John 10:4
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
When he has brought out all his own
This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. The Greek word for "brought out" is "ekballo," which can mean to lead out or to guide. This suggests a deliberate and caring action by the shepherd, who ensures that none of his sheep are left behind. Historically, shepherds in ancient Israel were known for their intimate knowledge of each sheep, often naming them and understanding their individual needs. This reflects the personal care and attention Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides to His followers, ensuring that each one is accounted for and led to safety.

he goes on ahead of them
The shepherd's role is not only to gather but also to lead. The phrase "goes on ahead" indicates leadership and protection. In the Greek, "proago" means to lead forward or to go before. This reflects the cultural practice of shepherds in the Middle East, who would walk in front of their flock, guiding them to green pastures and protecting them from potential dangers. Spiritually, this illustrates Jesus' role as a leader who guides His followers through life's challenges, always moving ahead to prepare the way and ensure their well-being.

and his sheep follow him
The relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is built on trust and recognition. The Greek word "akoloutheo" means to follow or accompany. This implies a voluntary action by the sheep, who choose to follow the shepherd because of their trust in him. In the biblical context, this signifies the believer's response to Christ's call, willingly following Him out of faith and trust in His guidance and provision.

because they know his voice
The intimate knowledge between the sheep and the shepherd is highlighted here. The Greek word "oida" for "know" suggests a deep, experiential knowledge. Sheep in ancient times were known to recognize the unique voice of their shepherd, distinguishing it from others. This reflects the spiritual truth that believers are attuned to the voice of Christ, discerning His guidance and truth amidst the many voices in the world. It underscores the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, cultivated through prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to recognize and respond to His call.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The Good Shepherd who leads His sheep, representing His followers.

2. Sheep
Symbolic of believers who recognize and follow the voice of Jesus.

3. Shepherd
A metaphor for Jesus, emphasizing His role as a leader and protector.

4. The Fold
Represents the community of believers or the Church.

5. The Voice
The teachings and guidance of Jesus, which His followers recognize and trust.
Teaching Points
Recognizing the Shepherd's Voice
Believers are called to discern and follow the voice of Jesus amidst the noise of the world.

Following with Trust
Just as sheep trust their shepherd, Christians are encouraged to trust Jesus' guidance in their lives.

Community of Believers
The imagery of the fold reminds us of the importance of being part of a community that follows Christ together.

Leadership and Guidance
Jesus exemplifies perfect leadership, and believers are to model their leadership after His example.

Spiritual Discernment
Developing the ability to distinguish Jesus' voice from false teachings is crucial for spiritual growth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we cultivate a deeper ability to recognize the voice of Jesus in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty?

3. How does being part of a community of believers help us in following the voice of Jesus?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are following Jesus' guidance rather than the world's influences?

5. How do the roles of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd encourage us in our personal leadership and service within the Church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 23
This Psalm portrays the Lord as a shepherd, providing a foundational understanding of God's care and guidance, which is echoed in John 10.

John 10:27
Further emphasizes the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, highlighting the recognition of His voice.

Ezekiel 34
God promises to be the shepherd of His people, which is fulfilled in Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd.

Hebrews 13:20
Refers to Jesus as the "great Shepherd of the sheep," reinforcing His leadership and sacrificial role.

