(a) How did Jesus describe himself as the 'Door' and the 'Good Shepherd'? (b) In what two ways is this teaching relevant to Christians?

Answer Details

(a) How Jesus described himself as the 'Door' and the 'Good Shepherd' (John 10:1-18).

As the Door.

1. Jesus said that he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way is a thief and a robber, but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
2. He plainly declared, "I am the door of the sheep."
3. He said that all who came before Him were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not heed them.
4. He stated, "I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
5. He contrasted Himself with the thief, who comes only to steal, kill and destroy, saying that He came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

As the Good Shepherd.

1. Jesus declared, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
2. He contrasted the good shepherd with the hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep; when he sees the wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches and scatters them, because he cares nothing for the sheep.
3. He said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father."
4. He said He had other sheep that were not of this fold; He must bring them also, and they would listen to His voice, so that there would be one flock, one shepherd.
5. He explained that the Father loved Him because He laid down His life that He might take it again. No one took it from Him, but He laid it down of His own accord; He had power to lay it down and power to take it again, a charge He received from His Father.

(b) Two ways this teaching is relevant to Christians.

1. It assures Christians that Jesus is the only way to salvation and eternal life; whoever enters through Him is saved and cared for.
2. It teaches that Jesus loves and protects His followers even to the point of laying down His life, so Christians can trust Him fully and follow His voice.
3. It calls Christian leaders to be like the good shepherd, caring sacrificially for those under them rather than serving selfishly like the hired hand.