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?"


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