1. To help us grow in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18) we are studying John's Gospel. 2. In this lesson we are studying the information recorded in John 10:1-21. 3. Earlier, we noted several of the Lord's statements in which He revealed key information about His identity: "I am the bread of life" (6:35), "I am the light of the world" (8:12), and "Before Abraham was, I am" (8:58). 4. In John 10 Jesus identified Himself as "the door of the sheep" (vs.7) and "the good shepherd" (vs.11). Discussion:
I. (John 10:1-6) JESUS PRESENTED A PARABLE BASED ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A SHEPHERD AND HIS SHEEP
A. (vs.1-2) Jesus showed how the shepherd can be identified. 1. One who does not enter the sheepfold through the door is not the shepherd -- he is a thief. 2. The shepherd enters the sheepfold through the door. B. (vs.3-5) The shepherd and the sheep know each other. 1. The sheep hear the shepherd and follow him. 2. The sheep do not follow a stranger. C. (vs.6) The people who were present did not understand the Lord's teaching. II. (John 10:7-10) JESUS IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS "THE DOOR OF THE SHEEP"
A. Jesus made a comparison between Himself and a thief. B. The Lord provides salvation, protection, and the abundant life as illustrated in Psalm 23. C. The thief steals, kills, destroys and can be identified by his fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). III. (John 10:11-18) JESUS IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS "THE GOOD SHEPHERD"
A. Some of God's great servants were shepherds, including Jacob who cared for Laban's sheep (Genesis 31:40) and David who protected Jesse's sheep (1 Samuel 17:31-37). B. The Lord made a comparison between Himself and a hireling. C. As the good shepherd, Jesus gave His life for the sheep and made it possible for other sheep to enter the fold. D. A hireling will not sacrifice himself for the sheep. IV. (John 10:19-21) THE JEWS WERE DIVIDED OVER THE LORD'S TEACHING
A. Some of them accused Jesus of having a demon. B. Others had respect for the Lord's miracle of healing the blind man. C. Once again we see how John's statement in John 1:11 was fulfilled.
