John 10 - ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible

10:1–21 The imagery of sheep, shepherd, and sheepfold was a central part of Israel’s heritage—both as a Bedouin people and, more significantly, as the people of God (Psalm 23). By choosing this symbol, Jesus accomplished two things. He drew a strong contrast between himself and the shepherds of Israel. He also declared himself to be the messianic Shepherd for whom Israel hoped (Zech. 13:7–9).

The sheepfold was commonly attached to the shepherd’s home. Thus, to enter the sheepfold was to come home. As the “door of the sheep,” Jesus is the only means of coming home to God—of becoming a member of the household of faith. Jesus is the merciful Shepherd who provides shelter, security, and pasture for his beloved sheep. The shepherds who preceded him in Israel’s history were mercenaries—fleeing the sheep quickly when under threat; and fleecing the sheep regularly for personal gain.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, whose “goodness” cannot be overstated. Like David, the shepherd-king, Jesus risks his life to care for his sheep (cf. 1 Sam. 17:34–37). He knows his flock by name, and each of his sheep recognize and love his voice. Though the gospel is not a private story, it is most definitely a personal one. Jesus delights in his whole flock, and in each one of his sheep. Jesus’ flock and sheepfold is enormous, exceeding the borders of Israel. He has come for lost sheep from every tribe, language, people, and nation (Rev. 5:9).

But as the promised King, the greater David, Jesus literally laid down his life for the sheep on the cross. What a glorious paradox: The Good Shepherd became the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. Even throughout eternity, Jesus will be known as the Lamb who shepherds his people and guides them to “springs of living water” (Rev. 7:17).

10:22–41 The Lamb of God is God the Lamb. Could Jesus have been any more explicit about his identity and purpose as the Messiah? Apparently many Jews still felt he was veiling his identity. But the issue wasn’t one of information but of illumination. Jesus’ sheep hear his voice. They understand him because they know him.

But more glorious than knowing Jesus is being known by Jesus (Gal. 4:9). To be known by Jesus is to be held secure by the grip of his grace. No one can snatch believers from Jesus’ hand or from the Father’s hand. Why? Because Jesus and the Father are one—they are both divine, acting with power and purpose that human forces cannot negate. This is an affirmation both of Jesus’ deity and of the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. The Jews certainly took it as such, because they wanted to stone Jesus for blasphemy.