The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (10:11). Jesus contrasts Himself with these self-centered religious leaders: A. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, but the hired hand has no concern for the sheep (10:11-13). I will point out five truths here about Jesus, the good shepherd: 1. And He assures them of His sacrificial care for them and of the fact that He will accomplish His purpose with them. He instructs them about Himself as the good shepherd and what He provides for His flock. He warns them about false shepherds so that they will not follow them. Jesus’ words here were aimed at warning, instructing, and assuring them. Also, the man born blind, who Jesus healed, was there, along with other believers.
The Pharisees were there, and Jesus’ teaching here will again result in a division among them (10:19-21 see 7:43-52 9:16). Jesus is still speaking to a mixed audience.
Since Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, you’d be crazy not to follow Him. So you wonder, “Why should I follow Jesus?” Our text answers that question simply and forcefully: Then I didn’t have all the problems that I’ve had since I became a Christian.” Perhaps you struggle with disappointment because your Christian experience isn’t all that you thought it would be or all that others seem to experience. Have you ever felt like it’s not worth it to follow Jesus? Perhaps you were going through a severe trial and you wondered, “If Jesus is the Lord and He loves me, then why is He allowing me to go through this trial?” You thought, “Life was better before I believed in Christ.
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