"I Am The Good Shepherd"

The tenth chapter of John, of which the first five verses form a parable, is one of three chapters in the Gospel commencing with words spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ.

By miracles and parables the Lord worked and spake. As to the meaning of this parable about sheep and shepherds it is not understood (verse 6), and as only the Lord can interpret the truth lying hidden in His own sayings, He speaks in explanation as many words as twelve verses present.

Whatever number of words or utterances of the Lord Jesus we read or examine these can never be understood without the help of One, who, like Himself, is Eternal and Divine, even the Holy Spirit.

Twice in this tenth chapter is the Lord's statement, "I am the Good Shepherd," and the fact that He makes it once, an(l again, is significant (compare King Pharaoh's dream being doubled-Genesis 41. 32). In shepherd guise the Lord is the door for the sheep to enter the fold. As a shepherd He was no hireling. He had no self interests. His concern for the sheep was real, and He was prepared to give His life if needs be in their interests, which He did when He destroyed the great enemy of the sheep see Hebrews 2. 14. There were scattered sheep, which the Lord purposed should be gathered, that they with others should become one flock (the thought of the flock is different from that of the fold). For that one flock, there was one shepherd, and that was Himself. Concerning the scattered sheep He said, "They shall hear My voice." If the Shepherd's voice is not heard, there cannot be the desired response in sheep becoming one flock.

Arising out of the Lord's words, of parable and exposition, the Jews divide once more among themselves (verse 19). There had been one division because of His Person, and another because of His works (John 9. 16). But whether it he His Person, His works, or His words, He is condemned-a foreshadowing of His ultimate rejection. Straying like lost sheep, each preferring his own way, the Good Shepherd was not wanted although sorely needed. Had they but known what goodness was involved in His utterance, "I am the Good Shepherd"! But they had no ear for His voice. Some people, however, did believe the things He spake concerning Himself, and experienced His shepherding care. Happy it was for them; and there were not a few.

unknown | May 1932
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