John 10 - Introduction

PART IV. (D.)
IV. THE GROWING CONFLICT, ETC.

1. At the feast of dedication.—

(1) Jesus manifests Himself as eternal love in the parabolic allegory of the good shepherd—the door, the fold, the flock, the shepherd, the porter, the stranger (John 10:1).

(2) The explanation of the allegory: Christ is the door.

(3) He is also the true shepherd of the sheep, and the character and duty of the good shepherd are set forth (John 10:7).

(4) Divisions among the people because of this claim of Jesus (John 10:19).

2. Christ’s claim, of oneness with the Father, which is the basis of His claim to be the good shepherd.—

(1) He and the Father are one (John 10:22).

(2) This claim is violently opposed, but clearly vindicated (John 10:31).

(3) Jesus, taking refuge in Peræa from the threats of His enemies, is accepted by many who had followed John the Baptist, and had heard of his faithful testimony to Jesus as the Messiah (John 10:39).

Second Year (to beginning of Third) of our Lord’s Ministry

Chaps. 10; 11.—Probable position in Synoptic narrative: following Matthew 20:17; Mark 10:28; Luke 18:31.

Time.—From feast of dedication, Chisleu (November–December), A.U.C. 782, A.D. 29, until Adar (February–March), A.U.C. 783, A.D. 30.