Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
I and my Father are one.
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
And many believed on him there.
John 10 unfolds against the backdrop of Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, following His profound encounter with the man born blind in John 9. This chapter delves into the core of Jesus' identity and mission, using powerful metaphors of shepherding to reveal His relationship with His followers and the stark contrast between true and false spiritual leadership. Understanding John 10 is crucial for grasping Jesus' claims to divinity and the security of salvation.
The Shepherd and the Sheepfold (John 10:1-5)
Jesus begins by presenting a familiar scene: the sheepfold. He contrasts the true shepherd, who enters through the gate, with the thief and robber, who climbs over the wall. The sheep recognize the shepherd's voice and follow him, but they flee from strangers. This simple analogy reveals a profound spiritual truth: true followers of God recognize and respond to the voice of Jesus, the authentic shepherd. The scribes and Pharisees, despite their religious authority, fail to recognize Jesus because they are not part of His flock; they are listening to another voice, one that leads them away from God. Satan and his followers have no concern for the well-being of the sheep. They enter the sheep pen for their own gain.
Jesus, the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:6-10)
The listeners struggle to grasp the meaning of Jesus' illustration, prompting Him to declare plainly, "Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep" (John 10:7). This "I am" statement, echoing God's self-revelation in Exodus 3:14, is a bold claim to divinity. Jesus is the only way to enter the sheepfold of God's grace and find safety and abundant life. To enter the safety of the pen or to go out and find pasture, the sheep have to go through the gate (John 10:9). Jesus is “the way” to safety and life (John 14:6). We must go through him to be saved (John 10:9). Thieves come to destroy, but Jesus came to give life and to give it in abundance (John 10:10). Jesus doesn’t want you merely to posses eternal life but also to possess the full experience of life. Following the shepherd leads to blessing and joy and a growing experience of eternal life. It allows him to rebuke and reverse the enemy’s attempts at blocking the blessings, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment God has for your life (see Joel 2:25; Mal 3:11).
The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life (John 10:11-18)
Jesus further clarifies His role by declaring, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). This distinguishes Him from the hired hand, who abandons the sheep in the face of danger. Jesus' willingness to sacrifice Himself for His flock highlights His deep love and commitment to His followers. It foreshadows His substitutionary atonement on the cross, where He would willingly give His life for the sins of the world. Though it wouldn’t have been clear to his listeners at that moment, Jesus was speaking of his substitutionary atonement when he would sacrifice his life on the cross for the sins of the world. As he would tell his disciples later, “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (15:13). Though the Pharisees cared only for themselves, Jesus was prepared to sacrifice everything to save the sheep he loved.
He also emphasizes that His death is a voluntary act of obedience to the Father: "I lay down my life… No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:17-18). This underscores Jesus' sovereignty and the divine love between the Father and the Son, a love that extends to believers who live in obedience.
One Flock, One Shepherd (John 10:16, 19-21)
Jesus' ministry extends beyond the Jewish people: "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16). This speaks to the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, creating one unified church comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers (see Eph 2:11-22). There will be one flock, one shepherd.
The impact of Jesus' words is divisive. Some accuse Him of being demon-possessed and insane, while others recognize the undeniable truth of His miracles. This division mirrors the choice each individual must make: to accept or reject Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
The Feast of Dedication and the Challenge to Jesus (John 10:22-30)
Several months later, during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), Jesus is confronted by a group of Jews who demand, "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly" (John 10:24). Jesus responds that He has already revealed Himself through His words and deeds, but they refuse to believe because they are not His sheep. They had all the evidence they needed, but they had no interest in listening to him because they had no interest in being his sheep (John 10:26).
He then assures His true followers: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:28-29). This powerful declaration affirms the eternal security of believers, who are held safely in the hands of both Jesus and the Father. Thus, believers are not eternally secure because of their grip on God but because of his grip on them. If you come to Jesus by faith, he’s got you. When you’re too weak and your hands go limp, he’ll still be hanging on to you.
The climax comes with Jesus' unambiguous statement: "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). This clear claim to deity provokes outrage among the Jews, who accuse Him of blasphemy. You don’t get a clearer claim to deity than that. And the Jews knew it. So they picked up rocks to stone him for what they considered blasphemy (10:31, 33). This man was claiming to be God (10:33). But, though they couldn’t accept it, he was telling the truth. Our Creator is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And Jesus Christ is one person with two natures (divine and human).
Jesus' Defense and Departure (John 10:31-42)
Jesus defends Himself by referencing Psalm 82:6, where human rulers are called "gods" (John 10:34). He argues that if imperfect humans can be called "gods," how much more fitting is it for Him, who does the Father's works, to claim oneness with God? Jesus declares that Scripture cannot be broken—that is, canceled or annulled (10:35). This means that Scripture is inerrant, authoritative, and binding.
Despite His compelling arguments and miraculous signs, the Jews continue to reject Him. Jesus eludes their grasp and departs across the Jordan, where John the Baptist once preached. There, many believe in Him, recognizing the truth of John's testimony and the power of Jesus' ministry. Given the hostility directed against him in Jerusalem, Jesus departed again across the Jordan (10:40). But that didn’t put a damper on his ministry. The crowds simply followed him there, and many believed in him (10:41-42).
John 10 serves as a powerful revelation of Jesus' identity as the Good Shepherd, who willingly lays down His life for His sheep, offering them eternal life and security. It also highlights the exclusivity of salvation through Christ and the importance of recognizing and following His voice. The chapter sets the stage for the raising of Lazarus in chapter 11, which will further solidify Jesus' claims and hasten the events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
I and my Father are one.
