John 10: The Good Shepherd
Understanding Leadership and Sacrifice in the Gospel of John
John Chapter 10
The Good Shepherd
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”
Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
The Good Shepherd Discourse
So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came [before me] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.
I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
Further Conflict with Jewish Authorities
Again there was a division among the Jews because of these words.
Many of them said, “He is possessed and out of his mind; why listen to him?”
Others said, “These are not the words of one possessed; surely a demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?”
The Feast of the Dedication
The feast of the Dedication was then taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.
But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
The Jews Again Reject Jesus’ Claim
The Jews again picked up rocks to stone him.
Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?”
The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.”
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’?
If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and scripture cannot be set aside,
can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me;
but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
[Then] they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.
Jesus at the Jordan
He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained.
Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.”
And many there began to believe in him.
Commentary on John Chapter 10
The Good Shepherd: Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd to describe his relationship with his followers. As the good shepherd, he knows his sheep intimately and is willing to lay down his life for them. This contrasts with hired hands who abandon the sheep in danger. Jesus' role as the gate emphasizes that he is the way to salvation and abundant life.
Unity and Inclusion: Jesus speaks of other sheep not of this fold, indicating the inclusion of Gentiles and the universal scope of his mission. This points to the unity of all believers under one shepherd.
Divine Authority and Unity with the Father: Jesus' claim that he and the Father are one highlights his divine authority and unity with God. This statement leads to conflict with the Jewish authorities, who accuse him of blasphemy.
Faith and Works: Jesus challenges the authorities to believe in him based on his works, which testify to his divine mission. His miracles and teachings are evidence of his identity as the Son of God.
Catechism References for John Chapter 10
CCC 553: Discusses the authority given to Peter and the apostles, reflecting the shepherd imagery and leadership in the Church.
CCC 754: Describes the Church as the sheepfold and Christ as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing the care and guidance he provides to his followers.
CCC 217: Reflects on the unity of the Father and the Son, as expressed in Jesus' declaration of oneness with the Father.
Applying John Chapter 10 to Daily Life
Follow the Good Shepherd: Listen for Jesus' voice in your life and follow his guidance. Spend time in prayer and scripture study to discern his will and deepen your relationship with him.
Seek Unity: Embrace the unity of all believers under one shepherd. Work towards reconciliation and understanding within your community, recognizing the diverse members of Christ's flock.
Trust in Jesus' Protection: Take comfort in Jesus' promise of eternal life and his assurance that no one can snatch you from his hand. Trust in his protection and care, especially in times of trial.
Live Abundantly: Reflect on the abundant life Jesus offers and consider how you can live more fully in his grace. Share the joy and hope of your faith with others, inviting them to experience the life Jesus provides.
Action Plan
Reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd:
Read Jesus' discourse on being the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18).
Reflect on the qualities of a good shepherd and how Jesus embodies these qualities, such as guidance, protection, and sacrifice.
Consider how you can follow Jesus' example in your own life by caring for and guiding others.
Understand the Concept of Abundant Life:
Focus on Jesus' statement, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
Reflect on what abundant life means to you and how you can experience it through your relationship with Jesus.
Identify areas in your life where you can seek more fulfillment and purpose, aligning them with the teachings of Jesus.
Deepen Your Relationship with Jesus:
Study the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, emphasizing knowing and listening to the shepherd's voice (John 10:14-16).
Reflect on how you can deepen your relationship with Jesus by spending time in prayer, reading scripture, and listening for His guidance.
Make a plan to incorporate regular spiritual practices into your daily routine to strengthen your connection with Jesus.
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