‏ John 10

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

In this section, Jesus uses the image of a shepherd and his sheep to teach about his relationship with his followers. He explains that he is the true Shepherd who cares for the sheep, while others are like thieves and robbers. Jesus knows his sheep by name and leads them to safety and life. This teaching shows the difference between Jesus’ loving leadership and the false leaders who harm God’s people.

v. 1: Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1 ^a). The sheepfold is where the sheep are kept safe. The true shepherd enters by the proper way—the gate. Those who try to enter by climbing over the wall are not real shepherds. They come to steal or hurt the sheep. This means that only those who come by God’s way, like Jesus does, are true leaders of God’s people.

v. 2: “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep” (John 10:2 ^b). The true shepherd has a right to care for the sheep. Jesus is saying that he is the rightful leader, sent by God to care for his people. He comes openly and honestly, not in secret or to do harm.

v. 3: “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3 ^c). The shepherd knows each sheep personally and calls them by name. The sheep recognize his voice and follow him. This shows that Jesus knows each of his followers and leads them with care and love.

v. 4: “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4 ^d). Jesus leads the way for his people. His followers trust and follow him because they know he cares for them. They do not follow strangers, because they do not recognize their voices.

v. 5: “But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (John 10:5 ^e). True followers of Jesus will not be led away by false teachers or false leaders. They know Jesus’ teaching and are careful to stay close to him.

v. 6: Jesus used this figure of speech, but the people did not understand what he was telling them (John 10:6 ^f). The crowd did not realize that Jesus was talking about himself and the false leaders of Israel. Sometimes spiritual truths are not clear to everyone at first, and we need to think carefully and ask God for understanding.

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Sentiments Concerning Christ

This section describes how people were divided in their opinions about Jesus after he spoke to them. His words caused a split among the listeners—some thought he was mad or possessed, while others defended him. This division shows that Jesus’ teaching always brings people to a decision, and it is better to be divided over the truth than united in error.

v. 19: After Jesus’ teaching, there was a division among the people. Some believed in him, while others rejected him. This was not the first time such a split happened (John 7:43; 9:16 ^g). Jesus’ words often force people to take sides, just as he said, “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” (Luke 12:51 ^h). It is better to be divided over Christ than to be united in sin (Luke 11:21 ⁱ).

v. 20: Some people spoke badly about Jesus, saying, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to him?” They insulted Jesus by calling him crazy and demon-possessed. They also mocked those who listened to him, trying to make them feel foolish. Even today, people sometimes laugh at those who take Jesus’ words seriously.

v. 21: Others defended Jesus, saying, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” They pointed out that Jesus’ teachings were wise and good, not the words of a madman. They also remembered his miracles, especially giving sight to the blind, which showed God’s power. The devil would not help people in this way. Jesus’ words and works proved that he was sent by God, not by evil.

Jesus at the Feast of Dedication: The Good Shepherd’s Authority

This section takes place during the Feast of Dedication (also called Hanukkah) in Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders surround Jesus in the temple and ask him to speak plainly about whether he is the Christ. Jesus points to his works as proof and explains why some do not believe. He describes the security of his sheep, his unity with the Father, and responds to the Jews’ accusations of blasphemy. The passage ends with some people wanting to arrest him, but many others coming to believe in him.

v. 22: The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. This feast celebrated the rededication of the temple after it was defiled by foreign rulers. Jesus was present at this important festival, showing he honored Jewish traditions (John 10:22 ^j).

v. 23: Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. This was a covered walkway, offering shelter from the cold. Jesus continues to teach openly, even though the religious leaders were hostile to him (John 10:23 ^k).

v. 24: The Jewish leaders surrounded him and asked, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” They wanted a direct answer so they could accuse him, not because they really wanted to believe (John 10:24 ^l).

v. 25: Jesus replied, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me.” Jesus points out that his miracles and teachings already prove who he is, but their unbelief comes from their hearts, not a lack of evidence (John 10:25 ^m).

