John 10 - Introduction

CHAPTER TEN

The first half of Chapter Ten undoubtedly takes place just after the incident with the Pharisees and the man born blindespecially the beggar's excommunication in Chapter Nine. The discourses on the Door and the Good Shepherd are chronologically a continuation of the Feast of Tabernacles-' discourses. But there is a very evident lapse of time near the middle of Chapter Ten. At John 10:22 of this chapter we are suddenly transferred in time about three months forward to the Feast of Dedication. Between the Feast of Tabernacles (September) and Dedication (December), Jesus conducts an extensive ministry in and around Jerusalem (cf. Map #5, John 7:1-53 chapter comments). Between John 10:21 and John 10:22 Jesus sends the Seventy on an evangelistic campaign; visits the home of Mary and Martha; retires to an oft-used place for prayer; dines in a Pharisee's home; preaches soul-stirring evangelistic sermons recorded in Luke 12:1-59; Luke 13:1-35; heals a woman bowed double in a synagogue, and teaches many parables, We continue our general outline:

II.

The Word Manifested to the Jews and their rejection of Him, John 1:19, John 12:50

D.

Public Ministry, Third Year

2.

Later Judean Ministry, John 7:1, John 10:21, The Feast of Tabernacles

a.

The Door of the sheep, John 10:1-10

b.

The Good Shepherd, John 10:11-21

3.

Later Judean Ministry, John 10:22, John 10:42, The Feast of Dedication

a.

Claims to Deity, John 10:22-31

b.

Evidence for Deity, John 10:32-42

In the first half of Chapter Ten we have two allegoriesthe Door of the Sheep and The Good Shepherd. The word (John 10:6) by which John classifies the figure of speech used by Jesus is the Greek word, paroimra. This is not the Greek word used in other places in the New Testament for parable (parabole).Neither is paroimia the same in its form of expression as parabole. The paroimia is more like an allegory. D. R. Dungan, in his Hermeneutics textbook says, on pages 258-259, The distinction in Scripture between a parable and an allegory is said to be, that a parable is a supposed history, and an allegory is a figurative application of real facts. A parable is an extended simile (expressed comparison), while an allegory is an extended metaphor (implied comparison).

In the interpretation of allegories the tendency is usually, as with all figurative language, over-interpretation rather than under-interpretation. That is, most interpreters tend to manufacture and extend points of analogy which the author did not intend to include in the lesson of his allegory. Any good hermeneutics book will give a number of rules to follow in interpreting allegories. We mention just a few of the most important ones:

a.

Be very careful not to demand too many points of analogy.

b.

Let the author give his own interpretation.

c.

Remember, figures of speech are not always used with the same meaning everywhere in Scripture.

d.

Let the literal facts of everyday life be made to assist in the interpretation of figurative language.

e.

Allegories may explain allegories (which is exactly what we have in John 10:1-21two allegories; the first evidently misunderstood and the second given in an attempt to clarify the message of the first).

The very evident purpose and message of these two allegories is a strong contrast between Jesus as the Door of security and peace and the Good Shepherd of compassionate trustworthiness with the false, insecure, unloving, untrustworthy Pharisees who claimed to be shepherds of the sheep. Such a contrastbetween Jesus and those who claim to be shepherdsis very appropriate for our day.

EXPOSITORY SERMON NO. TEN

THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP

John 10:1-16

Introduction

I.

WHY DID JESUS USE THIS ALLEGORY?

A.

The Jewish rulers and Pharisees had just exhibited themselves as hirelings when they were supposed to be shepherds by casting out the blind man (John 9:1-41) (cf. also Ezekiel 34:1).

B.

This was a term which Jesus used elsewhere to refer to the rulers and the people (cf. Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34).

C.

The Old Testament is filled with this beautiful picture (cf. Psalms 23:1-6; Ezekiel 34:1-31, etc.). Many prophetic passages depict the Messiah coming as a shepherd (cf. Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:23). FOR THESE REASONS JESUS USED THIS ALLEGORY.

II.

THIS ALLEGORICAL PICTURE WAS FAMILIAR TO THE PEOPLE

A.

For us to fully understand the depth of this allegory we need to study just how the shepherds of that place and time worked.

B.

Life was very hard for these shepherds. They were never off duty. There was little grass and the sheep were bound to wander often. There were no protecting fences and the sheep had to be watched every moment lest they get lost or be attacked by wild animals or robbers.

C.

Constant vigilance, fearless courage, patient love for his flock were the necessary characteristics of the Palestinian shepherd.

Discussion

I.

THE SHEPHERD

A.

He knows his sheep. In Palestine the sheep are often with the shepherd for years. Often the sheep have names by which the shepherd calls them. They are each one known by name and by their individuality.

1.

Jesus knows every one of His sheep by name, occupation and address (cf. Saul of Tarsus, Ananias of Damascus; Simon the tanner of Joppa; Cornelius, etc.). He knows all men and needs not that any one bear witness to man for He Himself made man.

