Jesus, the Good Shepherd: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on John 10

Executive Summary

John 10 presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, contrasting Him with false shepherds who seek their own gain. He lays down His life for His sheep, knowing them individually and promising them eternal life. This chapter also recounts the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), a time of remembrance for the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It reveals the Jews’ continued unbelief, despite Jesus’ clear miracles and teachings, and their attempts to stone Him for blasphemy when He declares His oneness with the Father. Through the imagery of the Good Shepherd, Jesus reveals His loving care, divine authority, and ultimate sacrifice, inviting all to follow Him and find true salvation. This commentary, rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition, unpacks the profound theological and practical implications of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, for our lives today.

John chapter 10 opens with a powerful allegory, revealing Christ’s intimate relationship with His followers and His divine nature. This chapter, filled with both promise and confrontation, offers profound insights into the heart of the Gospel. Let us delve into the rich tapestry of John 10, exploring its historical context, theological depth, and practical implications for our spiritual journey.

Commentary Sections

John 10:1-6: The True Shepherd and the Thief

Ἰωάννης 10:1-6 (Greek): Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ὁ μὴ εἰσερχόμενος διὰ τῆς θύρας εἰς τὴν αὐλὴν τῶν προβάτων, ἀλλὰ ἀναβαίνων ἀλλαχόθεν, ἐκεῖνος κλέπτης ἐστὶν καὶ λῃστής· ὁ δὲ εἰσερχόμενος διὰ τῆς θύρας ποιμήν ἐστιν τῶν προβάτων. τούτῳ ὁ θυρωρὸς ἀνοίγει, καὶ τὰ πρόβατα τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ ἀκούει, καὶ τὰ ἴδια πρόβατα καλεῖ κατ’ ὄνομα καὶ ἐξάγει αὐτά. ὅταν τὰ ἴδια πάντα ἐξενέγκῃ, ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν πορεύεται, καὶ τὰ πρόβατα αὐτῷ ἀκολουθεῖ, ὅτι οἴδασιν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ· ἀλλοτρίῳ δὲ οὐ μὴ ἀκολουθήσουσιν, ἀλλὰ φεύξονται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ οἴδασιν τῶν ἀλλοτρίων τὴν φωνήν. Ταύτην τὴν παροιμίαν εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ἐκεῖνοι δὲ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τίνα ἦν ἃ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς.

John 10:1-6 (KJV): Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Jesus begins with a “verily, verily” (ἀμὴν ἀμὴν), signifying the utmost importance of what He is about to say. He contrasts the true shepherd, who enters through the gate, with the thief and robber who climbs over the wall. This imagery would have been immediately understood by His audience, familiar with the common practice of shepherding. The sheepfold represented the people of God, and the “door” symbolized the legitimate way of entering into God’s service – through divine appointment and adherence to God’s law. The thief and robber represent false teachers and leaders who seek to exploit the flock for their own selfish purposes. They do not care for the sheep but only for themselves.

St. Cyril of Alexandria elucidates this point: “Τὸν μὲν γὰρ εἰσερχόμενον διὰ τῆς θύρας, τὸν κατὰ νόμον καὶ τὴν θείαν βούλησιν εἰς τὴν λειτουργίαν παραγιγνόμενον, ποιμένα ἐκάλει τῶν προβάτων.” (Commentary on John, Book VI, Chapter 1) – “He called the one who enters through the door, the one who comes to the ministry according to the law and divine will, the shepherd of the sheep.”

The Good Shepherd, unlike the thief, is recognized by the sheep, who know and respond to His voice. This emphasizes the personal and intimate relationship between Christ and His followers. He calls His sheep “by name,” a testament to His individual care and attention. This is reminiscent of Isaiah 43:1, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” The sheep follow Him because they know His voice and trust Him implicitly.

Spiritual Application: We must discern the true voice of Christ from the false voices of the world. This requires studying the Scriptures, prayer, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church. We should seek spiritual guidance from those who teach sound doctrine and live according to the Gospel. Just as sheep instinctively know their shepherd’s voice, we can learn to recognize the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Consider using dohust.us to connect with spiritual mentors in our community.

