A. “I am the good shepherd.”[1] The phrase “I am” (Gk. Ego eimi) is one of Jesus’ titles used in the Gospel of John. See table 1-1 below:
Table 1-1 The Seven “I am” Statements of Jesus in John
Reference
Name
Significance
1. John 6:35
Bread of Life
Refers to Jesus’ life-giving role – he is the only source of eternal life.
2. John 8:12
Light of the World
Light is a symbol of spiritual truth.
3. John 10:7
Gate of the sheep
Jesus is the only way into God’s kingdom.
4. John 10:11*
Good Shepherd*
Jesus appropriates the image of the Messiah as pictured in the O/T.
5. John 11:25
I am the resurrection and the Life
Jesus is the source of life and has power over death.
6. John 14:6
The Way, the Truth and the Life
Jesus is the method, the message, and the meaning for all people.
7. John 15:1
The True Vine
Jesus appropriates this O/T image for Israel for himself and his followers who ‘are the branches’ – John 15:5
When Jesus speaks in this way, he is making a direct connection between himself and the divine name (Cf. Exodus 3:15: “I AM WHO I AM”). Jesus’ declaration in John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd” is in keeping with this theme of divine connection! For while Moses and David were 2 outstanding examples of human shepherds over Israel, the primary Old Testament image is that of Psalm23:1a“The LORD(God) is my shepherd.”
B. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”[2] Jesus, without pausing says he ‘lays down his life for the sheep.’ In terms of the story this means the shepherd, unlike the hired -hand (who runs off), will defend the sheep from the wolf with his own life! N.B. Jesus here is also alluding to his impending death on the Cross! It is a recurring theme; found at the start, in the middle, and at the end of today’s Gospel story:
> vs. 15: ‘just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.’
> vs. 17: ‘For this reason the Father loves me because I lay down my life in order to take it up again’, which is a reference to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection from the tomb, which is repeated again in vs.18.
C. “I know my own (sheep) and they know me.”[3] The sheep of God’s fold have a personal relationship with the good shepherd, which is similar in nature to the Jesus’ own relationship with the Father. (Cf. vs. 15a). Kenneth E. Bailey (NT scholar) writes: ‘This is astounding! Because the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, we the believing community are drawn into the heart of the good shepherd who himself dwells in the very heart of God.’[4]
Evangelism is still at the heart of God’s plan for the world! Jesus declares: ‘I have other sheep that do not belong to tis fold. (i.e. the Gentile world). I must bring them in also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.’[5]
QUESTION: Are you willing to be less inward-focused and more outward-looking in order to help gather the lost and hurting into God’s sheepfold? ANSWER: Three things are necessary[6]:
i. the sheep hear his voice.
ii. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them
iii. the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
[1] John 10:11a – NRSV PEW BIBLE, NT page 96.
[2] John 10:11b – NRSV PEW BIBLE, NT page 96.
[3] John 10:14b – NRSV PEW BIBLE, NT page 96.
[4] Kenneth E. Bailey, The Good Shepherd, (Downer Grove: IVP, 2014), p.231
[5] John 10:16 – NRSV PEW BIBLE, NT page 96.
[6] Cf. John 10:3b and 4b- NRSV PEW BIBLE, NT page 96.