v. 26: He said, “You do not believe because you are not among my sheep.” Jesus shows that true believers are like his sheep—they recognize his voice and follow him. Those who do not believe show they do not belong to him (John 10:26 ⁿ).

v. 27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus describes the close relationship between himself and his followers. Real believers listen to him and obey him (John 10:27 ^o).

v. 28: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Jesus promises security and eternal life for his followers. They are safe in his care, and he will never let them be lost (John 10:28 ^p).

v. 29: “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” Jesus says that God the Father is even greater and protects his people. This double assurance shows how secure believers are .

v. 30: “I and the Father are one.” Jesus clearly says he is one with God the Father. This means unity in purpose, will, and power. The religious leaders understand this as a claim to divinity .

v. 31: The Jews pick up stones again to stone him. They want to kill Jesus for what they see as blasphemy—claiming to be one with God (John 10:31 ^q).

v. 32: Jesus answers, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” He challenges them to think about his miracles and the good he has done (John 10:32 ^r).

v. 33: The Jews reply, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” They accuse Jesus of making himself equal to God (John 10:33 ^s).

v. 34: Jesus responds, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?” He refers to Psalm 82:6 ^t, reminding them that even human judges were called “gods” in Scripture. If Scripture can use that language, how can they accuse him of blasphemy for saying he is God’s Son? (John 10:34 ^u)

v. 35: “If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—” Jesus insists that the Bible’s authority cannot be denied (John 10:35 ^v).

v. 36: “Do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?” Jesus shows that his claim is even greater and more appropriate than what was said of human judges (John 10:36 ^w).

v. 37: “If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me.” Jesus invites them to judge him by his actions (John 10:37 ^x).

v. 38: “But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” He urges them to see the evidence of his miracles and recognize his unity with God (John 10:38 ^y).

Christ Retires beyond Jordan

This section describes the outcome of Jesus’ discussion with the Jews, where their hearts remained hardened despite his teachings. Instead of believing in him, they sought to harm him. Jesus, however, demonstrated his divine wisdom and purpose by avoiding their attacks and continuing his ministry in a different place. This shows how even rejection and opposition cannot stop the spread of the gospel.

v. 39: The Jews tried again to seize Jesus. Their failed attempt to stone him earlier did not stop them; instead, they sought to arrest him and prosecute him under legal charges. Their persistence revealed their hatred toward Jesus, especially because he continued to affirm his divine identity. Jesus, however, remained faithful to his mission, never changing his testimony, even when faced with danger. He escaped from their grasp, not out of fear, but because his time to suffer had not yet come, and God’s plan protected him .

v. 40: Jesus escaped from their grasp and withdrew beyond the Jordan. This was not an act of fear, but a demonstration of God’s power and wisdom. Jesus avoided harm because his time to suffer had not yet come. He went to a quieter area where he could continue his work. This reminds us that no weapon formed against Jesus or his mission can succeed. He stayed in the place where John the Baptist had first baptized, a location that held spiritual significance (John 10:40 ^z).

v. 41: In the region where John the Baptist had first preached and baptized, many people came to Jesus. They remembered John’s ministry and compared his message about Jesus with what they now saw. They said, “John did no miracle, but all things that John spoke of this man were true.” John’s testimony about Jesus as the Lamb of God and the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit prepared their hearts to accept Jesus. This shows how John’s faithful witness bore fruit even after his death (John 10:41 ^aa).

v. 42: Many people in this region believed in Jesus. They saw his miracles, remembered John’s words, and recognized that Jesus was the Son of God. This shows how the seeds of faith planted by John’s ministry bore fruit even after his death. The gospel continues to grow and work in people’s hearts long after the preacher is gone. The faith of these people contrasts with the rejection Jesus faced in Jerusalem, highlighting that simple hearts are often more open to the truth than the proud or self-righteous (John 10:42 ^ab).