Exploring the Scripture

John 10:1–18 is referred to as the Good Shepherd speech. In today’s passage (vv. 1–10), Jesus describes the role of the Good Shepherd as spoken of in Ezekiel 34. This passage stops one verse short of Jesus naming himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11; also see Doctrine and Covenants 50:8g and Alma 3:61–68). This passage is John’s primary reference to Jesus as shepherd and is followed in chapter 21 with the story of Jesus encouraging Peter three times to take care of his sheep if Peter loves Jesus.

The Hebrew Scriptures (Psalm 23) and Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke—the parable of the Lost Sheep) use the metaphor of shepherd and sheep often to describe our relation to God. This helps us understand God’s nature and how God cares for each one. Similar to this passage, God’s vision for each person and the community is upheld in Doctrine and Covenants 163:10a: “Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened.”

Many of our Enduring Principles are represented in the relationship between shepherd and sheep—Grace and Generosity, Worth of All Persons, All Are Called, Responsible Choices, and Pursuit of Peace (Shalom). Shepherds know their sheep by name, value each one, celebrate their diversity, protect the flock (community), and sacrifice for the flock. Good shepherds are both leaders and servants for their sheep. Jesus implies that he knows us by name and calls us to follow him. He does not make us follow. We have a choice about whom we follow. Our relationship with Jesus grows as we make the choice to follow. He does not give up on us if we wander off, but continues to call us back.

However, as we become disciples of Christ, he sends us on mission to be shepherds for others. We develop relationships with others, which allow us to learn about them and share our story. As those relationships grow, we can witness about the Good Shepherd and invite others into relationship with Jesus and the community. Community of Christ Sings 636, “I Have Called You by Your Name,” explains the nature of being called, supported, and sent.

In today’s passage, when the listeners did not understand Jesus’ reference to himself as shepherd, Jesus referred to himself as the gate. In this shift of metaphor, Jesus moves from being the shepherd to the one providing the way for the shepherd. This idea is found later in John when Jesus refers to himself as “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is the gate or way to fulfilled life—not fulfilled life as the world knows it, but fulfilled life in Christ. The nature of fulfilled life in Christ is expressed in our church’s statement on Jesus Christ: “We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God…fully human and fully divine. Through Jesus’ life and ministry, death and resurrection, God reconciles the world and breaks down walls that divide. Christ is our peace” (Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 34). By entering the gate and following the Good Shepherd, we are brought closer to God and to one another. In God’s pasture under the Good Shepherd’s tending, we find wholeness and meaning experiencing the peace that passes all understanding, Christ’s peace.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the gate. Through Christ, we are reconciled with God, one another, and the world.
2. We are called and supported by the Good Shepherd but also sent to be a shepherd for others.
3. Life as a disciple is not easy or without pain, but it is a life of meaning, fulfillment, and peace.

Questions to Consider

1. God is calling you by name. What do you hear?
2. What do you need to give up or take on to more fully respond to the call of your name?
3. How do you foster loving, trust-filled relationships like the shepherd with the sheep?
4. How have you experienced fulfilled life in Christ?