2.

He knows what man needsknows that man has higher aspirations and needs higher goals and aims than mere animal satisfactions. He knows that man is both reasonable and emotional and appeals to both sides of man's nature. He knows that man needs a power beyond himself. JESUS SUPPLIES ALL THESE NEEDS. HE GIVES AN EXAMPLE OF PERFECTION TOWARD WHICH MAN MUST STRIVE; HE APPEALS BOTH TO THE REASON AND EMOTIONS OF MAN THROUGH HIS WORD; HE GIVES MAN A POWER THAT IS ABLE TO SAVE HIS SOUL AND REGENERATE HIS LIFE THROUGH THE REVEALED WORD OF GOD.

3.

The Great Shepherd knows us better than we know ourselves. Our trouble is that we do not trust Him enough to let Him have His way with us. He knows every man's problems and has the answer for each (He has the answer for broken homes; death; despondency; fear; anxiety; anger). He knows the secret hurts, secret longings and secret evils harbored in our hearts. He knows how we are temptedHe knows the strong desires of the flesh as they war against the spirit. He also knows that it is possible to resist the flesh (cf. Matthew 4:1-11)!

4.

He does not shepherd us en masse, but as individuals. He guarded His little flock of twelve as individuals. He knew Peter's impetuosity, Thomas-' incredulity, the fire of James and John, the guilelessness of Nathanael, the thievery of Judas, the political zeal of Simon. INDEED THE SHEPHERD KNOWS YOU LIKE NO ONE ELSE KNOWS YOUBETTER EVEN THAN YOU KNOW YOURSELF.

B.

The Shepherd leads His sheep. He goes before the sheep. In Palestine the shepherd always went before his sheep and the sheep followed. The shepherd went first to see that the path was safe and that there were no hidden dangers. Sometimes the sheep had to be encouraged to follow. A traveler tells how he saw a shepherd leading his flock come to a ford in the stream. The sheep were unwilling to cross. The shepherd finally solved the problem by carrying one of the lambs across. When the mother of the lamb saw her lamb on the other side she crossed, too, and soon all the rest of the flock had followed her.

1.

Our Shepherd has said, Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me, and so He took up His cross and led the way. He has said, Be baptized, and He walked over 70 miles to be baptized of John the Baptist as He led the way. He has said, Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier. and He has led the way in suffering. He has said, You will receive joy and abundance of joy and He has shown the way. He has said, Have compassion, forgive, love and He has led the way. WHATEVER BE THE ROAD YOU MUST TRAVEL, THE SHEPHERD HAS BEEN THERE BEFORE YOU TO SHOW THE WAY!

2.

We glibly sing, Where He leads me I will follow, but seldom follow where He leads. He leads to green pastures and feeds us fully on His Word (not on material luxuries). He leads beside the still and placid waters of safety and peace of soul (but not peace as this world thinks of peace). He also leads through the valley of the shadow often. The chastening of these dark valleys are sometimes necessary, for we learn to follow and depend upon the Shepherd more completely through these vales of tears, suffering and sorrows. He knows us well enough to know that at times this is the only way we will follow Him. Paul looked through a veil of tears and suffering all of his life here as a Christian. Notice how tenderly and patiently (rebuking when necessary) Jesus led the twelve disciples.

C.

There are hireling shepherds. They enter the fold not by the DoorChrist and His teachings. The hireling disregards God's authority. He does not really believehe simply accommodates himself to the situation. The hireling has no concern for the sheep. He will not lay down his life for them. When the flock is endangered he surrenders or flees. When the sheep stray he is unconcerned and lets them go their own way without correcting them. When the wolves from without and from within attack the flock he loses his courage and runs.

1.

The hireling is the preacher who has no spine and will not stand for the truth. When threatened with dismissal, he will compromise the Gospel rather than lose his pay check.

2.

The hireling is the elder or deacon who resigns rather than face the troubles and troublemakers of the church. Such hirelings see in the eldership only position, and prestige, while service, loving service, is the demand for shepherds of God's flock. The hireling is the Sunday School teacher who waters down the demands of the Gospel plan of salvation or holy living rather than allow a class member to think he is narrow-minded.

D.

The wolf against whom the flock of God is to be protected is more fierce than any animal. He is supernaturalhe has powers we do not have. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. How eternally important it is that we have a Divine Shepherd.

II.

THE SHEEP

A.

They know the Shepherd. Many people today have deluded themselves into thinking they are the flock of Christ when they do not even know the Shepherd. God's people of the Old Testament lost their relationship to Him as Shepherd because they did not know Him. Hosea said the people were perishing because of lack of knowledge of their Shepherd (cf. also 1 Kings 22:17 Zechariah 10:2). They refused to be fed by God their Shepherd. They sought the earthly pleasures offered by the hireling shepherds.

1.

