
The Gospel of John — “Our Good Shepherd Protects Us”
I am the Shepherd of the sheep, but there are
No relationship!
1) Thieves and robbers (v. 1, 10) — take away what is yours
2) Strangers (v. 5) — no relationship or care, don’t know you
3) Hired hands (v. 12–13) — no relationship, flee at danger
4) Wolves (v. 12) — designed to kill
Steal, kill destroy (v. 10) instead of bringing life
(Also see Galatians 1:6; 2:4; Jude 4; 2 Peter 2:1)
Jesus our Shepherd protects us three ways:
1. Jesus our Shepherd protects through
He calls by name (v. 3, Isa. 40:26f); they hear His voice (v. 3); He leads and goes before them (v. 3, 4); they follow, knowing His voice (v. 4, 5); He knows us, we know Him (v. 14)
2. Jesus our Shepherd protects by
He is the Door: they are abundantly safe, saved, and fed (v. 7–10); He lays down His life (v. 11–13); He is the owner of the sheep (v. 12); He protects and cares for the sheep (v. 13)
3. Jesus our Shepherd protects by
-Our relationship with the Shepherd reflects the Father and Son’s relationship (v. 14–15)
-Gentiles will be saved, too, and form one new flock (v. 16; Isa. 49:6; Acts 10:34–35; Rev. 5:9)
-Our relationship is designed and brought by the Father and Son (v. 18; 5:20; Isa. 53:7–8, 12; Heb. 2:9)