2023_11_06 Insight Post- Kim Feld

The Good Shepherd discourse recorded in John chapter 10 is one of my favorites. Of all the ways that Jesus describes Himself, the connection with the role of shepherd is one of the richest for me. Jesus utilizes things that were true in the relationship between a shepherd and his flock to describe the relationship He desires with us.

In Jesus’ time, it was common for multiple flocks to share a pen. The sheep knew the voice of their shepherd; he was able to separate them by calling to them and leading instead of driving them. If an unknown shepherd tried to mimic the shepherd to lead the flock, it caused the sheep to scatter in panic (Barker & Kohlenberger, 2004). Let’s take a look at what Jesus says in John 10:3-5 (NIV):

^3 “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

These verses underscore the importance of knowing Jesus’ voice. If we are not sure of whose voice we are following, we can be misled. The best way for us to know Jesus’ voice is by knowing the Bible. The more familiar we are with His Word, the more we will know His voice.

In John 10:7, Jesus says that He is the gate for the sheep. At first glance, this seems like He is changing course. How can He be the shepherd and the gate? When the sheep returned to the pen’s safety for the night, they were first inspected and tended by the shepherd. He dealt with any wounds they may have incurred, gave them water, and counted each one. Only after the sheep were accounted for and safely held by the pen did the shepherd lay down at the entrance, becoming a barrier that must be crossed before an intruder entered. The shepherd became the gate of safety and protection (Barker & Kohlenberger, 2004). What a beautiful picture!

Jesus is our protective gate. Nothing comes our way without His knowledge and permission. We can take comfort that even when difficulty comes, He is at work and can bring something good out of it. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus lovingly cares for us and knows where and how we are at all times. Even in our darkest moments, He is there.

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach

Reference: Barker, K. L., & Kohlenberger, J. R. (2004). The expositor’s bible commentary. Zondervan Academic.