1 Peter 5:4
Describes Jesus as the Chief Shepherd, promising a crown of glory to faithful leaders.
The Familiar VoiceD. Young John 10:4
Climbing Up Some Other Way into HeavenD. L. Moody.John 10:1-13
Entrance Without QualificationH. O. Mackey.John 10:1-13
Jesus the Good ShepherdC. S. Pomeroy, D. D.John 10:1-13
Sheep to be Fed, not ShearedArchbp. Trench.John 10:1-13
ShepherdhoodBp. S. S. Harris.John 10:1-13
The Fold and the DoorS. S. Times., S. S. TimesJohn 10:1-13
The Fold of the SheepS. S. TimesJohn 10:1-13
The Shepherd and the FlockC. S. Robinson, D. D.John 10:1-13
Wrong Ways to HeavenJohn 10:1-13
The Shepherd and the SheepJ.R. Thomson John 10:3, 4
A Bounding LifeCongregational PulpitJohn 10:3-5
A Minister's WorkDr. Magee.John 10:3-5
Abounding LifeG. Macdonald, LL. D.John 10:3-5
Abundant Grace in ChristKnox Little.John 10:3-5
Abundant LifeJ. O. Dykes, D. D.John 10:3-5
Christ the DoorW. H. Van Doren, D. D.John 10:3-5
Christ the DoorH. W. Beecher.John 10:3-5
Christ the DoorM. W. Hamma, D. D.John 10:3-5
Christ the DoorC. H. Spurgeon.John 10:3-5
Christ the Leader of His PeopleT. Guthrie, D. D.John 10:3-5
Christ the Only DoorC. H. Spurgeon.John 10:3-5
Christ, the Only Door into the Kingdom of GodJ. L. Nye.John 10:3-5
Christian LibertyH. C. Trumbull, D. D.John 10:3-5
Christian PasturageA. Raleigh, D. D.John 10:3-5
Christ's GuidanceA. Raleigh, D. D., S. S. Times.John 10:3-5
Doorkeepers DismissedJohn 10:3-5
False Teachers not TrustedT. Scott, M. A.John 10:3-5
False Teachers ShunnedJ. Trapp.John 10:3-5
Go InJohn 10:3-5
God is an Abundant GiverH. W. Beecher.John 10:3-5
How Christ Gives LifeC. Stanford, D. D.John 10:3-5
Immortal Life Through ChristJ. C. Jones, D. D.John 10:3-5
Life a GainT. T. Munger.John 10:3-5
Life and More LifeA. L. Astor.John 10:3-5
Life in ChristJ. F. Stevenson, D. D.John 10:3-5
Life More AbundantC. H. Spurgeon.John 10:3-5
Life More AbundantlyT. Starr King.John 10:3-5
More LifeE. Mellor, D. D.John 10:3-5
SalvationBp. Westcott., C. H. Spurgeon.John 10:3-5
Satisfaction Only in Following ChristR. S. Barrett.John 10:3-5
Sheep Will not Follow StrangersW. Baxendale.John 10:3-5
The Advent Message of the BaptistW. C. E. Newbolt, M. A.John 10:3-5
The Calling of the SheepS. S. TimesJohn 10:3-5
The Connection Between the Two SimilitudesF. Coder, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Conscience a PorterMonday Club SermonsJohn 10:3-5
The Door Always OpenC. H. Spurgeon., H. C. Trumbull, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Door and the ShepherdsT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Gift of Abundant LifeArchdeacon Manning.John 10:3-5
The Gifts to the FlockA. Maclaren, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Great ContrastW. M. Punshon.John 10:3-5
The Individualizing Knowledge of ChristH. C. Trumbull, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Leading of the FlockF. Godet, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Mission of ChristJ. Donne, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Mission of ChristT. Stephenson.John 10:3-5
The Mote Abundant LifeW. B. Pope, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Office of a True ShepherdFamily ChurchmanJohn 10:3-5
The Parable of the DoorWalter Hawkins.John 10:3-5
The Personal Love and Lead of ChristH. Bushnell, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Personal Relationship Between the Shepherd and the SheepA. Raleigh, D. D.John 10:3-5
The Porter of the DoorJ. Louis Spencer.John 10:3-5
The Privileges of the SheepG. F. Pentecost.John 10:3-5
The Voice of the Shepherd KnownChristian AgeJohn 10:3-5
To Go in and OutF. Godet, D. D.John 10:3-5
People
Jesus, John, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem, Jordan River
Topics
Ahead, Brings, Follow, Forth, Goes, Got, Puts, Putteth, Sheep, Voice, Walks, Whenever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 10:1-4

     5433   occupations
     7784   shepherd

John 10:1-5

     5196   voice

John 10:1-9

     8491   watchfulness, divine

John 10:1-16

     4684   sheep

John 10:2-5

     5178   running

John 10:3-4

     7785   shepherd, occupation

John 10:3-5

     2048   Christ, love of
     5548   speech, divine

John 10:4-5

     7125   elect, the

Library
February 5 Morning
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.--JOHN 10:10. In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.--She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.--If by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 18 Evening
His name shall be in their foreheads.--REV. 22:4. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep.--The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.--Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. After that ye believed, ye were sealed
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 11 Evening
My sheep hear my voice.--JOHN 10:27. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, 1 will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 10 Morning
No man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.--JOHN 10:29. I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.--The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.--We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 18 Morning
He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.--JOHN 10:3. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his; and, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.--Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you . . . depart from me, ye that work iniquity.--The Lord
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 19 Morning
Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.--JOHN 10:7. The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.--Christ . . . hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.--The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.--Through
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

'Other Sheep'
[Footnote: Preached before the Baptist Missionary Society.] 'Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock and one Shepherd.'--JOHN x. 16 (R.V.). There were many strange and bitter lessons in this discourse for the false shepherds, the Pharisees, to whom it was first spoken. But there was not one which would jar more upon their minds, and as they fancied, on their sacredest convictions, than this, that God's flock
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Gifts to the Flock
... By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.'--JOHN x. 9. One does not know whether the width or the depth of this marvellous promise is the more noteworthy. Jesus Christ presents Himself before the whole race of man, and declares Himself able to deal with the needs of every individual in the tremendous whole. 'If any man'--no matter who, where, when. For all noble and happy life there are at least three things needed: security, sustenance, and a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Good Shepherd
'I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. 15. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep.'--JOHN x. 14,15. 'I am the Good Shepherd.' Perhaps even Christ never spoke more fruitful words than these. Just think how many solitary, wearied hearts they have cheered, and what a wealth of encouragement and comfort there has been in them for all generations. The little child as it lays itself down to sleep, cries-- 'Jesus, tender Shepherd,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

January the Seventeenth Spiritual Discernment
"My sheep hear My voice!" --JOHN x. 19-30. This is spiritual discernment. We may test our growth in grace by our expertness in detecting the voice of our Lord. It is the skill of the saint to catch "the still small voice" amid all the selfish clamours of the day, and amid the far more subtle callings of the heart. It needs a good ear to catch the voice of the Lord in our sorrows. I think it requires a better ear to discern the voice amid our joys! The twilight helps me to be serious; the noonday
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

