The Gospel of John #58

by Robert E. Guenther
Continuing our review of the Gospel of John, Chapter 10:12-20. Our Lord is using a parable concerning sheep and their shepherd to explain His relationship to His people Israel. His own people when they hear His voice will follow Him. The rest of the world will not.
    Vs John 10:12 “But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.” The hireling, who has nothing invested in these sheep will run at the first sign of danger. Afterwards the enemy will come in and scatter the Lord’s flock.
    Vs John 10:13 “The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” The Lord is willing to give His life for His sheep or people, Israel.
    Vs John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine..” The Lord Christ Jesus is the good shepherd and He knows His people.
    Vs John 10:15 “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” The relationship that Christ has with the Father is the reason for His sacrifice for His people, Israel.
    Vs John 10:16 “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Our Lord is referring to His saints or believing ones who are called the nations outside of Israel who have the same inheritance.
    Vs John 10:17 “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.” Our Lord is referring to the sacrifice He makes upon the cross that His people can have life in His name.
    Vs John 10:18 “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” Some might suggest that the people took His life, but we know that He gave up His Spirit, even His life and died for us. Not just for Israel but all who would believe this message.
    Vs John 10:19 “There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.” The division is caused by unbelief. What the Lord accomplished with His death and resurrection is more than the world can believe. This sacrifice just does not satisfy what religionsays is required by God to forgive us of our sins.
    Vs John 10:20 “And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?.” When logic fails, men begin to call out false names and accusations.
    Vs John 10:21 “Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” Christ is not a liar; His life’s sacrifice should be believed. Believing the record of God’s Son is all that is required from us.                                                                ..to be continued...