John 10:7-10: I Am the Door

Ἰωάννης 10:7-10 (Greek): Εἶπεν οὖν πάλιν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ θύρα τῶν προβάτων. πάντες ὅσοι ἦλθον πρὸ ἐμοῦ κλέπται εἰσὶν καὶ λῃσταί· ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἤκουσαν αὐτῶν τὰ πρόβατα. ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ θύρα· δι’ ἐμοῦ ἐάν τις εἰσέλθῃ σωθήσεται, καὶ εἰσελεύσεται καὶ ἐξελεύσεται, καὶ νομὴν εὑρήσει. ὁ κλέπτης οὐκ ἔρχεται εἰ μὴ ἵνα κλέψῃ καὶ θύσῃ καὶ ἀπολέσῃ· ἐγὼ ἦλθον ἵνα ζωὴν ἔχωσιν καὶ περισσὸν ἔχωσιν.

John 10:7-10 (KJV): Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jesus reiterates His importance with another “verily, verily,” emphasizing that He is the “door of the sheep.” This statement shifts the allegory slightly, suggesting that Jesus is not only the shepherd but also the very means of access to the sheepfold – to salvation and fellowship with God. He condemns those who came before Him as “thieves and robbers,” referring to false messiahs and misguided leaders who led the people astray. The sheep did not heed them because they did not possess the genuine voice of truth.

St. Augustine of Hippo comments: “Quid est enim aliud dicere, Ego sum ostium, nisi quia per me ad me venitur?” (Tractates on the Gospel of John, Tractate 47, 4) – “For what else does it mean to say, ‘I am the door,’ except that through me one comes to me?”

Jesus declares that through Him, one shall be saved, “and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” This speaks of freedom, security, and abundant provision. The “thief” represents Satan, whose intention is to steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, Jesus came to give life, and “that they might have it more abundantly.” This is not merely physical life but eternal life – a life filled with purpose, joy, and the fullness of God’s grace.

Spiritual Application: We must recognize Jesus as the only way to salvation. There are many voices in the world claiming to offer truth and fulfillment, but only Jesus can lead us to eternal life. We must enter through the door of faith, trusting in His sacrifice and following His teachings. This leads to a life of abundance, both now and in eternity. Seek ways to deepen your faith through services available in your local community.

John 10:11-18: The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life

Ἰωάννης 10:11-18 (Greek): Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός· ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλὸς τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ τίθησιν ὑπὲρ τῶν προβάτων. ὁ μισθωτὸς δὲ καὶ οὐκ ὢν ποιμὴν οὗ οὐκ εἰσὶν ἴδια τὰ πρόβατα, θεωρεῖ τὸν λύκον ἐρχόμενον καὶ ἀφίει τὰ πρόβατα καὶ φεύγει· καὶ ὁ λύκος ἁρπάζει αὐτὰ καὶ σκορπίζει τὰ πρόβατα. ὁ δὲ μισθωτὸς φεύγει, ὅτι μισθωτός ἐστιν καὶ οὐ μέλει αὐτῷ περὶ τῶν προβάτων. Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, καὶ γινώσκω τὰ ἐμὰ καὶ γινώσκουσί με τὰ ἐμά, καθὼς γινώσκει με ὁ πατὴρ κἀγὼ γινώσκω τὸν πατέρα· καὶ τὴν ψυχήν μου τίθημι ὑπὲρ τῶν προβάτων. καὶ ἄλλα πρόβατα ἔχω ἃ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τῆς αὐλῆς ταύτης· κἀκεῖνα δεῖ με ἀγαγεῖν, καὶ τῆς φωνῆς μου ἀκούσουσιν, καὶ γενήσονται μία ποίμνη, εἷς ποιμήν. διὰ τοῦτο ὁ πατὴρ ἀγαπᾷ με, ὅτι ἐγὼ τίθημι τὴν ψυχήν μου, ἵνα πάλιν λάβω αὐτήν. οὐδεὶς αἴρει αὐτὴν ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ, ἀλλ’ ἐγὼ τίθημι αὐτὴν ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ. ἐξουσίαν ἔχω θεῖναι αὐτὴν καὶ ἐξουσίαν ἔχω πάλιν λαβεῖν αὐτήν· ταύτην τὴν ἐντολὴν ἔλαβον παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου.

John 10:11-18 (KJV): I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Here, Jesus explicitly declares, “I am the good shepherd.” This is not just any shepherd, but the *good* shepherd (ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός), signifying moral excellence and selfless devotion. The defining characteristic of the Good Shepherd is that He “giveth his life for the sheep.” This stands in stark contrast to the “hireling,” who cares only for his wages and abandons the sheep when danger threatens. The “wolf” represents spiritual dangers, including false teachings, persecution, and the forces of evil.

