The Good Shepherd: John 10

1. Review John 10:1–11 and identify two parts of the parable that Jesus compared Himself to. What additional information do you learn from 2 Nephi 9:41–42 that helps you understand the symbol of Jesus Christ as the door in the parable?

In John 10:1-11 Jesus compares himself to the shepherd and to the door of the sheepfold.  In 2 Nephi 9:41-42 the idea if Christ as the door or gate is repeated.  Our Savior is the gate or door because it is through him and his atonement, that we are able to return to our Heavenly Father.

2.    Read John 10:12–29 and the institute student manual commentary for John 10:1–15, “The Symbolism of the ‘Good Shepherd’” (pgs. 109–10). Then respond in writing to the following questions:

o       How is what a shepherd does for his sheep similar to what Jesus Christ does for us?

A good shepherd, just like our Savior, is willing to give his life for his sheep.  The good shepherd, just like our Savior, leads, and shows the way.  The good shepherd, like our Savior knows those he cares for.

o       How do we know if we are of the Savior’s fold?

We know we are of the Savior’s fold, if we know his voice.  We follow him.

o       What does the Savior teach about giving His life for the sheep?

The Savior teaches that the good shepherd loves his sheep and is willing to give his life for them.  A hired servant will run away and abandon the sheep in the face of danger but the good shepherd never will.  Our Savior gave his life for us, even when it was so difficult, he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us, his sheep.

3.    Read 3 Nephi 15:11–24 and 16:1–3 and describe who the “other sheep” are referred to in John 10:16.

The other sheep that Jesus refers to are the people on the American continent that the Savior visited after his resurrection.  The lost tribes of Israel are the rest of the other sheep.