Why It Matters //
The message of the gospel is set apart from any other religion/faith tradition because whereas other gods/idols expect their followers to sacrifice their lives (or the lives of others), Jesus laid down his life for us. Knowing Jesus as the “good shepherd” not only demonstrates his authority and leadership in our lives, but his radical love for us— to the point of death, even death on a cross. As followers (“sheep”) of Jesus, we have confidence and assurance that we belong to a “good shepherd” who will never forsake or abandon us, but would (and does) even endure death to save us and keep us in his flock, in his kingdom.
What It's Talking About //
The Gospel of John, like Matthew, Mark and Luke, tells the story of Jesus, highlighting more of the personal encounters and conversations people had with Him. More importantly, John records Jesus’ seven “I am” statements, describing who this Messiah, the Son of God, really is. In this fourth statement, Jesus calls himself the “good shepherd,” that he is not only the gate (see verses 1-10) but the One who leads, protects, even lays his life down for his sheep. Here, Jesus uses this illustration of shepherd and sheep to depict the intimate relationship he has with us, where Jesus knows us and defends us as his own and we know his voice and listen to it.
John 10:11-18 NIV
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.
13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.
18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”