John 10:4
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When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD. (John 10:1-21) He that entereth not by the door--the legitimate way (without saying what that was, as yet). into the sheepfold--the sacred enclosure of God's true people. climbeth up some other way--not referring to the assumption of ecclesiastical office without an external call, for those Jewish rulers, specially aimed at, had this (Mat 23:2), but to the want of a true spiritual commission, the seal of heaven going along with the outward authority; it is the assumption of the spiritual guidance of the people without this that is meant.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. Christ's parabolical discourse concerning himself as the door of the sheepfold, and the shepherd of the sheep (v. 1-18). II. The various sentiments of people upon it (Joh 10:19-21). III. The dispute Christ had with the Jews in the temple at the feast of dedication (v. 22-39). IV. His departure into the country thereupon (Joh 10:40-42).
Open source ↗10:4 A good shepherd always leads his sheep; he never drives them. When they recognize his voice, they trust his leadership and follow him.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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The LORD your God, who goes before you, will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt
I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.
If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:
“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”
All who came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.