Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Good Shepherd is a profound teaching of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of John, chapter 10. This parable is a rich metaphor that reveals the nature of Christ's relationship with His followers and His divine mission. In this passage, Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds and emphasizes His role as the true shepherd who cares for His sheep.Context and Setting The parable is set within a discourse where Jesus addresses the Pharisees and the people following the healing of a man born blind (John 9). The religious leaders' failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and their spiritual blindness set the stage for Jesus to explain His role as the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd In John 10:11, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This statement is central to the parable, highlighting Jesus' sacrificial love and commitment to His followers. Unlike a hired hand who abandons the sheep at the sight of danger, Jesus willingly lays down His life to protect and save His flock. The Sheep and the Shepherd's Voice Jesus describes the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, saying, "The sheep hear his voice; he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:3). This imagery underscores the personal and caring nature of Jesus' leadership. His followers, the sheep, recognize His voice and respond to His guidance, illustrating the trust and familiarity between Christ and believers. Contrast with the Hired Hand and Thieves The parable contrasts the Good Shepherd with the hired hand and thieves. The hired hand, who does not own the sheep, "sees the wolf coming and abandons the sheep and runs away" (John 10:12). This represents leaders who lack genuine concern for the well-being of the flock. Thieves and robbers, on the other hand, come "only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10), symbolizing false teachers and deceptive influences that threaten the spiritual safety of believers. The Door of the Sheep In addition to being the Good Shepherd, Jesus also identifies Himself as the "door of the sheep" (John 10:7). He explains, "If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture" (John 10:9). This metaphor emphasizes that Jesus is the sole means of salvation and spiritual nourishment, providing access to eternal life and security for His followers. The Abundant Life Jesus contrasts His mission with that of the thieves, stating, "I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness" (John 10:10). The abundant life offered by Christ is not merely physical well-being but encompasses spiritual richness, peace, and eternal life with God. Unity and the One Flock The parable also points to the unity of believers under one shepherd. Jesus proclaims, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16). This foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, uniting all believers in Christ. The Voluntary Sacrifice Jesus emphasizes the voluntary nature of His sacrifice, stating, "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again" (John 10:18). This highlights His divine authority and the intentionality behind His redemptive work. The Parable of the Good Shepherd is a powerful illustration of Jesus' love, sacrifice, and leadership. It reassures believers of His constant care and the promise of eternal life through Him. Nave's Topical Index John 10:1-16Truly, truly, I say to you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. Nave's Topical Index Library Parable of the Good Shepherd. --The Parable Extended. --Christ the ... The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Discourse on the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd. Jesus the Good Shepherd. The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd The Parable of the Lost Sheep The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the ... His Statement of the Proof of his Messiahship. --His Oneness With Resources Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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