Today I want to share with you one of Jesus' most beautiful teachings called the Parable of the Good Shepherd and His Sheep. Jesus used this powerful illustration to help us understand His loving relationship with those who follow Him.

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This special teaching appears in the Gospel of John, where Jesus describes Himself as the shepherd who deeply cares for His flock. It reveals important truths about how Jesus protects, guides, and even sacrifices for those who belong to Him.

The Parable of the Good Shepherd and His Sheep

Chapter 1: The Shepherd's Entrance

Jesus began this teaching by contrasting two very different ways of approaching sheep: "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber" (John 10:1).

In ancient Israel, sheep pens were enclosures made of stone walls, often with thorny branches on top. They had only one entrance—a gate guarded by a gatekeeper. These pens protected sheep at night from predators and thieves.

Jesus explained that legitimate shepherds always entered through the proper gate. Anyone trying to sneak in another way—climbing over walls or finding gaps—had bad intentions. They were thieves aiming to steal sheep or robbers planning to harm them.

This opening statement followed Jesus' conflict with religious leaders who had mistreated a man He had healed. Jesus was implying that these leaders were not true spiritual shepherds of God's people but were more like thieves and robbers.

Chapter 2: Recognition and Relationship

Jesus continued describing the special connection between a true shepherd and his sheep: "The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:2-3).

Several beautiful details emerge in these verses:

• First, the legitimate shepherd is recognized and admitted by the gatekeeper. There's no sneaking or deception—everything is open and authorized.
• Second, the sheep respond to their shepherd's voice. In Middle Eastern shepherding, several flocks might be kept in the same pen at night. Yet when a shepherd called his sheep in the morning, only his sheep would respond. Each flock recognized their own shepherd's distinctive voice.
• Third, the shepherd knows each sheep personally and "calls his own sheep by name." This wasn't just managing anonymous animals; it was a relationship with individual recognition. Each sheep had value and identity to the shepherd.
• Finally, the shepherd didn't drive his sheep from behind but led them from the front: "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice" (John 10:4).

This leadership style was based on trust and relationship. The sheep willingly followed because they recognized their shepherd's voice and trusted his guidance. They knew his call meant safety and provision.

Chapter 3: Strangers and Danger

Jesus highlighted how sheep respond to those who aren't their shepherd: "But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice" (John 10:5).

Sheep have an instinctive ability to distinguish between their shepherd's familiar voice and a stranger's unfamiliar one. When they hear an unknown voice, their response isn't curiosity but fear and retreat. This protective instinct keeps them safe from those who might harm them.

Jesus was teaching that His true followers would recognize His teaching as authentic and life-giving, while rejecting false spiritual voices that could lead them astray. This discernment between true and false spiritual leadership is vital for safety.

The people listening to Jesus didn't fully understand this parable: "Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them" (John 10:6). So Jesus proceeded to explain more directly what He meant.

Chapter 4: Jesus as the Gate for the Sheep

Jesus then introduced another aspect of the parable: "Therefore Jesus said again, 'Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep'" (John 10:7).

In this expanded explanation, Jesus identified Himself not just as the shepherd but also as the gate itself. This dual imagery emphasizes His central role in spiritual life.

"All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture" (John 10:8-9).

As the gate, Jesus provides:

1. The only legitimate entrance to God's flock
2. Safety and salvation for those who enter
3. Freedom to "come in and go out"
4. Access to spiritual nourishment ("find pasture")

This contrasts sharply with false leaders lead by their master - Satan: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

This verse highlights the dramatically different intentions of thieves versus the Good Shepherd. False spiritual leaders take from people—their trust, resources, and spiritual vitality. But Jesus gives abundantly—not just basic existence but "life to the full," a rich, meaningful, flourishing existence.

Chapter 5: The Selfless Sacrifice

Jesus then returned to the shepherd parable with a profound statement about His mission: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).

With these words, Jesus explicitly identified Himself as the "good shepherd" and revealed the extent of His commitment to His flock—He would die for them. This foreshadowed His coming crucifixion, where He would literally give His life to save His followers.

