Recap of 6/24/12 (John 10:1-21):

1.  In John 10, Jesus calls Himself both the gate to the sheepfold and the Good Shepherd, figures of speech to express how Jesus guides, provides for, and guards His sheep.  He doesn’t lose even one.  Because of his belief in Jesus, the man born blind of Chapter 9 is put out of the synagogue.  This prompts Jesus to characterize the Scribes and Pharisees as false shepherds, nothing but thieves and hired hands.  In contrast to them, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep.  This would be comforting to future believers among the Jews who would be excommunicated because of their belief in Jesus.

2.  “Why does the Lord compare His people to sheep? They are prone to wander (Isa. 53:6) and need a shepherd to guide them. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep intimately and calls them and provides for them (Ps. 23). How wonderful to be one of His sheep..” (Warren Wiersbe)

3.  “In ancient times the sheepfold was a circular stone corral with a single narrow opening.  After the sheep were inside, the shepherd would lie down across the opening, using his own body to form the gate or ‘door’ of the sheepfold.  Nothing could enter or leave the fold without the shepherd knowing about it.  Keep that image in mind as you read Jesus’ words in 10:7.” (The Daily Walk Bible)

4.  Sheep had to be protected because there were many predators in that day.  Often the shepherd faced death to protect the sheep.  Jesus gave His life for His sheep.  His death was substitutionary, voluntary, under His authority/control, and by command of God the Father.