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
And many believed on him there.
John 10 unfolds against the backdrop of Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, following His profound encounter with the man born blind in John 9. This chapter delves into the core of Jesus' identity and mission, using powerful metaphors of shepherding to reveal His relationship with His followers and the stark contrast between true and false spiritual leadership. Understanding John 10 is crucial for grasping Jesus' claims to divinity and the security of salvation.
The Shepherd and the Sheepfold (John 10:1-5)
Jesus begins by presenting a familiar scene: the sheepfold. He contrasts the true shepherd, who enters through the gate, with the thief and robber, who climbs over the wall. The sheep recognize the shepherd's voice and follow him, but they flee from strangers. This simple analogy reveals a profound spiritual truth: true followers of God recognize and respond to the voice of Jesus, the authentic shepherd. The scribes and Pharisees, despite their religious authority, fail to recognize Jesus because they are not part of His flock; they are listening to another voice, one that leads them away from God. Satan and his followers have no concern for the well-being of the sheep. They enter the sheep pen for their own gain.
Jesus, the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:6-10)
The listeners struggle to grasp the meaning of Jesus' illustration, prompting Him to declare plainly, "Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep" (John 10:7). This "I am" statement, echoing God's self-revelation in Exodus 3:14, is a bold claim to divinity. Jesus is the only way to enter the sheepfold of God's grace and find safety and abundant life. To enter the safety of the pen or to go out and find pasture, the sheep have to go through the gate (John 10:9). Jesus is “the way” to safety and life (John 14:6). We must go through him to be saved (John 10:9). Thieves come to destroy, but Jesus came to give life and to give it in abundance (John 10:10). Jesus doesn’t want you merely to posses eternal life but also to possess the full experience of life. Following the shepherd leads to blessing and joy and a growing experience of eternal life. It allows him to rebuke and reverse the enemy’s attempts at blocking the blessings, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment God has for your life (see Joel 2:25; Mal 3:11).
The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life (John 10:11-18)
Jesus further clarifies His role by declaring, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). This distinguishes Him from the hired hand, who abandons the sheep in the face of danger. Jesus' willingness to sacrifice Himself for His flock highlights His deep love and commitment to His followers. It foreshadows His substitutionary atonement on the cross, where He would willingly give His life for the sins of the world. Though it wouldn’t have been clear to his listeners at that moment, Jesus was speaking of his substitutionary atonement when he would sacrifice his life on the cross for the sins of the world. As he would tell his disciples later, “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (15:13). Though the Pharisees cared only for themselves, Jesus was prepared to sacrifice everything to save the sheep he loved.
He also emphasizes that His death is a voluntary act of obedience to the Father: "I lay down my life… No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:17-18). This underscores Jesus' sovereignty and the divine love between the Father and the Son, a love that extends to believers who live in obedience.
One Flock, One Shepherd (John 10:16, 19-21)
Jesus' ministry extends beyond the Jewish people: "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16). This speaks to the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, creating one unified church comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers (see Eph 2:11-22). There will be one flock, one shepherd.
The impact of Jesus' words is divisive. Some accuse Him of being demon-possessed and insane, while others recognize the undeniable truth of His miracles. This division mirrors the choice each individual must make: to accept or reject Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
The Feast of Dedication and the Challenge to Jesus (John 10:22-30)
Several months later, during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), Jesus is confronted by a group of Jews who demand, "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly" (John 10:24). Jesus responds that He has already revealed Himself through His words and deeds, but they refuse to believe because they are not His sheep. They had all the evidence they needed, but they had no interest in listening to him because they had no interest in being his sheep (John 10:26).
He then assures His true followers: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:28-29). This powerful declaration affirms the eternal security of believers, who are held safely in the hands of both Jesus and the Father. Thus, believers are not eternally secure because of their grip on God but because of his grip on them. If you come to Jesus by faith, he’s got you. When you’re too weak and your hands go limp, he’ll still be hanging on to you.
The climax comes with Jesus' unambiguous statement: "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). This clear claim to deity provokes outrage among the Jews, who accuse Him of blasphemy. You don’t get a clearer claim to deity than that. And the Jews knew it. So they picked up rocks to stone him for what they considered blasphemy (10:31, 33). This man was claiming to be God (10:33). But, though they couldn’t accept it, he was telling the truth. Our Creator is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And Jesus Christ is one person with two natures (divine and human).
Jesus' Defense and Departure (John 10:31-42)
Jesus defends Himself by referencing Psalm 82:6, where human rulers are called "gods" (John 10:34). He argues that if imperfect humans can be called "gods," how much more fitting is it for Him, who does the Father's works, to claim oneness with God? Jesus declares that Scripture cannot be broken—that is, canceled or annulled (10:35). This means that Scripture is inerrant, authoritative, and binding.
Despite His compelling arguments and miraculous signs, the Jews continue to reject Him. Jesus eludes their grasp and departs across the Jordan, where John the Baptist once preached. There, many believe in Him, recognizing the truth of John's testimony and the power of Jesus' ministry. Given the hostility directed against him in Jerusalem, Jesus departed again across the Jordan (10:40). But that didn’t put a damper on his ministry. The crowds simply followed him there, and many believed in him (10:41-42).
John 10 serves as a powerful revelation of Jesus' identity as the Good Shepherd, who willingly lays down His life for His sheep, offering them eternal life and security. It also highlights the exclusivity of salvation through Christ and the importance of recognizing and following His voice. The chapter sets the stage for the raising of Lazarus in chapter 11, which will further solidify Jesus' claims and hasten the events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection.