John Chapter 10

John Chapter 10

Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies

Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net

Introduction: In the prior chapter, we saw Jesus give sight to a blind man. You would have thought those Pharisees, the leading religious group, would have been rejoicing to see a man blind from birth receive his sight. But because it was done on the sabbath, all they did was find fault. But Jesus taught that it was lawful to do good on every day, including the sabbath. When they brought the blind man in and said Jesus was a great sinner, and asked them who healed his eyes, his response was great.

John 9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. John 9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

This man knew that Jesus was the one who healed him. We who know Jesus as Savior now have spiritual eyesight and are no longer blind to the tricks of Satan.

Overview of John 10: The first half of John 10 is Jesus’ discourse on the good shepherd. Whether the teaching took place immediately after the events in chapters 8 and 9 (in the fall) or just prior to verse 22 (in the winter) is not clear. However, sheep typically spent the nights in the fields in mild weather, but in the fold when winter arrived.

Therefore, the winter season might be inferred here. Moreover, the shepherd and sheep motif is used again later in the chapter, implying the latter. In the latter half of the chapter, Jesus, in returning to the Temple, is once again accosted by the Jews whence He again sets forth His Deity. The Jews threaten to stone Him. He, in return, presents forceful logic from the Scripture maintaining His claim of Deity, yet avoiding a climatic showdown. His hour still was not come.

I. Christ the Good Shepherd, the Door of the Sheep

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

The important thing in these first three verses is to understand that Jesus came to lead the Jews out of Judaism, and they refused to hear him. The porter that openeth has a twofold meaning. The first being John the Baptist who came proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God. The second, larger meaning of the porter that openeth is the Holy Ghost.

No one will be saved unless the Holy Spirit opens his or her eye of understanding and draws them to God. Christ is clearly the door of the sheep. Many want to come to God on their own terms or come a different way than the way God set up for salvation. But if we don’t come through Jesus, we will never enter heaven. It says that anyone who tries to come up another way is a thief and a robber. Jesus first entered into heaven, and we now come to God through him. He is the true door.

Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Heb 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Heb 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Heb 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Heb 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

1 Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Once again, a message of great importance is verbally highlighted by our Lord’s use of “verily, verily, I say unto you.” It was Jesus’ way of foretelling His disciples, something of importance was impending. Jesus developed a precise allegory of the details of middle- eastern shepherding. He defines not only His personal love and concern as the Chief Shepherd (I Peter 5:4), but also for all spiritual shepherds who will follow after Him. In the first century A.D. in Judea, those who would shepherd sheep, often would build a fold adjacent to their house.

It frequently was a part of the courtyard of the home. A wall or fence, forming the outer court of the house, also served as the sheepfold, particularly during the winter. At that time of year, the shepherd would lead his flock into the fold (the courtyard of his house) at night. The gate (or door) was locked and all settled down for the night. Then in the morning, he would lead them out again to find pasture. As in the old American West with its cattle rustlers, sheep stealers were not unknown in biblical times. Their motive was simple—to steal sheep to be sold for butchering or resale. Such rustlers typically operated at night and came over the wall to steal sheep.

Obvious truth is stated. The shepherd came and went by the door. A porter was a servant of the household who was charged with making sure the door was closed or open as the occasion required. He would take orders from the master of the house who also was the shepherd. Some have likened the porter to the ministry of the Holy Spirit who prepares and even opens hearts.

Jewish shepherds of the day often would give names to their sheep. The sheep knew not only their name, but they also knew the very voice of their shepherd. Pastors to this day know the phenomenon of their people instantly knowing their voice over the telephone. Notice also how a shepherd leads his flock. Because the sheep know, love, and trust their shepherd; they will willingly follow him.

Continue reading study in PDF:

Follow