The fourth “I AM” statement is “I am the good shepherd. If you haven’t read the article for “I am the door”, click here. It will give you background about sheep. These “I am” statements, only appear in the Gospel of John. . Like the other “I am” statements, Jesus is stressing his divine nature. The original audience would have recognized the comparisons to a shepherd and have know the implications.
John 10:11 tells us, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:14 states, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,” These two passages are unique because they go beyond stating that Jesus is the “shepherd”. It is stressed that he is the “good shepherd”.
It would benefit us to look at the entire section so we do not lose the context. John 10:11-18, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
There is a distinction made between a shepherd and hired hand. The shepherd has a vested interest in the flock. He cares for them much more carefully. The sheep will guard the sheep and not leave them when danger appears. He will leave the group and seek the one who is left. John Macarthur states in the Macarthur Study Bible, “The term “good” has the idea of “noble” and stands in contrast to the “hired hand” who cares only for self-interest.”
According to www.gotquestions.org, “The Greek word kalos, translated “good,” describes that which is noble, wholesome, good, and beautiful, in contrast to that which is wicked, mean, foul, and unlovely. It signifies not only that which is good inwardly—character—but also that which is attractive outwardly. It is an innate goodness. Therefore, in using the phrase “the good shepherd,” Jesus is referencing His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty. As shepherd of the sheep, He is the one who protects, guides, and nurtures His flock.”
God’s character is certainly unique. We see in other passages where his divine character is repeated. In verse 16 Jesus refers to sheep that are not of this fold. This is most likely referring to the Gentiles who will later be brought into the fold. Verse 18 speaks of the shepherd laying down his life. The shepherd protects the sheep with his life. This verse eludes to the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Verse 17 says he will take up his life again. Jesus will be raised from the dead and return again.
Other passages speak about the good shepherd:
- Psalm 23:1, “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
- Hebrews 13:20, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,”
- 1 Peter 2:25, “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
- 1 Peter 5:4, “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
These verses tell us a great deal about God’s sovereign plan. His plan for us has never waivered or changed. He made a way for us to spend eternity with him in heaven.
Other I Am Statements:
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
I Am the way, the Truth, and the Life
I Am the way, the Truth, and the Life
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