The Good Shepherd

MEMORY VERSE: “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.” —John 10:27,28

JOHN 10:7-18

THIS lesson is based upon Jesus’ Parable of the Sheepfold, recorded in the first six verses of John, chapter 10. In his explanation of the parable Jesus identified himself both as the Door to the sheepfold and as the Shepherd—the “good Shepherd” who was prepared to lay down his life for the sheep. The sheep would represent the Lord’s people who recognize Jesus as their Shepherd and Caretaker.

Jesus also speaks of a “thief,” who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but “climbeth up some other way.” He said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” To this Jesus added, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The life and the more abundant life provided by Jesus are referred to by the Apostle Paul when he wrote that Jesus “hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” (II Tim. 1:10) All who attain salvation through Jesus will receive everlasting life, but his faithful followers will receive immortality, which is indestructible life.

The “Door” into the fold is the way of entrance and of exit. The enclosure, or fold, might well represent the position of favor with God, and of protection from enemies. Ostensibly the Law Covenant thus served the Israelites, but since the Law upon which that covenant was based could not be kept perfectly by fallen man, the Israelites could not gain the benefits which the “fold” would otherwise have provided. There were those who endeavored to gain entrance by other means than keeping the Law. These Jesus referred to as “thieves.”

Jesus was the “Door” to the fold because he gave his life for the sheep. The Law had failed because of the imperfections of those who endeavored to keep it. By his death, Jesus provided redemption from the adamic penalty and so opened a way of life and favor with God. Thus men could have life and have it more abundantly.

According to Jesus’ own explanation, he is also the “good Shepherd.” In this we are reminded of the Master’s tender and loving interest in his “sheep.” He knows his sheep and is able to call them by name. And the sheep know him and recognize his voice and respond to it.

Those who enter the “Door”—through a dedicated belief in the “ransom”—are saved. And then, as Jesus said, they can go in and out, and find pasture. It is Jesus who leads them forth to the green pastures and quiet resting places beside the still waters. (Ps. 23) In this way Jesus serves as the “good Shepherd,” and how blessed indeed is his care for the “sheep.”

Jesus said, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (vs. 15) Later, in prayer to his Father, Jesus said, “As thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” (John 17:21) This oneness of purpose of the Father and the Son is seen in the shepherd like care of both for their “sheep.” We see the love of God in giving his Son to be the Redeemer, and the love of Jesus in laying down his life as a ransom for all.

Jesus said, “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold.” Some have suggested that these “other sheep” meant the Gentiles who later would be called into the fold. However, a more comprehensive explanation is that the “other sheep” are the “sheep” of the Millennium, referred to in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. (Matt. 2:31-46) Jesus said that eventually there will be one fold and one Shepherd; and Paul wrote, “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”—Eph. 1:10

The gathering “in heaven” and “on earth” mentioned by Paul reminds us of the fact that the “sheep” gathered during the present Gospel Age will receive a heavenly reward, being partakers of the heavenly calling, while the “sheep” of the Millennial Age will be restored to life as humans here on earth. For these, this will be a “restitution” or restoration to human life and earthly dominion lost through the transgression of Adam in the Garden of Eden.—Heb. 3:1; Acts 3:19-21

QUESTIONS

Explain what Jesus meant by giving life, and giving it more abundantly.

In what sense is Jesus the “Door” into the “sheepfold”?

Who is the Good Shepherd?

Who are the “other sheep” mentioned by Jesus?

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