Jesus takes the parable of the shepherd and the sheep (10:1-6) and personalizes its meaning in Himself. He is the singular entrance to the abundant life God offers (10:7-10). Others had claimed some form of messiahship, but they were false messiahs: “All who came as such before me are thieves and robbers” (10:8, Williams; Ezekiel 34). True believers paid them no attention. To “anyone” who believes in Jesus, He promises salvation, freedom, and providence (10:9-10). As Messiah He represents what a door represents, an all-sufficient entry: “a door, not a flight of steps” (Bullinger). False messiahs came solely to destroy for their own benefit. Jesus came also, but for the purpose of bringing life as God intended it.
In the manner of the Good Shepherd Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for others (10:11-13). When He healed the man born blind and saved him, He demonstrated the abundant life offered to every believer. In doing so, Jesus cares for and protects His people at personal cost (10:11). In a figure that speaks picturesquely of personal responsibility and care, He is the “Good” Shepherd, one willing even to die to show His heart for people and their relationship with the Father. What was “rare for a shepherd is characteristic of Jesus.”
Unlike a false messiah, Jesus exercises an owner’s concern for His people (10:12-13). Pretenders are thieves and robbers, and now wolves. A false messiah reveals a callous failure of character: As soon as he sees a threat, he’s off (10:13).
Jesus’ love inspired His work toward the unity the Father desired among the faithful (10:14-18). He and the Father acted from their mutual and perfect knowledge (10:14-15). Attaining unity meant giving His life on behalf of others.
After the manner of the Good Shepherd Jesus sought life for Himself and for all His people (10:16-18). His forward outlook compelled Him toward gathering to Himself everyone who comes to believe in Him (10:16). His authority looks beyond death to resurrection and life as God intended life to be (10:17-18). His resurrection will affirm both the Father’s love and the Father’s will. Jesus was not an unwilling victim; He gave His life freely because love was the only sufficient price that could overcome humanity’s sin.
A contemptuous attitude dismisses Jesus out of hand (10:19-20). Some, however, see that what Jesus did was verification that He was the Messiah He claimed to be (10:21).
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