Jesus contrasted His dedication with hired workers who don't truly care about the sheep: "The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep" (John 10:12-13).

Hired shepherds worked primarily for payment, not out of love for the flock. When danger appeared, they prioritized their own safety over the sheep's welfare. Their relationship with the sheep was professional, not personal.

Jesus, however, emphasized His deep personal connection with His followers: "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15).

This mutual knowledge mirrors Jesus' intimate relationship with God the Father. The depth of connection between Jesus and His followers isn't superficial but profound—similar to the divine relationship within God Himself.

Chapter 6: One Flock, One Shepherd

Jesus then revealed that His shepherding mission extended beyond just the Jewish people: "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16).

The "other sheep" referred to Gentiles (non-Jews) who would also come to believe in Jesus. His spiritual flock would ultimately include people from all nations and backgrounds, united under His leadership.

This vision of unity—"one flock and one shepherd"—cut across the religious and ethnic divisions of Jesus' time. It pointed to the universal nature of His spiritual kingdom that would welcome all who recognized His voice and followed Him.

Chapter 7: The Voluntary Sacrifice

Jesus concluded by emphasizing the voluntary nature of His sacrifice: "The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father" (John 10:17-18).

These remarkable statements revealed that Jesus' coming death would not be a tragedy that happened to Him, but a mission He deliberately fulfilled. He wasn't a victim but a willing sacrifice. Even more extraordinary, He claimed the power to reclaim His life after death—a reference to His coming resurrection.

This level of authority and voluntary sacrifice set Jesus apart from all other spiritual leaders. No ordinary shepherd could willingly give his life and then take it up again. With these words, Jesus moved the parable beyond a simple illustration into a profound revelation of His divine nature and redemptive purpose.

What Can We Learn About The Parable of the Good Shepherd and His Sheep?

1. Jesus knows us personally - Just as the shepherd calls his sheep by name, Jesus knows each of His followers individually. We're not anonymous in His eyes but personally recognized and valued.
2. True followers recognize Jesus' voice - Sheep know their shepherd's voice and follow him while avoiding strangers. Similarly, Jesus' followers develop the ability to recognize His truth and distinguish it from falsehood.
3. Jesus leads rather than drives - The good shepherd goes ahead of his sheep, and they willingly follow. Jesus doesn't force or manipulate but leads by example and invitation, respecting our freedom to follow.
4. Jesus sacrifices for His sheep - Unlike hired workers who abandon sheep in danger, Jesus demonstrated ultimate love by laying down His life. His care goes beyond professional duty to sacrificial love.
5. Jesus unites diverse people - The "other sheep" and "one flock" teach us that Jesus breaks down barriers, bringing together people from different backgrounds into a unified spiritual family under His leadership.

5 Trivia Quiz about The Parable of the Good Shepherd and His Sheep for kids

In which gospel can we find Jesus' teaching about the Good Shepherd?

The Parable of the Good Shepherd appears in the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verses 1-18. It's not found in Matthew, Mark, or Luke's gospels.

Jesus said He is both the Good Shepherd and what else?

Jesus said He is both the Good Shepherd and the gate for the sheep. This dual role shows how central He is to spiritual life—both the entrance to God's family and the leader who cares for it.

What does the Good Shepherd do that the hired hand doesn't?

The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, while the hired hand runs away when danger comes. The hired hand works just for pay, but the shepherd cares deeply about the sheep's welfare.

How do sheep know which shepherd to follow?

Sheep recognize their shepherd by his voice. They follow their own shepherd but run away from strangers whose voices they don't recognize. This ability helps keep them safe from thieves and impostors.

Who did Jesus mean by the "other sheep not of this sheep pen"?

Jesus was referring to Gentiles (non-Jewish people) who would later believe in Him. He was explaining that His followers would eventually include people from all nations and backgrounds, not just from Israel.

If you enjoyed learning about the Parable of the Good Shepherd and His Sheep, next time I'd love to tell you about the Parable of the Prodigal Son, a story Jesus told about God's amazing love for us even when we wander away from Him!