John 10:1-21 - Jesus As The Good Shepherd

¹ "Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who does not enter the sheep corral through the gate, but climbs over another way [i.e., over the fence], is a thief and a robber. [Note: "Thief" suggests quiet subtlety, while "robber" suggests open aggression]. ² But the One [i.e., Jesus is referring to Himself] who enters [it] through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep [Note: "Sheep" in this section refers to Jesus' followers]. ³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep respond to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out [of the corral]. ⁴ After he has let his own [sheep] out, he walks on ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice. ⁵ They will not follow a stranger, but will run from him, for they do not recognize the voice of strangers."

⁶ Jesus told them this parable [i.e., a brief story to illustrate his teaching] but they did not understand what it meant.

⁷ So, Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep [i.e., to enter the corral]. ⁸ All those who came before me were thieves and robbers and the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹ I am the gate; if anyone enters [the corral] through me, he will be saved [i.e., from condemnation], and will find pasture [i.e., will receive spiritual nurturing]. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that people could have life to its fullest.

¹¹ "I am the good shepherd; and a good shepherd [is willing] to die for the sheep. ¹² The person who is [only] a hired hand, and not the shepherd, [and] who does not own the sheep [himself], sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away. So, the wolf attacks the flock and scatters [the sheep]. ¹³ [The reason] he runs away is because he is a hired hand and does not [really] care about the sheep.

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd and I know my sheep [intimately], and they know me [that way], ¹⁵ just like the Father knows me [intimately] and I know the Father [that way]. And I [am about to] give up my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep [also] which are not [presently] in this corral; I must lead them, too. They will hear my voice and become one flock [i.e., with the others], having one shepherd. [Note: This probably refers to believing Gentiles becoming God's people, along with the Jews]. ¹⁷ The Father loves me because I [am about to] give up my life, so that I can take it back again. ¹⁸ No one is taking it away from me, but I am giving it up voluntarily. I have the right to give it up and I have the right to take it back again. I received the commandment to do this from my Father."

¹⁹ The Jews who heard these words became divided again [i.e., over their meaning]. ²⁰ Many of them said, "This man is dominated by an evil spirit; he is crazy, why listen to him?" ²¹ Others said, "These are not the words of someone dominated by an evil spirit. Can an evil spirit restore sight to a blind person?"