August the Twenty-Third not Lost in the Flock
"I know My sheep, and am known of mine." --JOHN x. 7-16. There is mutual recognition, and in that recognition there is confidence and peace. "I know my sheep." He knows us one by one. My knowledge of the individual wanes in proportion as the multitude is increased. The teacher with the smaller class has the deepest intimacy with her scholars. The individual is lost in the crowd. But not so with our Lord. There are no "masses" in His sight. However big the crowd, even though it be "a multitude
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 14, "I am the Good Shepherd," Etc. Against the Donatists.
1. We have heard the Lord Jesus setting forth to us the office of a good shepherd. And herein He hath doubtless given us to know, as we may understand it, that there are good shepherds. And yet that the multitude of shepherds might not be understood in a wrong sense; He saith, "I am the good Shepherd." [4124] And wherein He is the good Shepherd, He showeth in the words following; "The good Shepherd," saith He, "layeth down His life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 30, "I and the Father are One. "
1. Ye have heard what the Lord God, Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God, born of God the Father without any mother, and born of a Virgin mother without any human father, said, "I and My Father are One." [4164] Receive ye this, believe it in such wise that ye may attain [4165] to understand it. For faith ought to go before understanding, that understanding may be the reward of faith. For the Prophet hath said most expressly, "Unless ye believe, ye shall not understand." [4166] What then is simply preached
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Sheep and their Shepherd
In a very simple way, we shall speak about the proprietor of the sheep. "My sheep," says Christ. Then, we shall have a little to say about the marks of the sheep. After that I propose to talk awhile about the privileges of the sheep. "I know my sheep:" they are privileged to be known of Christ. "My sheep hear my voice." I. Who is the proprietor of the sheep? They are all Christ's. "My sheep hear my voice." How came the saints to be Christ's? They are his, first of all, because he chose them. Ere
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Good Shepherd
JOHN x. 11. I am the good shepherd. Here are blessed words. They are not new words. You find words like these often in the Bible, and even in ancient heathen books. Kings, priests, prophets, judges, are called shepherds of the people. David is called the shepherd of Israel. A prophet complains of the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves, and will not feed the flock. But the old Hebrew prophets had a vision of a greater and better shepherd than David, or any earthly king or priest--of a heavenly
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Abbott -- the Divinity in Humanity
Lyman Abbott was born at Roxbury, Mass., in 1835. As successor to Henry Ward Beecher, at Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, he ministered with great spiritual power until 1898, when he resigned his pastorate to devote his entire time to The Outlook, of which he was, and still is, the editor. Dr. Abbott's conception of the minister's work is briefly summed up in his own words: "Whenever a minister forgets the splendid message of pardon, peace and power based on faith in Jesus Christ as God manifest in the
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

Life.
I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.'--St. John x. 10. In a word, He came to supply all our lack--from the root outward; for what is it we need but more life? What does the infant need but more life? What does the bosom of his mother give him but life in abundance? What does the old man need, whose limbs are weak and whose pulse is low, but more of the life which seems ebbing from him? Weary with feebleness, he calls upon death, but in reality it is life he wants. It is
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Disciple, -- what is the Meaning and Purpose of the Cross...
The Disciple,--What is the meaning and purpose of the cross, and why do pain and suffering exist in the world? The Master,--1. The cross is the key to heaven. At the moment when by My baptism I took the cross upon My shoulders for the sake of sinners, heaven was opened, and by means of My thirty-three years bearing of the cross and by death upon it, heaven, which by reason of sin was closed to believers, was for ever opened to them. Now as soon as believers take up their cross and follow Me they
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

Questions and Answers
Question. How may we know definitely that we are sanctified? Answer. We may know it by knowing that we have met all the conditions. This grace is obtained upon the conditions of consecration and faith. When we are sure that we have measured up to a true Bible consecration, we will have no difficulty in knowing that we are sanctified. The depth of meaning of this consecration does not necessarily need to be fully comprehended by the seeker, as we enter into this covenant, but there is a yielding up
J. W. Byers—Sanctification

Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He Retires to Peræa.
(Jerusalem and Beyond Jordan.) ^D John X. 22-42. ^d 22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: 23; it was winter; and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [The feast of dedication was one of eight days' duration and began upon the 25th Chisleu, which, according to the calculation of M. Chevannes, fell upon the nineteenth or twentieth of December, a.d. 29. The feast was kept in honor of the renovation and purification of the temple in the year b.c. 164, after it had been desecrated
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the Feast of Tabernacles.
The closing words which Jesus had spoken to those Pharisees who followed HIm breathe the sadness of expected near judgment, rather than the hopefulness of expostulation. And the Discourse which followed, ere He once more left Jerusalem, is of the same character. It seems, as if Jesus could not part from the City in holy anger, but ever, and only, with tears. All the topics of the former Discourses are now resumed and applied. They are not in any way softened or modified, but uttered in accents of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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