(a) How does John present Jesus as the door and the good shepherd? (b) In what two ways does this teaching relate to leadership role among Christians?

Answer Details

(a) John's presentation of Jesus as the door and the good shepherd (John 10:1-18)

Jesus as the door: Jesus declared, "I am the door of the sheep." He contrasted himself with thieves and robbers who climb into the sheepfold by another way. He is the legitimate entrance: whoever enters by Him will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. All who came before Him claiming to be the way were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. As the door, Jesus is the only means of access to salvation, safety and abundant life; He came that the sheep might have life and have it more abundantly.

Jesus as the good shepherd: Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Unlike the hireling, who does not own the sheep and flees when the wolf comes, leaving the flock to be scattered, the good shepherd cares deeply for his sheep. He knows his sheep and they know him, just as the Father knows Him and He knows the Father. He also has other sheep not of this fold whom He must bring, so that there will be one flock and one shepherd. He willingly lays down His life for the sheep and has power to take it up again, pointing to His sacrificial death and resurrection.

(b) Two ways this teaching relates to Christian leadership

1. Sacrificial, self-giving service: Like the good shepherd, Christian leaders must be ready to sacrifice their own comfort and even their lives for the welfare of those under their care, not exploit them.
2. Genuine care and knowledge of the flock: True leaders must know, guide, protect and provide for their people faithfully, unlike the hireling who abandons them in danger, and must lead them to Christ, the true door and shepherd.