.