S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

"I am the good Shepherd" (John 10:11) is the fourth of seven "I am" declarations of Jesus recorded only in John's gospel. These "I am" proclamations point to His unique divine identity and purpose....

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Doreen Lovell Supporter Evangelist and Prayer Intercessor

"I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD" JOHN 10:11

The Biblical concept of GOOD focuses on concrete experiences of what God has done and is doing in the lives of His people. God's goodness can be seen in His creative works (Gen.1:31); His saving acts in the liberation of Israel from Egypt (Ex. 18:9); return of a remnant from captivity (Ezra 7:9); personal deliverance (Ps. 34:8); and salvation (Phil. 1:6). His goodness also extends to his name (Ps. 52:9); His promises (Jos. 21:45); His commands (Ps 119:39, Rom. 7:12); His gifts (Jas. 1:17) and His providential shaping of events (Gen. 50:20, Rom. 8:28).
SHEPHERDS guard their flocks at night whether in the open (Luke 2:8) or in the sheepfolds (Zeph. 2:6) where they counted the sheep as they enter (Jer. 33:13). They took care of the sheep and even carried weak lambs in their arms (Isa. 40:11) Shepherd came to designate not only persons who herded sheep but also kings (2 Sam. 5:2) and God Himself (ps. 23; Isa. 40:11). Later prophets referred to Israel's leaders as shepherds (Jer. 23; Ezek 34).
In the New Testament references used a Shepherd and the sheep to illustrate Yeshua's (Jesus') relationship to His followers who referred to Him as "Our Lord, that great Shepherd of sheep"(Heb. 13:20). Jesus also spoke of Himself as the good Shepherd "who knew His sheep and would lay down His life for them"(John 10:7-18). He also commissioned Peter to "Feed His sheep"(John 21)-thus Jesus is truly the Good Shepherd and Believers are His sheep. With the name Yeshua appropriated the prophetic images of the Messiah pictured in the Old Testament; the claim is a claim to divinity, focusing on His love and guidance.

I AM THE DOOR FOR THE SHEEP" JOHN 10:7

A door is an opening for entering or leaving a building, tent or room. "DOOR" is always used in a figurative sense in the Bible. In the Old Testament, "sin lieth at the door", (Gen 4:7) means that sin is very near. The valley of Achor, a place of trouble (Josh. 7:26), is later promised as a "door of hope"(Hos. 2:15). It will a reason for God's people to trust Him again. In the New Testament, faith in Jesus is the only way to enter the kingdom of God. God gave to the Gentiles "the door of faith", or an opportunity to know Him as Lord (Acts 14:27). Paul constantly sought a "door of service", an occasion for ministry in the name of the Messiah (1 Cor. 16:9). Jesus stands at the door and knocks (Rev. 3:20), He calls all people to Himself, but will not enter without permission.
Jesus is the only way into God's Kingdom.

April 02 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Billy P Eldred Supporter

To me, Jesus in John chapter ten was painting a picture for those who would believe in Him. In His verbal picture, he was describing himself as a shepherd, but not just a shepherd, A GOOD SHEPHERD. Not one who would run away, but one who would stand up for His sheep. Not one who didn't care for His sheep, but one who loved them. Most importantly, one who would give His life for them.

In the picture, he was etching in their minds the image of Himself being that GOOD SHEPHERD and of His followers, his believers being those sheep. Not just any sheep, His sheep. The ones who knew His voice and came to Him, who followed Him.

Why did He use these images? First, because of their culture, they all understood a shepherd's relationship with sheep. They also most likely had heard stories of a poor shepherd who ran away in danger and let the sheep be destroyed, as well as heroic stories of a GOOD SHEPHERD saving his sheep from danger. Even stories of a GOOD SHEPHERD being killed while defending his sheep.

Secondly, He knew He was going to give His own life for those who would believe and follow Him. He wanted them to have that image to fall back on after the rooster had crowed and they were trying to make sense of "Why Him?" In the aftermath of the crucifixion. To comfort them.

Thirdly, He was trying (and succeeding) to get a light to shine in the unbelievers who heard or read this message. He was fulfilling the purpose for which He came! Flipping that proverbial switch from death to life!

19 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report