Notes on John 10. 11 – 18
After reading the passage round verse by verse as we have normally done, we then queried the example of the hired servant (hireling in the notes of NRSV). The hired servant is not prepared to go beyond what is expected. Jesus used every day experience to explain his message. What would be the consequences for the hired servant who ran away. The hired servant was there just for the money.
Was the hired servant targeted at any group (eg Pharisees) – or are we reading into the term too deeply? Some of us thought so but having looked at John for so long one wonders if there is another layer in the term.
We have all been “hired servants” in our working life! We would hope that none has had the attitude inferred by the example!
But there is a difference. The preacher On Note or On Trial takes parts, and also the whole, of services – but there is someone there with authority and experience as back up. Taking the whole of a service after Recognition the onus rests solely on the new preacher. Although one has always done the best one now feels, and is, totally responsible. The shepherd /owner would have a family. Although there would be financial loss, if faced by wolves and certain death it is likely that even this person would run away. As ever John is showing Jesus as going beyond what would be normal - overstating the case - going beyond expectations.
The hired servants lack virtue, justice and courage. They are sub-contractors who also appear in the parable of the vineyard and other stories.
A family business was run by the family. A hired servant was not the family. Similar to the Prodigal Son who was an outcast from family life as he looked after the pigs.
v. 16 “I have other sheep” One world, one people, one God.
v. 18 “I lay it down of my own accord” Jesus is in control. Jesus has power.
Jesus has the power to choose.
This follows on from “I am the Gatekeeper“ – using the gate people “shall be saved”.
v. 17 Jesus in taking up his own life emphasizes the difference between Jesus and the hired servant. “Those who want to save life will lose it.”
The emphasis in John is Jesus laying down his life.
The Father, Jesus us – link to the gate with vvs 8 & 9 being very significant and laying down life creates a link with v. 15.
Later in v. 30 “I and the Father are one.
The belief in John’s gospel of who is Jesus.
Jesus, God and man as expressed by Thomas in c.20
v.16 link to the Old Testament and
v. 16 a soothing note of hope as John’s congregation (Gentile Christians) were ejected from the synagogue.
Jesus’ power comes from God.
There was reflection on David as a shepherd and the following kings were not as good.
The Jews were divided v19 (and v21 how could a person who was demon possessed be able to cure a blind man?)
Tom Wright refers to Ezekiel 34 on the good shepherd. God’s work is looking for lost sheep. Jesus implies himself as God. Jesus’ listeners will know Ezekiel.
The shepherd equates with God. David equates with the Messiah.
In an earlier chapter of John there is the story of the man being born blind – seeing and not seeing. It is the same with the resurrection appearances where Jesus only appears to followers.
See v.33.
v.42 many believed = sheep
Passage set for Easter 4 because of laying down life. Uses 1 John 3. 16 – 24 and Ezekiel 34.