Origen writes: “Ὁ δὲ ποιμὴν ὁ καλὸς τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ τίθησιν ὑπὲρ τῶν προβάτων.” (Commentary on John, Book XIX, 4) – “But the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” He highlights the selfless nature of Christ’s love.

Jesus emphasizes His intimate knowledge of His sheep: “I know my sheep, and am known of mine.” This is not merely superficial knowledge but a deep, personal relationship mirroring the relationship between the Father and the Son. “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father.” This statement hints at the divine unity of the Father and the Son and underscores the unique authority of Jesus. He also mentions “other sheep” not of “this fold,” referring to the Gentiles, whom He would also gather into one flock. This speaks to the universality of salvation through Christ.

Furthermore, Jesus asserts His voluntary surrender of life and His power to take it up again. “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.” This highlights the willing and intentional nature of His sacrifice. This act of self-sacrifice is pleasing to the Father and demonstrates His obedience to the Father’s will. “This commandment have I received of my Father.”

Spiritual Application: We are called to imitate the Good Shepherd in our own lives, laying down our lives for others in acts of service, sacrifice, and love. This doesn’t necessarily mean physical death, but rather a willingness to put the needs of others before our own, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. We should strive to know Christ intimately through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments, allowing Him to guide and protect us from the dangers of the world. Consider volunteering and being a shepherd to people in need.

John 10:19-21: Division Among the Jews

Ἰωάννης 10:19-21 (Greek): Σχίσμα οὖν πάλιν ἐγένετο ἐν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις διὰ τοὺς λόγους τούτους. ἔλεγον πολλοὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν· Δαιμόνιον ἔχει καὶ μαίνεται· τί αὐτοῦ ἀκούετε; ἄλλοι ἔλεγον· Ταῦτα τὰ ῥήματα οὐκ ἔστιν δαιμονιζομένου· μὴ δαιμόνιον δύναται τυφλῶν ὀφθαλμοὺς ἀνοίγειν;

John 10:19-21 (KJV): There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

Jesus’ words caused a “division…again” among the Jews. Some accused Him of being demon-possessed and mad, dismissing His teachings as the ravings of a lunatic. Others, however, recognized the truth in His words and pointed to His miraculous works as evidence of His divine power. “Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” they asked, highlighting the undeniable reality of Jesus’ healing ministry. This division reflects the spiritual battle taking place within the hearts of the people – a struggle between belief and unbelief, truth and falsehood.

Spiritual Application: The Gospel often causes division, even within families and communities. Not everyone will accept the truth of Christ. We must be prepared to face opposition and misunderstanding, but we should never compromise the truth. We should pray for those who are blinded by unbelief, that they may see the light of the Gospel.

John 10:22-30: The Feast of Dedication and Jesus’ Declaration

Ἰωάννης 10:22-30 (Greek): Ἐγένετο τότε τὰ Ἐγκαίνια ἐν τοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις· χειμὼν ἦν, καὶ περιεπάτει ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ἐν τῇ στοᾷ τοῦ Σολομῶνος. Ἐκύκλωσαν οὖν αὐτὸν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι καὶ ἔλεγον αὐτῷ· ἕως πότε τὴν ψυχὴν ἡμῶν αἴρεις; εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός, εἰπὲ ἡμῖν παρρησίᾳ. Ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Εἶπον ὑμῖν, καὶ οὐ πιστεύετε· τὰ ἔργα ἃ ἐγὼ ποιῶ ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ πατρός μου, ταῦτα μαρτυρεῖ περὶ ἐμοῦ. ἀλλ’ ὑμεῖς οὐ πιστεύετε, ὅτι οὐκ ἐστὲ ἐκ τῶν προβάτων τῶν ἐμῶν. τὰ πρόβατά μου τῆς φωνῆς μου ἀκούουσιν, κἀγὼ γινώσκω αὐτά, καὶ ἀκολουθοῦσίν μοι· κἀγὼ ζωὴν αἰώνιον δίδωμι αὐτοῖς, καὶ οὐ μὴ ἀπόλωνται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, καὶ οὐχ ἁρπάσει τις αὐτὰ ἐκ τῆς χειρός μου. ὁ πατήρ μου ὃς δέδωκέν μοι πάντα, μείζων πάντων ἐστί· καὶ οὐδεὶς δύναται ἁρπάζειν ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς τοῦ πατρός μου. Ἐγὼ καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ἕν ἐσμεν.

John 10:22-30 (KJV): And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, As I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.

This section provides a specific historical context: “it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.” The Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, commemorated the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BC. It was a time of celebration and remembrance of God’s faithfulness to His people.

