Lent 2023: John 10:1-10

The Good Shepherd

10 “Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus gave them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

—John 10:1-10

Read & Journal

Read John 10:1-10. Meditate on what you’ve read; use these questions to guide you.

• What does this passage teach you about Jesus—his identity, purpose or character? Explain.

• In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ “I am” statements depict Jesus’ identity and ministry. What does “I am the gate” reveal?

• At the time Jesus was speaking, the people understood the intensely personal relationship a shepherd had with his flock. How do you see him alluding to that in this passage? What does that teach you about the kind of relationship he wants to have with you?

• In verses 6-10, Jesus invites his listeners to picture the sheepfold or pen. Usually a circular or square enclosure, the pen was a place of security and safety. The entrance would have been the only opening in the wall, and at night, the shepherd would lay across it, keeping out intruders whose intent was only to steal or kill. How does that increase your understanding of what Jesus was saying here?

• “I am the gate” was also a way for Jesus to once again claim that he was the only means of salvation. There are not many paths to God; there is one, and his name is Jesus. Is that good or bad news for you? Why?

• Jesus offers us safety and security, protection, full and abundant life lived in relationship with the Father. Write your own prayer today, thanking him for what he has done to save you and specific ways he has shown himself to be “the gate” in your life.