The Weekly Show: Episode 46 - John 10:1-21

Join Tim and John as they serve up an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 10 Verses 1-21.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire

 Introduction to John 10:1-21

John 10:1-21 contains one of Jesus’ most profound teachings about His identity and mission through the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep. This passage follows the events of John 9, where Jesus healed a man born blind, leading to a confrontation with the Pharisees. Now, Jesus continues to reveal the stark contrast between true spiritual leadership and false shepherds who mislead God's people.

Context and Significance

1. Continuing the Theme of Spiritual Sight and Blindness – In John 9, the Pharisees showed their spiritual blindness by rejecting the miracle and casting out the healed man. In John 10, Jesus further exposes their false leadership by presenting Himself as the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep in truth.
2. Old Testament Background – The image of a shepherd was commonly used in Scripture to describe God’s care for His people (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). The leaders of Israel were also called to be shepherds, but many had failed in their responsibilities. Jesus now declares that He is the true Shepherd, fulfilling God’s promises.
3. The “I AM” Statements – In this passage, Jesus makes two significant "I AM" statements:

• “I am the Door of the Sheep” (John 10:7, 9) – Jesus is the only way to salvation and safety.
• “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14) – Jesus lays down His life for His sheep, in contrast to hirelings who abandon them.

Key Themes in John 10:1-21

1. Jesus as the True Shepherd – He knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them to safety (vv. 1-6).
2. Jesus as the Door – He alone provides salvation, security, and abundant life (vv. 7-10).
3. Jesus as the Good Shepherd – He sacrifices Himself for His sheep, showing His deep love and commitment (vv. 11-18).
4. Division Among the People – Some believe in Jesus, while others reject Him, continuing the pattern seen throughout John’s Gospel (vv. 19-21).

Why This Matters

John 10:1-21 is a powerful declaration of Jesus’ identity and His mission to save and care for His people. It challenges us to ask:

• Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd, or are we following false voices?
• Do we find our security and salvation through Christ alone, or are we looking elsewhere?
• How do we respond to Jesus’ sacrificial love for His sheep?

As we explore this passage, we’ll see how Jesus calls His followers into a deep relationship with Him, offering them guidance, protection, and eternal life.

Key Theme One: Jesus as the True Shepherd (John 10:1-6)

In the first six verses of John 10, Jesus uses a parable to contrast true shepherds with false ones and to highlight His unique relationship with His followers.

1. The Sheepfold and the True Shepherd (v. 1-3) 2. The Shepherd Knows His Sheep (v. 3-5)

3. The Disciples Do Not Understand (v. 6)

Application for Today

• Do we recognize the voice of Jesus? – Through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, Jesus leads us in truth.
• Are we following the Good Shepherd, or are we listening to false voices? – The world is full of false te