Jesus' Ministry The Good Shepherd Lesson 65

John 10:1-21. In this lesson, we continue to study in detail some of the teachings of Jesus as He neared the end of His earthly ministry. The events in chapter 10 probably followed immediately after those in chapter 9 and represent a continuation of the conversation between Jesus and the religious leaders after He healed the man born blind. These events took place in the Temple in Jerusalem roughly 6 months prior to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. In these first verses of John chapter 10, Jesus declared Himself to be the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd was a reference to the Messiah, the King and Shepherd of Israel, that the people had long awaited. But Jesus was also contrasting Himself with the religious leaders of the day whom He characterized in this parable as thieves and robbers. Later, in a second, similar, parable, Jesus characterized them as the hired ones who fled during danger and did not protect the flock. Jesus said He'd lay down His life for the flock. These two parables of Jesus are similar to the warnings God provided through His prophet Ezekiel over 400 years before (Eek 34:5-15). Thus Jesus didn't just once again declare Himself to be the Messiah but also warned the people agains the false teachings of the those leaders. Today there are many who claim to be the "real thing". Many vying for our attention and loyalty. Sometimes companies, sometimes politicians, sometimes the famous or wealthy. Jesus warned against all who were ultimately just interested in themselves while He promised to give eternal life and to give all who followed Him full life. Do you have fullness of life? Eternal life? Do you have Jesus? (recorded 10/25/2026)