The Jews surrounded Jesus and demanded, “How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.” Their question reveals their impatience and skepticism. Jesus responds that He has already told them, both through His words and His works. “The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.” He points to His miracles as evidence of His messianic identity and divine authority. However, He also states that they do not believe because “ye are not of my sheep.”

Jesus reiterates the characteristics of His sheep: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” He promises them “eternal life” and assures them that they “shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” This promise offers incredible security and assurance to those who believe in Him. He reinforces this security by stating, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” This emphasizes the power and protection of God the Father.

The climax of this section is Jesus’ bold declaration: “I and my Father are one.” This statement reveals the divine unity of the Father and the Son, a core doctrine of the Christian faith. It affirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher, but God incarnate. This is the very essence of the Coptic Orthodox faith – the belief in the Holy Trinity, one God in three persons.

St. Athanasius writes powerfully about the unity of the Father and Son: “Οὐ γὰρ ἄλλος ἐστὶν ὁ Λόγος καὶ ἄλλος ὁ Πατήρ, ἀλλ’ εἷς καὶ ὁ αὐτὸς Θεός.” (Against the Arians, 3.4) – “For the Word is not one and the Father another, but one and the same God.”

Spiritual Application: During times of doubt and uncertainty, we should look to the “works” of Christ in our lives and in the lives of others. His miracles, His teachings, and His love are all evidence of His divine power and presence. We must listen to His voice, follow His teachings, and trust in His promise of eternal life. Cling to the promise of security in His hand and the Father’s hand, knowing that nothing can separate us from their love. Take time to reflect on the blessings in your life.

John 10:31-39: Attempt to Stone Jesus

Ἰωάννης 10:31-39 (Greek): Ἔβαστασαν οὖν πάλιν λίθους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἵνα λιθάσωσιν αὐτόν. Ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Πολλὰ καλὰ ἔργα ἔδειξα ὑμῖν ἐκ τοῦ πατρός μου· διὰ ποῖον αὐτῶν ἔργον λιθάζετέ με; Ἀπεκρίθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες· Περὶ καλοῦ ἔργου οὐ λιθάζομέν σε, ἀλλὰ περὶ βλασφημίας, καὶ ὅτι σὺ ἄνθρωπος ὢν ποιεῖς σεαυτὸν θεόν. Ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Οὐκ ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τῷ νόμῳ ὑμῶν ὅτι ἐγὼ εἶπα· θεοί ἐστε; εἰ ἐκείνους εἶπεν θεοὺς πρὸς οὓς ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ οὐ δύναται λυθῆναι ἡ γραφή, ὃν ὁ πατὴρ ἡγίασεν καὶ ἀπέστειλεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ὑμεῖς λέγετε ὅτι βλασφημεῖς, ὅτι εἶπα· υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ εἰμι; Εἰ οὐ ποιῶ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ πατρός μου, μὴ πιστεύετέ μοι· εἰ δὲ ποιῶ, κἂν ἐμοὶ μὴ πιστεύητε, τοῖς ἔργοις πιστεύετε, ἵνα γνῶτε καὶ πιστεύσητε ὅτι ἐν ἐμοὶ ὁ πατὴρ κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ. Ἐζήτουν οὖν πάλιν αὐτὸν πιάσαι, καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν.

John 10:31-39 (KJV): Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand.

Incensed by Jesus’ declaration of oneness with the Father, the Jews “took up stones again to stone him.” This violent reaction reveals the depth of their unbelief and their rejection of Jesus’ divinity. Jesus challenges them, asking, “Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?” Their response is that they are not stoning Him for His good works but for “blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.”

Jesus defends Himself by quoting Psalm 82:6, “I said, Ye are gods?” He argues that if the Scriptures can refer to human beings as “gods” – those to whom the word of God came – then why should they accuse Him of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God? He emphasizes that He is the one whom the Father “hath sanctified, and sent into the world.” He again appeals to His works as evidence of His divine origin and authority. “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” Despite His reasoned arguments, the Jews continued to seek to arrest Him, but He “escaped out of their hand.”

Spiritual Application: We must be careful not to reject the truth of Christ’s divinity simply because it is difficult to comprehend. We should examine the evidence of His life, His teachings, and His miracles with an open mind and a willing heart. When confronted with opposition or persecution, we should stand firm in our faith, trusting in the power of God to protect us. Remember those who have gone before us, suffering for their belief in Christ.

