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!

9 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Leslie Coutinho Supporter

John 10:11: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Lord Jesus is the “Good Shepherd,” who has “porters” (angels) guarding the door of the sheepfold, and it is He who opens the door to bring us in and to follow Him. (John 10:1-4/20:12) The good Shepherd that giveth His life for the sheep, sent His disciples, “the sheepfold,” two by two, giving them power over unclean spirits. And they went out and preached that men should repent, and they cast out many demons and anointed many with oil who were sick and healed them. When they all came back to Lord Jesus, they told Him all they had done and what they had taught. Lord Jesus, then said, "Set yourself apart in a desert place, rest for a while, as there are many coming.” When they departed by ship, “people saw them, they outwent them, and came unto them, and Lord Jesus was moved with compassion,” being the Good Shepherd. (Mark 6:7,12-13,30,32-34)

For they were as sheep not having a Shepherd, and He began to teach them. When the day was far spent, the five loaves of bread and two fishes they had, He blessed and gave the disciples to feed about five thousand men. (Mark 6:34,41-44) God the Father, revealed unto the prophets, that I will set up One Shepherd, and He shall feed them, and He shall be our Shepherd. Lord Jesus was sent unto us, our good Shepherd, for He fed and will feed His flock as our Shepherd. He gathers His lambs with His arm in His bosom and gently leads those who are with the young, for He giveth His life for the sheep. (Isa 40:11/Eze 34:20,23/John 10:11) The “sheep fold the twelve apostles” prepared the Passover, as they were told. When they sat down, they had a strife among themselves, who would betray Him and who should be the greatest, as they were told that He would be betrayed. (Lk 22:13-14,21-24) 

The Shepherd was then crucified and laid in a tomb. When the disciples were told and brought to the sepulcher, where the stone had been taken away, they stooped down and saw the linen clothes wrapped in a place in the tomb. When the disciples then went back, Mary Mag-da-le’-ne stood there alone, weeping, and saw two angels in white, sitting (His porter’s). They said unto her, "Woman, why weepest thou?" And then Lord Jesus, who stood behind her, asked her, "Woman, why weepest thou?" And she said, "Because they have taken my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Lord Jesus then said unto her, “Mary,” and she turned herself and said unto Him, “Rab-bo’-ni” (my Shepherd), and the Lord said, "Go unto my brethren and say unto them, 'I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to My God, and your God.'" Lord Jesus, being our Good Shepherd, has revealed unto us to follow Him, and to “Tarry till He comes back again.” (John 20:1-2,10-13,15,17/21:22) 

John 21:23: Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that the disciples should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report