John 10:11-18

Gospel according to John 10:11-18

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 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. The hired hand runs away because the hired hand does not care for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 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. For this reason, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one else takes it from me, but I lay it down on 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.”

Reflections

Who is the good shepherd? What is a good shepherd like?

The Gospel reading of today contains a beautiful metaphor that reveal several layers of meaning about the identity and the qualities of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

After restoring the sight of a man who was born blind, Jesus used figurative language to address the crowds who were wondering at this miracle (John 9). On this occasion, he employed a very familiar pastoral metaphor that was as evocative as it was dear to his contemporaries: “I am the good shepherd,” he stated. Then he proceeded to illustrate the qualities of trustworthiness, responsibility, and faithfulness of the good shepherd who is ready to “lay down his life for the sheep.”

Since time immemorial, sheep have been grazing in the hills and the valleys of the Holy Land. These peaceful but quite defenseless ruminants are raised because of their manifold advantages. Sheep’s wool is used for making clothing; its milk is excellently nutritious; its meat is a delicacy in Mediterranean cuisine.

Shepherds must constantly keep an eye out for their charge. Sheep have an amazing social and herding instinct, which is what allows one shepherded to take care of so many animals. They instinctively flock together. When one animal moves, so will the rest. When frightened, sheep tend to run away. Therefore, only a swift and decisive move can make the leader turn around, followed by the rest of the herd. Conversely, the slightest mistake, or carelessness on the part of the shepherd can lead to a costly mistake of the sheep scattering in every direction.

The ways of the shepherd are remarkable. A staff or crook is used to control the animals, such as for fetching the young ones that stray away. The crook is also used to nudge the rams to move along. It is helpful to ward off wild animals or aid on perilous paths. Together, they move along the trails at the rhythm of the seasons and the times…. The shepherd knows his sheep and they know him. They follow his voice, and he walks ahead of them.

Jesus contrasts the “good shepherd” with “the hired hand.” The hired hand is someone who works to earn their wages but does not protect the sheep at times of danger. When difficulties arise, the hired hand will run away, because he lacks the commitment and the determination of a good shepherd.

The relationship of the shepherd and the sheep in this metaphor conveys confidence, care, and trust. The “sheep” are protected, loved, and led safely through the hills and the valleys. This image portrays God’s care for his creation which is absolute and unconditional. It also reveals that the source of unlimited dignity is rooted in the identity of being a child of God.

Jesus reinforces this point again: “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” With this statement, Jesus points to the intimate connection between himself, the Father, and humanity. He is the way through which humanity can have a relationship with the infinite God. The sign that Jesus is the Savior, the Messiah, is that he will lay down is life “in order to take it up again.”

Through obedience to the will of the Father, Jesus is ready to lay down his life for his followers, and not only for the Jews, but for the Gentiles, so that they may also be part of God’s plan of salvation. He offers this sacrifice through his free will, with selfless love, and in obedience to the will of the Father. --With these words, Jesus foretells his death and resurrection.

At Easter, everything happens according to his words. --Therefore, Jesus is the Good Shepherd: He is the truth which dawns on Easter morning; He is the way that leads to the Father; and He is the life that beckons to live responsibly and responsively.