John 10:14-16 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. And it is necessary for me to bring them also, and they will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
With the next “I am” statement in John, Jesus continues the analogy from sheepherding by repeating the same phrase from verse 11. These verses contrast with the previous two verses that describe how the hired hand does not care for the sheep but abandons them when danger comes. Jesus is the good shepherd who goes even to the point of sacrificing his own life for the safety of his sheep. Thieves and robbers come and try to trick the sheep (verse 8), but the sheep are smart enough to tell that they are imposters.
The reason is given in verse 14: they have come to know and trust the good shepherd. By repeating the phrase, “I am the good shepherd,” Jesus shows the importance of what follows. The relationship of the shepherd and sheep was already established in verses 3-4. With the threat of thieves and robbers and the possible danger of a wolf, it is even more crucial that the sheep know the voice of the shepherd and respond to his call. Jesus knows his followers, and they have come to recognize and know his presence. The basis for this is given in two thoughts found in verse 15. The first is the relationship of Father and Son. Only Jesus has the close relationship of mutual perfect love with God the Father. This bond of love is extended to those who believe in Jesus. Through Jesus, we learn God’s love and are empowered to live it out with others.
Second, the basis for the knowledge between Jesus and his disciples comes as a result of his death on the cross. The cross opens the path to restoration and new life. Returning to the earlier image in verses 10-11, by laying his life down for the sheep, Jesus, as the good shepherd, provides the way to the Father and to abundant, safe, and peaceful life. Although this saying may not have made sense to the disciples who were listening in, it would later make sense after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Verse 16 indicates that Jesus had other sheep who needed to hear his voice. The identity of these sheep is not given. The most obvious answer is Gentiles who were not part of the original sheepfold of Israel. The gospel needed to go out to the whole world (3:16) and not just a small group of people in Israel and Galilee. This verse is a call for the unity of the church: one flock and one shepherd. John’s Gospel is universal in its invitation. Jesus will later pray in chapter 17 for the unity of his followers. These verses are an invitation to get to know Jesus as the primary revelation of the eternal and almighty God, think deeply about Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and how the church must unify around this relationship of love.
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