The Gospel of John #57
/by Robert E. Guenther
Continuing our review of the Gospel of John, Chapter10:3 – 10:11Our Lord is using a parable about sheep andtheir shepherd to explain His relationship to His people Israel. His own people hear His voice and will follow Him. The rest of the world does not.
Vs John 10:3 “To Him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” The Him is the Shepherd of the sheep and the porter is the gatekeeper. The sheep are His people Israel, and He calls them out by name and they are ready to follow Him.
Vs John 10:4 “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” The Lord is going to come back to His people Israel and they will return with Him as He leads them to their inheritance and kingdom.
Vs John 10:5 “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” This stranger is referring to the antichrist that will appear in the temple before the Lords return.
Vs John 10:6 “(This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.)” The reason stated in Matthew 13:13 “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”
The Lord can hide the truth from those he chooses but at the same time reveal it to those who are His.
Vs John 10:7 “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.” Their question indicates that these are the very people that He is trying to reveal Himself to. The opinion that they have of their selves is very revealing to the Lord.
Vs John 10:8 “All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.” The ones who came before to lead them were deceivers and His own people did not follow after them.
Vs John 10:9 “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” There are not two entrances or more than one way to enter into His Kingdom.
Vs John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The anti-Christ will be revealed before the Lord will come to His throne. This false prophet will be seated in the temple and make claims that he is Christ.
Vs John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Christ is the true King whose promises are to believed. Do not be deceived by the one who is revealed first and makes promises he will not keep. Our Lord gave His very lifes blood for those who will follow after Him and enjoy life in His Kingdom. …to be continued…
