Why did the Pharisees fail to understand the "figure of speech" in John 10:6? Setting the Scene - John 10 opens with Jesus describing Himself as the Shepherd and the Door for the sheep. - Verse 6 observes, “Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them.” Key Reasons They Missed the Illustration 1. Hardened Hearts - They had repeatedly rejected earlier, clearer revelations of Jesus’ identity (John 5:36-40; 8:24). - Continuous resistance dulls spiritual perception; Isaiah’s prophecy applies: “This people’s heart has grown callous” (Matthew 13:15, cf. Isaiah 6:9-10). 2. Spiritual Pride - Confidence in their own religious status blinded them to their need for a Savior (John 9:40-41). - Self-righteousness leaves little room to hear God’s voice (Luke 18:9-14). 3. Misplaced Expectations of Messiah - They looked for a political liberator, not a suffering Shepherd; Jesus’ imagery did not fit their framework (John 7:41-42). - When preconceived ideas rule, even straightforward truth sounds cryptic. 4. Foreign to the Shepherd’s Voice - Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27). - Unbelieving leaders stood outside His fold; without relationship, the illustration had no resonance (1 Corinthians 2:14). 5. Blindness Exposed by the Healed Beggar - Chapter 9’s miracle and interrogation revealed their spiritual blindness (John 9:30-34). - The illustration in 10:1-5 was a direct commentary on that incident; refusal to admit blindness kept them from grasping the lesson. What the Missed Meaning Showed - Their failure confirmed Jesus’ assessment: “You do not believe because you are not My sheep” (John 10:26). - It underlined the contrast between true shepherds who lead to life and hirelings who exploit the flock. - It fulfilled Scripture: “He will be a sanctuary, but also a stone of stumbling” (Isaiah 8:14; 1 Peter 2:7-8). Takeaway The Pharisees’ incomprehension in John 10:6 sprang from hard hearts, pride, wrong expectations, lack of relationship, and moral blindness—reminders that spiritual understanding begins with humble, responsive faith to the Shepherd’s voice. |
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