Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 19, 2023

I Am the Good Shepherd

John 10:1-21

1. Background

• continuation (10:21), castigation and contrast (Ezek. 34:23, Isa. 56:9-12, Psa. 23:1)
• part of the seventh discourse in John (10:1-42)
• tender regard and total rule (Rev. 2:27, Matt. 2:6, Mic. 5:2)

2. Jesus Tells a Story 1-6

• figure of speech: walls, door and door-keeper
• character assessed on the basis of approach
• emphasis on “voice”

3. Jesus Identifies Himself as the Door 7-10

• door and shepherd: both connected to salvation
• exclusive means of entrance
• salvation, security and sustenance
• life abundant in contrast to steal/kill/destroy

4. Jesus Identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd 11-18

• lays down His life for the sheep (repeated emphasis)
• not a hired hand
• the identity of “other sheep”
• emphasis on complete authority and voluntary sacrifice

5. The Repeated Pattern of the Religious Leaders 19-21

• schism: deranged or divine?
• intention of Jesus: transformation from blindness to blazing light (Heb. 13:20-21)

6. So What?

• Because Jesus is a different kind of Shepherd who sacrifices Himself voluntarily for His flock, rely on Him exclusively.
• “For every soul the entrance into the flock of God is through the door of the dying Christ who laid down His life for the sheep, and makes them His sheep who trust in Him.” (Maclaren)
• “…Another sheep safely home.” (Patterson)
• “And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise within Thy house forever.” (“The King of Love My Shepherd Is,” Baker)