In John 10, Jesus proclaims one of His most profound and comforting identities: “I am the Good Shepherd.” This declaration invites us to examine not only who Jesus is but also the contrast between Him and all others who attempt to lead without His heart, power, and purpose.
The Quality of the Shepherd (Verses 11 & 15)
Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” The word “good” here doesn’t simply mean morally upright—it signifies excellence, nobility, and worthiness. The Good Shepherd is not merely better than a bad shepherd; He is the ultimate shepherd, defined by His unwavering love, sacrificial nature, and deep relationship with His sheep. Verses 11 and 15 reinforce this as Jesus equates His commitment to His sheep with the love and intimacy He shares with the Father. His character is not self-serving but entirely centred on the wellbeing and rescue of His people.
The Activity of the Shepherd (Verses 11–18)
The Good Shepherd isn’t idle. His goodness is revealed in what He does for His sheep.
1. He Lays Down His Life (Verses 11, 15, 17 & 18)
Four times in this passage, Jesus declares that He lays down His life for the sheep. This wasn’t a metaphor—it was a mission. Unlike a hired hand, Jesus willingly gave His life to protect, redeem, and rescue us. His death wasn’t a tragic end but a purposeful sacrifice. It was voluntary: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (v. 18). The cross wasn’t imposed on Jesus; He embraced it out of love.
2. He Knows His Sheep (Verse 14)
This shepherd doesn’t just oversee a flock from a distance—He knows each sheep intimately. Verse 14 says, “I know My own and My own know Me.” This relationship mirrors the intimacy between Jesus and the Father. To be known by Jesus is to be loved, guided, and never forgotten. We are not numbers; we are names known by heart.
3. He Brings in Sheep (Verse 16)
Jesus’ mission extends beyond the immediate flock. In verse 16, He declares, “I have other sheep that are not of this fold.” His shepherding heart is expansive. He came not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles—breaking down barriers and making one unified flock under one Shepherd. His love and reach extend to all nations and peoples.
4. He Takes Up His Life Again (Verse 17)
Jesus’ death was not the end. In verse 17, He says, “I lay down my life that I may take it up again.” His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of His authority and power. The Good Shepherd not only dies for the sheep—He rises again to lead them in victory, proving that no enemy, not even death, can separate us from His care.
5. He Makes the Sheep Abound (Verse 10)
Though verse 10 wasn’t in our primary reading today, it undergirds the heart of the Good Shepherd. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus doesn’t offer mere survival; He offers flourishing. He leads His sheep into green pastures, still waters, and eternal life overflowing with grace and purpose.
The Alternative to the Good Shepherd (Verses 12–13)
Jesus doesn’t just present Himself—He warns us about the alternative.
1. Exploits the Sheep (Verse 12)
The hired hand cares nothing for the sheep. He’s there for a paycheck, not for their wellbeing. When danger comes, his true motives are revealed—he exploits the sheep for his benefit.
2. Abandons the Sheep (Verse 12)
When the wolf appears, the hired hand flees. Unlike Jesus, who runs toward the threat, the false shepherd runs away. He abandons those who depend on him, revealing his lack of love and responsibility.
3. Scatters the Sheep (Verse 13)
The result of abandonment is chaos. Verse 13 paints a tragic picture: the wolf snatches and scatters the sheep. Without the Good Shepherd, people are left vulnerable, divided, and devastated.
4. Does Not Care for the Sheep (Verse 13)
Ultimately, the false shepherd simply does not care. This is the essential difference—Jesus cares deeply and sacrificially, while others offer only indifference.
In this powerful passage, Jesus draws a line between Himself and all other so-called leaders. He is not just a good shepherd—He is the Good Shepherd. He knows us, sacrifices for us, leads us, and brings us into abundance. In Him, we find safety, unity, and life everlasting.
The question then becomes: Whose voice are we listening to? Are we following the One who lays down His life for us—or those who care nothing for our souls?
