August 2025

Our study continued with the Gospel of John, focusing on chapter ten. Here, Jesus teaches that He is the door through which all the sheep must enter. Those who do not enter through the door are likened to thieves and robbers, while the one who enters through the door is the true shepherd of the sheep. This metaphor has layered meanings. It not only refers to Jesus as the sole way to salvation but also to those appointed by Christ to care for His flock—spiritual leaders who must serve not for personal gain, but out of genuine care, as Christ Himself cares for His followers. In this context, the gatekeeper mentioned in verse 3 may symbolize the Father, and the “voice” the sheep hear is the voice of God—Jesus Himself. The true sheep recognize His voice and follow Him (vv. 1–5). However, His audience did not understand the figure of speech.

Jesus goes on to explain that He is the door of the sheep, and that those who came before Him are “thieves.” This is a reference to religious leaders who built a political-religious system on the foundation of the Mosaic Law but rejected the prophet Moses foretold in Deuteronomy 18:18. His true sheep are those who recognize Him as the Messiah; those who reject Him are not His sheep.

A stark contrast is drawn between the true shepherd and the thief. Those who climb over the fence represent false teachers and deceivers, while those who enter by the gate are true shepherds, with Jesus being the ultimate Shepherd. The thief—now singular, representing the devil—comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, Jesus came that His sheep might have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). In this sense, the Gospel contains a form of spiritual prosperity—a life marked by peace, purpose, and communion with God.

The chapter also critiques false shepherds—religious leaders who reject Jesus and abandon the flock. This rebuke can be paralleled with current geopolitical events in the Middle East, where the modern political state of Israel—operating under a name that, biblically, refers to Jesus Himself (cf. Hosea 11:1 and Matthew 2:14–15)—is engaged in ongoing conflict. The state’s actions, particularly its offensive in Gaza, have been widely condemned as genocidal by the UN, numerous states, and human rights organizations. Social media has laid bare the extent of the destruction, violence, and political manipulation. This exposes a form of modern “messianic complex,” where political and religious movements rooted in ethnic or national superiority present themselves as divinely justified, echoing the spiritual pride Jesus confronted.

Such exclusivism is entirely at odds with the plan of salvation Jesus came to fulfill. In verse 16, Jesus speaks of “other sheep not of this fold”—a prophetic reference to the Gentiles who would also hear His voice and become part of one flock under one Shepherd. There are not two peoples of God—Jewish and Gentile believers—but one. The New Testament vision of salvation unites all true believers in Christ, as echoed in Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4:4–6: “One body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” This unified people of God is the Church, the body of Christ, composed of all who follow Him.

A major theme in this chapter is the spiritual pride of the Jewish leaders, who accuse Jesus of being demon-possessed (v. 20). In reality, their pride blinds them to who He is. As in chapter 9, they refuse to acknowledge His good works and accuse Him of blasphemy, because He claims equality with God (vv. 31–33). Their accusation reflects not only their misunderstanding of the Scriptures but also a deep resistance to anyone challenging their presumed spiritual authority.

However, not all rejected Him. Some, upon reflecting on the words of John the Baptist and observing Jesus’ ministry, came to believe in Him (vv. 19–21; 40–42).

Importantly, this spiritual pride is not limited to the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day. Religious-political establishments across history have assumed exclusive rights to truth and salvation. For instance, the Orthodox Church claims its doctrine as the only true path (reflected in the name “Orthodox”), effectively positioning itself as the “door” instead of Jesus. Similar tendencies can be seen in Roman Catholicism, Protestant denominations, Evangelical movements, and others—where institutions or leaders take the place of Christ in guiding the faithful. The original Jewish example serves as a warning: pride can blind even the most religious to the person and purposes of God.

Another insight from this chapter is the anxiety experienced by those not at peace with God. In worldly terms, sheep are often considered weak or passive, while people are expected to fight for status and recognition. But in God’s kingdom, true strength lies in listening to and following the voice of the Shepherd. When people resist Jesus, they become hostile. Jesus challenges His accusers by asking for which good work they want to stone Him (v. 32). They answer that it is not for His works, but for blasphemy—because He, a man, claims to be God. Ironically, in claiming Jesus blasphemes, they place themselves above Him and presume exclusive control over divine revelation.

Conclusion:
John 10 emphasizes that Jesus is the only true Shepherd and the sole door to salvation. His sheep are those who hear and respond to His voice, both from among the Jews and the Gentiles. The chapter also warns against spiritual pride and institutional exclusivism, reminding us that salvation is found in Christ alone—not in any religious system or national identity. One flock, one Shepherd remains the heart of the gospel message—a call to unity under Christ for all who believe.