John 10:11-18, "I am the good shepherd..." This is a challenging concept to grasp. The passage's characters offer several lenses with which we may view its message,ultimately holding up a mirror for us to reflect on our own leadership. Who do you most identify with?
́Τιθημι is the Greek word translated as “lay down” in “lay down my life.” In some form, Jesus uses this word four times in the pericope. This theme of unselfish giving of himself for the sake of the sheep runs throughout the passage. As a result, Jesus garners the love of his Father (verse 17) and the following of the sheep. It is something Jesus does not by constraint, but of his own free will. He has the authority to lay it down and take it up (v. 18). This is what makes Jesus’ leadership credible because it is servant leadership at its best. Even those who are not yet his, in this case likely the Gentiles, will follow (v. 16). Are we the type of servant leaders that exhibit such credibility? One will do most anything for this kind of leader.
αἴρειis Greek for “take up.” It is present tense, not aorist, meaning it was not a one time over and done with deal. Because Jesus had the authority to take up his life again, the willingness to lay it down is underscored. In Jesus’ time, sheep were valued, but were helpless. Here is the One who of his own accord continues to give of himself for the sheep’s sake. He is able to win the trust of the “other” sheep in this manner. We bemoan the state of many of our churches for not being willing to make changes for growth. Have we been willing to lay down and take up our lives for Christ's church, for our parishioners? If have the servant heart of Jesus, others will be drawn to Christ and his church.
γινώσκω, translated, “I know,”is used four times in this pericope. Jesus knows his own/his own know him. It is compared with the knowledge born of relationship like that between Jesus and his Father: the Father knows him/he knows Father. It is because of such knowledge that he lays down his life, enabling a group of disparate sheep/people to be united under one shepherd. This emphasizes the relationship part of Jesus’ role. The only way we can lead others is to be connected with and to truly, intimately know the Lord. We must not fool ourselves into thinking we can effectively lead God's people if we do not have a vital, flourishing relationship with God.
ἀκούω/φωνή--listen/voice (v. 16) is another significant phrase in the pericope. When used in John’s gospel, it is for hearing God’s/Spirit’s/My/shepherd’s/bridegroom’s voice. The result is joy/life/being led. The other sheep hear Jesus’ voice and will follow because of the nature of the shepherd who is calling them and his role in their lives. Because of his actions as the model shepherd, their ears are open to hear. Are we model pastors, teachers, leaders? Do followers/parishioners/learners hear our voice and and respond by virtue of the nature of us as leaders and the role we play in their lives? Are ears open to hear our message because of our actions?
"...just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
Although the Father is not a character in this passage in the same way as the shepherd, sheep etc., he is referred to frequently by Jesus. This is family talk about Father and Son. They know each other. Jesus is obedient to his Father. If taken one step further, it suggests Jesus' divinity. Jesus' status is one of divine privilege being one with the Father (John 10:30).
Since all the references to God the Father concern relatedness, what kind of intimacy and openness do we have to God's will? Is this a relationship we're nurturing in such a way that we can hear God? Are we listening? How else is it possible to be a leader in God's church? heart picture
The next actors are the sheep. In Jesus' time, they were highly valued animals. They were understood as either innocent or helpless, requiring a great deal of care.
John 10:11-18 tells us just a little about the sheep. In verse 14, they know the shepherd. γινώσκω (I know) in some form, is used four times in the pericope. The level of knowledge is compared to that between the Father and the Son; an intimate knowledge.
Jesus speaks of "other sheep" (verse 16) that he will bring into the fold. In Jesus' time, these others were likely Gentile Christians. Who do you think may be the "other sheep," the other people today? How can they be brought in? Jesus, the good, ideal shepherd was able to unite disparate peoples into a band of followers. How can we so unite God's people?
As sheep, since leaders are also followers, as the sheep in their vulnerability, needed shepherding, so do we.
NRS John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away -- and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes1 it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father." (Joh 10:11 NRS)
