Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Shepherd
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Topical Encyclopedia
The parable of the Good Shepherd is a profound teaching of Jesus Christ, found in the Gospel of John, chapter 10. This parable is a rich metaphor that reveals the character of Christ and His relationship with His followers. It is a part of Jesus' discourse on His role as the shepherd of His people, contrasting His leadership with that of false shepherds.

Biblical Context

The parable is set within the broader context of Jesus' ministry and His interactions with the Pharisees. In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind, which leads to a confrontation with the Pharisees. This healing and the subsequent dialogue set the stage for Jesus to explain His role as the Good Shepherd in John 10.

Scriptural Reference

In John 10:11-15 , Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. 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."

Themes and Symbolism

1. The Good Shepherd: Jesus identifies Himself as the "good shepherd," emphasizing His commitment and sacrificial love for His followers. Unlike a hired hand, who has no personal investment in the sheep, Jesus is deeply connected to His flock, willing to lay down His life for their safety and well-being.

2. The Sheep: The sheep represent the followers of Christ, who recognize His voice and follow Him. This relationship is built on mutual knowledge and trust, as Jesus states, "I know My sheep and My sheep know Me."

3. The Hired Hand: The hired hand symbolizes religious leaders or false prophets who lack genuine concern for the people. Their primary interest is self-preservation, and they abandon the sheep in times of danger.

4. The Wolf: The wolf represents threats and dangers that seek to harm the flock. The presence of the wolf highlights the protective role of the shepherd, who stands between the sheep and potential harm.

5. Sacrificial Love: Central to the parable is the theme of sacrificial love. Jesus' willingness to lay down His life for the sheep foreshadows His crucifixion, where He ultimately sacrifices Himself for the salvation of humanity.

Theological Implications

The parable of the Good Shepherd underscores the intimate and personal relationship between Christ and His followers. It highlights Jesus' divine authority and His role as the protector and savior of His people. The imagery of the shepherd and sheep is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God is often depicted as the shepherd of Israel (e.g., Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). Jesus' claim to be the Good Shepherd is a declaration of His divinity and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Practical Application

For believers, the parable serves as a reminder of the security and guidance found in Christ. It encourages Christians to listen for His voice and follow His lead, trusting in His care and provision. The parable also challenges leaders within the church to emulate the Good Shepherd's example, prioritizing the well-being of their congregations over personal gain.

In summary, the parable of the Good Shepherd is a powerful illustration of Christ's love, leadership, and sacrifice, offering profound insights into His relationship with His followers and His role as the Savior of the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 10:1-6
Truly, truly, I say to you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma.
... You shall have leave to begin with the parables, where you have the ... flock' is the
people of the Church, [782] and the good shepherd' is Christ; [783] and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter vii of the parables of.htm

The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ...
... Again, these Parables, and especially that of the Lost Sheep ... own ground, [4485] should
not the Christ have done ... not the very work of the Good Shepherd,' and may ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the three parables.htm

Parable of the Good Shepherd. --The Parable Extended. --Christ the ...
... In contrast with such, Christ declares, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep,
and am known of ... Footnotes: [546] Cf., on the parables of John, p. 111. ...
/.../section 200 parable of the.htm

The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the ...
... character of the Discourse presently under consideration, that Jesus spake it, not,
indeed, in Parables in the ... 1. Christ, the Good Shepherd, in contrast to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x the good shepherd.htm

New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake ...
... John, as about the Good Shepherd, [2810] or the Vine, [2811 ... the disciples also, were
taught by Parables, the hardening ... now for the first time adopted by Christ. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiii new teaching in.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 19, Etc. , Where the Lord ...
... But in parables and similitudes one thing may be called by ... and the devil are called
"a lion." Christ is called ... Be loth to choke the good seed which is sown in ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxiii on the words.htm

The Four-Fold Gospel
... LXXXIV. Parable of the Good Samaritan. LXXXV. ... CXIV. The Second Coming of Christ.
CXV. Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of Virgins and Talents. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah
... CHAPTER X. THE GOOD SHEPHERD' AND HIS ONE FLOCK' - LAST ... AND FEASTS AMONG THE JEWS -
CHRIST'S LAST PER??AN ... THE SECOND SERIES OF PARABLES - THE TWO PARABLES OF ...
//christianbookshelf.org/edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/

The Parables of the Kingdom.
... so the Pharisees and others who made good profession of ... to all who profess the faith
of Christ and have ... of warning brings to an end the Parables which describe ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iii the parables of.htm

The Parables
... To this law Christ, in speaking by parables, was conscious that ... The sun and rain
bestowed on the evil and the good, the fountain and the trees which ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 12 13-oct the parables.htm

Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Parables

Parables of a Vine of Egypt

Parables of Aholah and Aholibah

Parables of Lions' Cubs

Parables of the Garment Which Was Torn in Pieces

Parables of the Husbandman

Parables of the Lamb

Parables of the Prisoner of War

Parables of the Skins Filled With Wine

Parables of the Thistle and Cedar

Parables of the Trees

Parables of the Two Eagles

Parables of the Vine

Parables of the Vineyard

Parables of the Woman of Tekoa

Parables: Furnished House

Parables: Parables of Christ: Barren Fig-Tree

Parables: Parables of Christ: Beam and Mote

Parables: Parables of Christ: Blind Leading the Blind

Parables: Parables of Christ: Builder of a Tower

Parables: Parables of Christ: Children of the Bride Chamber

Parables: Parables of Christ: Cloud and Wind

Parables: Parables of Christ: Creditor and Debtors

Parables: Parables of Christ: Faithful, and Evil Servants

Parables: Parables of Christ: Fig-Tree Leafing

Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Samaritan

Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Shepherd

Parables: Parables of Christ: House, Divided Against Itself

Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Friend

Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Widow

Parables: Parables of Christ: King Going to War

Parables: Parables of Christ: Kingdom, Divided Against Itself

Parables: Parables of Christ: Labourers Hired

Parables: Parables of Christ: Leaven

Parables: Parables of Christ: Lighted Candle

Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Piece of Silver

Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Sheep

Parables: Parables of Christ: Man of the House Watching

Parables: Parables of Christ: Man Taking a Far Journey

Parables: Parables of Christ: Marriage-Feast

Parables: Parables of Christ: Meats Defiling Not

Parables: Parables of Christ: Men Bidden to a Feast

Parables: Parables of Christ: Mustard-Seed

Parables: Parables of Christ: Net Cast Into the Sea

Parables: Parables of Christ: New Cloth and Old Garment

Parables: Parables of Christ: New Wine and Old Bottles

Parables: Parables of Christ: Pearl of Great Price

Parables: Parables of Christ: Pharisee and Publican

Parables: Parables of Christ: Pounds

Parables: Parables of Christ: Prodigal Son

Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Fool

Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Man and Lazarus

Parables: Parables of Christ: Savour of Salt

Parables: Parables of Christ: Seed Growing Secretly

Parables: Parables of Christ: Sower

Parables: Parables of Christ: Strong Man Armed

Parables: Parables of Christ: Talents

Parables: Parables of Christ: Tares

Parables: Parables of Christ: Ten Virgins

Parables: Parables of Christ: Treasure Hid in a Field

Parables: Parables of Christ: Tree and Its Fruit

Parables: Parables of Christ: Two Sons

Parables: Parables of Christ: Unclean Spirit

Parables: Parables of Christ: Unjust Steward

Parables: Parables of Christ: Unmerciful Servant

Parables: Parables of Christ: Vine and Branches

Parables: Parables of Christ: Wicked Husbandmen

Parables: Parables of Christ: Wise and Foolish Builders

Parables: Remarkable Parables of the Old Testament

Parables: The Athlete

Parables: The Boiling Pot

Parables: The Farmer

Parables: The Gourd

Parables: The Mercenary Soldier

Parables: The Mirror

Parables: The Sheet Lowered Down from the Sky (In Peter's Vision)

Parables: The Two Covenants

Related Terms

Spake (704 Occurrences)

Spoke (799 Occurrences)

Understand (208 Occurrences)

Parable (52 Occurrences)

Speak (855 Occurrences)

Balaam (62 Occurrences)

Debtor (7 Occurrences)

Debt (48 Occurrences)

Farmer (17 Occurrences)

Subtil (3 Occurrences)

Subtlety (3 Occurrences)

Speaking (376 Occurrences)

Subtilty (9 Occurrences)

Subtle (5 Occurrences)

Millennium

Taught (134 Occurrences)

Joy (422 Occurrences)

Matthew (5 Occurrences)

Saying (2162 Occurrences)

Vine (76 Occurrences)

Able (730 Occurrences)

Mark (182 Occurrences)

Mystery (31 Occurrences)

Prophet (315 Occurrences)

According (7613 Occurrences)

Seeing (442 Occurrences)

Round (664 Occurrences)

Rest (831 Occurrences)

Proverb (24 Occurrences)

Paraclete

Vineyard (69 Occurrences)

Vat (7 Occurrences)

Kept (891 Occurrences)

Naphtali (51 Occurrences)

Utter (111 Occurrences)

Understood (63 Occurrences)

Using (88 Occurrences)

Olves

Jotham (26 Occurrences)

Listening (47 Occurrences)

Galilee (73 Occurrences)

Granted (102 Occurrences)

Withdrew (55 Occurrences)

Watchtower (9 Occurrences)

Wealthy (22 Occurrences)

Wealth (340 Occurrences)

World's (21 Occurrences)

Winefat (2 Occurrences)

Winepress (19 Occurrences)

Indeed (628 Occurrences)

Foundation (82 Occurrences)

Finished (157 Occurrences)

Farmers (23 Occurrences)

Fulfill (80 Occurrences)

Fulfilled (143 Occurrences)

Fulfil (60 Occurrences)

Fable

Followers (37 Occurrences)

Twelve (176 Occurrences)

Thence (152 Occurrences)

That'seeing (2 Occurrences)

Tenants (18 Occurrences)

Receiving (72 Occurrences)

Riddles (5 Occurrences)

Rented (4 Occurrences)

Outside (215 Occurrences)

Exquisite

Departed (270 Occurrences)

Dark (234 Occurrences)

Drive (132 Occurrences)

Didn't (734 Occurrences)

Dug (45 Occurrences)

Digged (37 Occurrences)

Multitudes (72 Occurrences)

Message (222 Occurrences)

Meaning (41 Occurrences)

Miss (7 Occurrences)

Mysteries (11 Occurrences)

Perceived (57 Occurrences)

Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Samaritan
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