John 10:40-42: Many Believed on Him There

Ἰωάννης 10:40-42 (Greek): Καὶ ἀπῆλθεν πάλιν πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου εἰς τὸν τόπον ὅπου ἦν Ἰωάννης τὸ πρῶτον βαπτίζων, καὶ ἔμεινεν ἐκεῖ. καὶ πολλοὶ ἦλθον πρὸς αὐτόν, καὶ ἔλεγον ὅτι Ἰωάννης μὲν σημεῖον ἐποίησεν οὐδέν, πάντα δὲ ὅσα εἶπεν Ἰωάννης περὶ τούτου ἀληθῆ ἦσαν. καὶ ἐπίστευσαν πολλοὶ ἐκεῖ εἰς αὐτόν.

John 10:40-42 (KJV): And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there.

Having escaped the Jews’ attempt to arrest Him, Jesus “went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized.” This return to the place of John’s ministry is significant. It highlights the continuity between John’s witness and Jesus’ own ministry. “And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there.” This verse demonstrates the power of John’s testimony and the impact of Jesus’ presence. Even though John performed no miracles, his unwavering witness to the truth prepared the way for Jesus and led many to believe in Him.

Spiritual Application: Even if we are not able to perform great miracles, we can still be powerful witnesses for Christ through our words and our actions. We should strive to live lives that reflect the truth of the Gospel and point others to Jesus. Do not underestimate the power of your testimony.

Subtopic Sections

Let’s summarize some key theological teachings from this chapter:

• ✨ The Divine Nature of Christ: Jesus’ claims of unity with the Father assert His divinity. This is a cornerstone of Coptic Orthodox theology, emphasizing the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – as one God.
• 💡 The Good Shepherd Imagery: Christ’s portrayal as the Good Shepherd highlights His loving care, protection, and willingness to sacrifice for His followers. This pastoral image resonates deeply within our tradition.
• 📖 Salvation Through Christ Alone: Jesus declares Himself as the “door” – the only way to salvation. This exclusivity is a critical doctrine, emphasizing the unique redemptive work of Christ.
• 📜 Eternal Security of Believers: The assurance that no one can “pluck them out of my hand” offers profound comfort and security to believers, signifying God’s unwavering protection.
• 🕊️ The Importance of Hearing and Following Christ: Only those who “hear my voice” and “follow me” are recognized as Christ’s sheep. This emphasizes the importance of obedience and discipleship.
• ✝️ The Universality of Salvation: The mention of “other sheep” not of “this fold” hints at the inclusion of Gentiles, emphasizing the universal scope of God’s salvation.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about John 10:

• Q: Why did the Jews want to stone Jesus?
  A: The Jews sought to stone Jesus because they believed He was committing blasphemy by claiming to be God (John 10:33). His declaration, “I and my Father are one” was seen as a direct challenge to their monotheistic understanding of God.
• Q: What is the significance of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah)?
  A: The Feast of Dedication commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. It is a celebration of religious freedom and God’s faithfulness. In the context of John 10, it highlights the Jews’ commitment to the Temple, while simultaneously rejecting the true Temple, who is Jesus.
• Q: What does it mean to be one of Jesus’ sheep?
  A: Being one of Jesus’ sheep means recognizing Him as the Good Shepherd, hearing and obeying His voice, and following Him. It entails a personal relationship with Christ, marked by faith, trust, and obedience.
• Q: How does John 10 relate to the Old Testament?
  A: John 10 draws heavily on Old Testament imagery and prophecies, particularly those relating to the Messiah as a shepherd (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). Jesus fulfills these prophecies by offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for His sheep, providing them with eternal life. His claim to be the Son of God also fulfills many Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah.

Conclusion

John 10 provides a profound and beautiful portrait of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Through vivid imagery and powerful declarations, Jesus reveals His divine nature, His unwavering love, and His ultimate sacrifice for His sheep. He offers us eternal life and the assurance of His protection, inviting us to hear His voice and follow Him. This chapter challenges us to discern the true shepherd from the false, to embrace the truth of Christ’s divinity, and to live lives of faith, obedience, and love. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we hold fast to the ancient faith, cherishing the promise that we are held securely in the hand of the Good Shepherd and the hand of His Father. Let this Good Shepherd guide you through the difficult times.

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Jesus, Good Shepherd, John 10, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah, I am the door, Eternal life, Blasphemy

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Explore John 10 verse-by-verse with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover Jesus, the Good Shepherd, His divine nature, and the promise of eternal life. #John10 #GoodShepherd