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 10:1-6Truly, 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. The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ... Parable of the Good Shepherd. --The Parable Extended. --Christ the ... The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the ... New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 19, Etc. , Where the Lord ... The Four-Fold Gospel The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Parables of the Kingdom. The Parables Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat 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 Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Parables of Aholah and Aholibah Parables of the Garment Which Was Torn in Pieces Parables of the Prisoner of War Parables of the Skins Filled With Wine Parables of the Thistle and Cedar Parables of the Woman of Tekoa 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 Mercenary Soldier Parables: The Sheet Lowered Down from the Sky (In Peter's Vision) Related Terms |