By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
I KNOW MY OWN
John 10:7–14, 25–30
David, the shepherd king, referred to Yahweh as his Shepherd. As the incarnate God, Jesus revealed Himself as the Good Shepherd. He also utilized a related metaphor: the Gate (also translated as the Door).
In this lesson, we review Jesus’ teaching about His role as Shepherd and His relationship with His sheep. My writing has likely been influenced directly or indirectly by Phillip Keller’s books on Psalm 23 and John 10.
The shepherd has access to the sheepfold, where the flocks are protected from thieves and predators. He calls each one by name and they respond to his voice. They follow the familiar call of their shepherd, but not the call of a stranger.
The Gate (7–10)
The gate is the only way in or out of the sheepfold. Only the shepherd and his flock had access to the walled area where they could rest. Jesus is the only way to God the Father.
“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
Throughout the Book of Acts, Luke underscored this statement of Jesus through multiple references to Christians as followers of the Way.
And in Acts 4:12, Peter boldly proclaimed there is no other name than Jesus by which we must be saved.
In an age of pluralism and identity politics, Christians are accused of intolerance. The sad fact is that worldly poison has infiltrated churches. The clear teachings of Scripture have been supplanted by the world’s oldest lie, the claim that people know more than God.
“There are many paths to God. It doesn’t matter what you believe,” they say.
They contradict Jesus. All who attempt to enter the sheepfold other than by means of the Gate are unwelcome thieves.
Those thieves enter to steal, kill and destroy. By contrast, our loving Shepherd protects our lives and provides for our needs.
The True Shepherd (11–14)
What is the difference between the true Shepherd and hirelings? The true Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep. He laid it down and took it up again. Hirelings flee in the face of danger.
Jesus faced the conspiracy between the Sanhedrin, Herod and Pilate. He willingly took up His cross and embraced atoning death for His sheep, knowing He would rise again.
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets referred to civil and religious leaders in Judah and Israel as shepherds. These shepherds failed to keep, lead, feed and protect God’s flocks. Our Chief Shepherd did not fail.
Hirelings fail in their callings today. So do well-meaning undershepherds. They may fail morally or doctrinally. They may fail by caring for their own interests above the flocks they serve. They may flee to more lucrative, more appreciated and less stressful occupations. Praise God, Jesus is our true Shepherd!
The Securing Shepherd (25–30)
Not only is Jesus our true Shepherd, but He is also our securing Shepherd. While the religious elite were debating whether or not Jesus was demon-possessed, He continued teaching. He reiterated that His sheep were secure under His care and the Father’s care.
They asked Jesus if He was the Messiah. He had already answered their question. They did not know who He was because they were not His sheep.
Our Shepherd speaks to us, calls us by name and we follow Him because we know His voice. We are secure in His care because He takes care of His flocks.
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