John 10:1-6; Ezek. 34:7-10, The Door of the Sheep

There is no division between John 9:41 and 10:1. Jesus said the Pharisees were sinners because they saw who He was, and yet tried to lead the people astray, as with the man born blind.  Addressing the Pharisees, He began to talk about “he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door.”  That person is not the shepherd but is a thief.

We have included a photo from a visit to Nazareth Village in Israel, a site where a person can get an idea of what life was like in New Testament Israel.  The shepherd built a sheepfold for the sheep and he, the shepherd, stood at the door.  Out in the hills and valleys of Israel, there might be several shepherds sharing one fold, each with their flock.  The “doorkeeper” would only allow the shepherds that were part of the group to come in with their flock.  You could have several flocks in one fold because the sheep knew the voice of their shepherd and went with him.  Standing at the door as his sheep entered gave the shepherd the opportunity to check for scratches or injuries or other issues. 

Jesus said several things with this picture.  First, He had a flock.  His flock consisted of those the Father gave, those the Father drew to Him, and those who believed in Him (Jn. 6:37,44,47).  Jesus claimed to be the Shepherd promised by the LORD in Ezekiel 34:23: I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them – My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. 

Jesus was also saying that the Pharisees were the thieving shepherds, trying to steal His sheep.  Jesus had said that no one would be able to take His sheep from His hands (Jn. 6:37-40).  The Pharisees had tried to turn people away.  Their “thievery” was clearly illustrated in John 9.

Jesus was also saying something about His sheep.  They follow Him, for they know His voice (10:4).  Sheep are pretty interesting when it comes to following their established leader.  We have seen flocks on the move in Israel on several occasions, including safely navigating their way across busy highways.  On one occasion we watched as a good-sized flock followed closely behind the donkey the shepherd had designated to lead them out onto the road, then across, and then along on the other side for a ways. The shepherd was in the rear but had nothing to do because the sheep were all together following the leader.

What Jesus was referring to was promised by the OT prophets, that they would have a special relationship with the Lord their Shepherd.  Ezekiel recorded the LORD’s promise like this: ‘Thus they shall know that I, the LORD their God, am with them, and they, the house of Israel, are My people,’ says the Lord God.  Jesus was saying that those who have believed in Him would have a great sense of belonging, so that they would not be inclined to go with the thief.