Translations
Original
Notes
he will be saved (or will find safety): As the guard at the gate, Jesus protects his sheep from harm by keeping them safe inside the pen.
This illustration of a shepherd and his sheep comes from a Middle Eastern perspective of shepherding and Old Testament traditions in first-century AD Jewish culture. God was the shepherd of Israel (Genesis 49:24; Psalms 23; 78:52–53; Isaiah 40:10–11).
Spiritual and political leaders of Israel were also shepherds of God’s people, the flock of God (Isaiah 56:9–12; Jeremiah 23:1–4; Ezekiel 34).
Jesus spoke these words during the Feast of Dedication (see John 10:22). At that time, people remembered both faithful and unfaithful leaders in Israel’s history.
In this setting, Jesus addressed the theme of shepherds. He spoke in a way that echoes Ezekiel 34, where God condemns bad shepherds and promises to care for his people himself. Jesus then identified himself as the good shepherd (John 10:11–14).
Chapter 10 continues the series of feast sermons (see study note on 5:1–10:42). Here, the setting is the Feast of Dedication. The timing of this feast is important for understanding the story (see study note on 10:22).
Events
- The Good Shepherd Teachingc. AD 29
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ezekiel, Book of Herdsmen John, Gospel of Life Sheep Shepherd
Topics
Access to God is by Christ Doors Gates of Christ God: Access To Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Good Shepherd Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Jesus, the Christ: Shepherd, Jesus the True: He Feeds Jesus, the Christ: Teaches People (In Jerusalem) Jesus, the Christ: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Penitent: Promises To Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning Sheep of the People of Christ Sheep of the Righteous Shepherd of Christ the Shepherd Christ: His Sheep: He Feeds Titles and Names of Saints: Sheep of Christ