The image of a shepherd guiding and guarding his flock is one of the most comforting and profound analogies in all of Scripture. In John chapter 10, Jesus used the rustic setting of the sheepfold to reveal deep truths about His divine identity and the unique security He offers His followers.
This passage is a powerful allegory where Jesus positions Himself against all other religious and political authorities. He is not merely a path or a leader; He is the foundation upon which eternal safety rests.
The four figures in this passage—the Door, the Sheep, the Thieves, and the Shepherd—work together to define the nature of true salvation and the absolute security of those who belong to Him.
1. The Door: The Only Way In
The first figure Jesus presents is Himself as the exclusive means of entrance: “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep” (John 10:7, 9).
- Divine Claim: This is the third of seven profound “I am” statements in John’s Gospel (Ego Eimi), a declaration of divinity echoing God’s self-revelation to Moses.
- Exclusive Access: Jesus is the door, not merely one of many. All who try to gain access to the sheepfold (salvation) by another way—through works, law, or their own merit—are categorized as thieves and robbers (John 10:1).
- Ultimate Protection: In the ancient rustic sheepfold, the shepherd would physically lay down across the opening, becoming the door. This symbolizes that no sheep can leave, and no thief or wolf can enter, except by crossing the Shepherd’s own body—a foreshadowing of the sacrifice on the cross.
2. The Sheep: Called to Follow
Being called a sheep is a recognition of our spiritual need. Sheep are naturally prone to wander, are easily distracted, and need constant protection and guidance. This reflects the spiritual state of humanity.
- Hearing the Voice: Jesus’s true sheep hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:4). We know His voice today primarily through His Word, the Scriptures. The sheep must recognize and flee from the voice of strangers and false teachers.
- One Flock: Though the gospel was first offered to the Jews, Jesus declared, “I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also” (John 10:16). This refers to the inclusion of the Gentiles. Ultimately, all the redeemed will be united as one flock under one shepherd.
3. The Thieves: Steal, Kill, and Destroy
Here are some examples of these “thieves” who do not enter by the door:
- Those Seeking Salvation by Works: These individuals attempt to gain eternal rest through their own good deeds or moral performance, effectively robbing God of the glory of salvation.
- False Religious Leaders: These are preachers and cult leaders who twist Scripture, replacing God’s sovereignty with man-centered doctrine. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10).
- Hired Hands: These are individuals pretending to be shepherds but are only in it for the money, prestige, or admiration. They abandon the flock when a “wolf” (persecution, difficulty) appears, proving they care nothing for the sheep.
4. The Shepherd: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), stands in contrast to all the thieves and hired hands. One of His qualifications to lead is His willingness to lay down His life.
- Personal Knowledge: Jesus knows His sheep intimately, calling them by name.
- Voluntary Sacrifice: The greatest proof of His commitment is the cross. He lays down His life for the sheep. Crucially, He emphasizes His divine authority: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:18). This confirms that His death was not a defeat but a sovereign, willing act, and His resurrection was achieved by His own power.
- Divine Harmony: This act is in perfect agreement with the Father’s plan, who chose the flock for the Son, resulting in salvation that is entirely a work of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
The Call: The Door is open to all who would come. If you hear the Shepherd’s voice today, the time is now to enter through Jesus, who promises, “If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9).
This is an edited A.I. summary of the sermon “The Door, the Sheep, the Thieves, and the Shepherd” by Mark Goldman
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