John 10 includes some of the most beloved pictures of Jesus Christ. It is in John 10 that He describes Himself as the good shepherd. He then explains the various ways that He loves His sheep – those who are saved; us.
While everything above is absolutely true, there is more to the story. The context of Jesus’ words in John 10 make His analogy even more powerful. Coming after the conflict over the healing of the blind man in chapter 9, Jesus’ “good shepherd” is introduced in contrast to wicked shepherds.
In Ezekiel 34, God brings a scathing prophesy against the “shepherds of Israel.” He chastises them for looking out for their own good rather than their sheep. Repeatedly, He outlines how the leaders of Israel neglected and abused His people. The result would be a harsh judgment, due the ones who would squander such a calling.
The Pharisees were the obvious foil of Jesus’ “good shepherd.” The lack of spiritual sensitivity and general compassion they demonstrated in chapter 9 exemplifies their true colors. Jesus uses their impure motives an ineffective leadership, the result of all religion outside of God, to showcase His salvation.
As the door Jesus is the only way for salvation, safety, and comfort.
As the good shepherd Jesus is the one who lays down His life for His people.
The perceived insanity of these statements is understandable (v.20). The only one who could have an intimate relationship with the Father such as Jesus described and the only one who has the power to lay down his life to take it up again is God Himself. For the spiritually blind, those sentiments come across as insane.
For us, His people and sheep, there is great comfort, safety, and salvation. Especially considering that most Christians today are sheep outside the fold of Israel (v.16). Jesus is the blessing to the nations promised to Abraham, where peoples of every tribe and tongue would come into the family of God through the righteous seed. His presence as the good, mighty, and sacrificial shepherd stands over and above anything this world has to offer.
