John 10:7-21; Ezekiel 34:20-24, The Good Shepherd

Sheep have several potential problems.  Ezekiel 34:4-5 points several, such as weakness (from poor nourishment), sickness, injury (scratches, cuts), going astray, getting lost, scattering and wild animal attacks.  Sheep need a good shepherd. 

In Ezekiel, and in Jesus’ day, the shepherds of Israel were concerned about their own welfare.  Rather than feeding the flock they were fleecing the flock for their own gain.  On the one hand, they were thieves, trying to steal from the Lord’s flock.  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (10:10).  He is only interested in what he can get for himself from the sheep.

Then Jesus used another term to describe these shepherds: hireling.  The hireling doesn’t own the sheep.  Thus, when trouble comes from a wild animal, he runs away to save his own skin.  The defenseless sheep are left on their own.  Jesus was clear: the hireling does not care about the sheep (10:13).

Jesus also spoke of Himself using two terms.  First, He said, I am the door of the sheep (10:7). As we explained earlier, a shepherd in the Middle East didn’t just use the door into the sheepfold; he stood in the door, both as the sheep went out in the morning and returned at night.  Thus the sheep were “saved” from the potential problems.  He would lead them to good pasture throughout the day, and then attend to their wounds in the evening as they returned.

Second, Jesus said, I am the good shepherd (10:14).  Not only does He attend to the needs of the flock as they go in and out each day; He also will stand His ground to protect the sheep when wild animals are around, even to the point of laying down His life for the sheep.  Of course, this is a reference to the cross of Christ, where He would give His life so that the sheep can be delivered from the one, Satan, who has the power of death (Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:5,8).

Tucked away in this passage is some wonderful news. Jesus was dealing with the shepherds of Israel and presenting Himself as the Good Shepherd for all Israel who believe.  But in Jn. 10:16 He speaks of “other sheep not of this fold” who will also be gathered into His fold.  These sheep are the Gentiles, people from every nation that believe in Him.  This is great news for someone like me who is not of the nation of Israel, but who has come to realize the only thing to do when you meet Jesus on the pages of Scripture, is to bow before Him in faith.  He is the Good Shepherd who alone can satisfy our deep hunger and thirst.