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The Sunday gospel lectionary reading for Easter 4 is Jesus’ teaching about himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10.1–10.
It is actually part of the continued debate with the Pharisees after the healing of the man born blind in John 9, and takes place in Jerusalem.
Join James and Ian as they discuss the passage, its meaning in context, and its significance for us as disciples.
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Ian Paul: theologian, author, speaker, academic consultant. Associate Senior Research Fellow, Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology; Associate Minister, St Nic's, Nottingham; Managing Editor, Grove Books; member of General Synod and Archbishops' Council. Mac user; chocoholic. Tweets at @psephizo
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Gospel commentary index Lectionary Year A
Andrew Goddard Bible biblical interpretation Biblical literacy biblical theology Christmas Church of England culture discipleship discussion doctrine eschatology evangelism gay General Synod Grove guest Hermeneutics History hope interpretation James Blandford Baker Jesus John's gospel Justin Welby leadership lectionary Luke Luke's gospel Matthew ministry mission New Testament Paul politics power preaching Revelation same sex unions sexuality Teaching theology video Year B Year C
The central import of this passage is the conflict with false shepherds beginning to end.
The folks on the Number 48 Omnibus do not require to be linguistics or own several versions of the text.
The best commentary on John 10 is undoubtably the expositional one of Ezekiel Ch.34 which delineates the qualities of a Good Shepherd, one of which is to lay down His life for the sheep.
These words here are not so much a prophecy, as a declaration, implying however that which Joh 10:15 asserts explicitly.
Here is prophecy, promise, declaration and explanation.
Here be great wealth and joy and gladness.
For those who prefer several versions and commentaries
Alford’s Greek Testament Critical Exegesis Commentary
gives perceptive insights, or, simply search the Holy Scriptures.