There is an alarming ignorance of Christ and His word, even among those who are professed believers. It is no wonder the world is in such a state of affairs. It is no wonder that the church loses about as many converts as she gains, The sheep must be fed. Elders, shepherds of the flock, must see to it that the members have opportunities and motivation to feed on the Bread of Life. Elders and evangelists (preachers) have no right to say, We offer it, if they don-'t take it, it is not our fault. If these shepherds of the flock had a sick son or daughter, dying of malnutrition, they would try every way possible to coax them to eat. As shepherds of the flock as those that shall give account, you have brothers and sisters in Christ dying of spiritual malnutritionFEED THEM!

2.

We know Him through His word, through what He has revealed to us. But how many of the sheep read their Bibles even thirty minutes each day in order to know Him better? Some take over three hours each day to eat bread and potatoes, but not even three minutes per day to partake of the food that perishes not.

3.

We know Him by speaking to Him in prayer. But how many of the sheep spend fifteen minutes per day in prayer? Most people spend more time than that talking on the telephone each day. God has never heard the voice of many people ever lifted to Him in prayer!

4.

We know Him by doing His willby following Him. One of the best ways to know and trust the Shepherd is to do what He says and learn of the wisdom of His commands. But how many of the sheep seek first the kingdom of God, trusting Him to add all the necessities of life? How many trust Him enough to test His commands to go out and sow the seed and then expect fruits?

5.

If any man willeth to do my will, he will know. WHEN WE HAVE WALKED WITH HIM BY OBEDIENCEWHEN WE HAVE TALKED WITH HIM THROUGH THE BIBLETHEN WE BEGIN TO KNOW THE SHEPHERD AS WE OUGHT TO KNOW HIM!

B.

The Sheep know His voice. It is true of Palestinian sheep that they know the tone of their shepherd's voice. Not only so, but they will follow only that voice and will flee when they hear a stranger's voice.

1.

The true sheep of Christ know the difference between the true Shepherd and false shepherds. They know false doctrines whenever and by whomever they are taught.

2.

No man need think he will remain long in the flock of God if he cannot distinguish the Shepherd's voice from the voice of the thief and robber.

C.

They follow Him. Knowing the shepherd's voice and following it are two different things. Some who know the Bible thoroughly do not obey it. We cannot be one of God's flock without obeying God's Shepherd, Jesus Christ. There is but ONE FLOCK and ONE SHEPHERD.

Conclusion

I.

THE SHEPHERD

A.

He knowstemptations, needs, obedience.

B.

He leadsthe way of the cross, into joy, through trials.

C.

He has all the answers for our lives. He can satisfy as none other.

II.

THE SHEEP

A.

Know Himwalk, talk and listen to Him.

B.

Follow Himthey imitate Him, obey His voice.

III.

ONE DARK VALLEY MUST BE CROSSED BY ALL

A.

The valley of the shadow of death.

B.

When you approach this valley, will you be able to see Jesus, your Shepherd, there with His hand outstretched, saying, Follow me?

HE HAS WALKED THE VALLEY BEFORE YOU. YOU CAN TRUST HIM. YOU CAN TAKE HIS HAND, FOR HE WILL LEAD YOU THROUGH TO THE OTHER SIDE WHERE THERE ARE GREEN PASTURES, THE TREE OF LIFE, AND THE RIVER OF WATER OF LIFE.
BUT IF HE IS NOT YOUR SHEPHERD, WHOM CAN YOU TRUST? WHO WILL BE THERE TO TAKE YOU THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH? HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE AND IS ABLE TO LEAD YOU THROUGH.
LISTEN TO HIS PLEADING, COAXING VOICE TODAY. TENDERLY HE'S CALLING, HEAR HIS VOICE AND FOLLOW THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

EXAMINATION, Chapter S 9 and 10

What Did These Say

About the Blind Man:

1.

The disciples:

2.

Jesus:

3.

The neighbors:

4.

The parents:

5.

The Pharisees:

Explain These Statements

1.

Jesus: We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

2.

The blind beggar: I told you even now, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? would ye also become his disciples?

3.

The blind beggar: We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth.

4.

Jesus: For judgment came I into this world, that they that see not may see; and that they that see may become blind.

5.

Jesus: If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see: your sin remaineth.

True or False?

1.

An allegory is the same as a parable.

2.

Jesus is referring strictly to Himself as the shepherd in John 10:2.

3.

The one flock of John 10:16 refers to the New Testament church.

4.

There is an extensive interval of time between John 10:21 and John 10:22.

5.

The Old Testament gives directions for the Feast of Dedication in the book of Leviticus.

Make a List of

1.

Four things Jesus says about both a shepherd and the Good Shepherd.

2.

Three things Jesus says about the hireling.

3.

Five things Jesus says about His sheep.

4.

Two things to which Jesus appealed to substantiate His claim to be the Son of God.

Locate These Places

1.

Pool of Siloam.

2.

Solomon's porch.

3.

The place where John was at the first baptizing.