Introduction:

1. This portrait emphasizes Jesus’ as the access point to spiritual safety.

2. All seek security, but few find it because few accept Him (Matthew 7:13-14).

Discussion:

I. The Background

A. Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34 both factor into this analogy.

B. The parable addressed the conflict with the Pharisees (9:39-41).

II. The Sheep and the Sheepfold

A. The sheep are all who hear and follow only Jesus (10:2-5, 27).

B. A sheepfold was an enclosure to safeguard the sheep, having only one entry point to keep out unauthorized people (10:1).

C. The Pharisees fancied themselves the shepherds of God’s flock but were like the evil shepherds of old (9:13-29; 10:8; Ezekiel 34:1-10).

D. In response to the evils of the shepherds of old, God promised His people one Shepherd to gather and protect them (Ezekiel 34:11-24).

III. The Door of the Sheepfold

A. Our next discussion will focus on Christ as the good Shepherd, but now we ponder Him as the entry way to this place of security.

B. The Pharisees were thieves and robbers unworthy to enter (10:1-2, 8).

C. Jesus is the singular point of entry into the safety God promised, and there is no other way to enter therein (10:7-9).

D. False, self-serving “shepherds” only steal, kill, and destroy (10:10a).

E. Jesus delivers abundant life to those who enter through Him (10:10b).

1. The beauty of this portrait is that Jesus grants access to anyone and everyone who will come through Him (10:9; cf. Matthew 11:28-30).

2. Those who do so will be saved and come and go freely to find pasture, be fed, and refreshed (10:9; Psalms 23:1-3).

3. With the door to the sheepfold so easily accessible, how tragic would it be to choose to stay outside and be devoured by wolves?