“I am” saying of the Fourth Gospel (random order)

Question 1

I am the good shepherd (10: 11, 14): views of scholars & symbolism

Answer 1

Schnackenburg - “In the origin of ancient times as well as in Greece & the Hellenistic world, the use of “shepherd” as a designation for divine of human leader was widespread.”
Okarie - “Jesus is the gate and its keeper…Jesus opens the door for humankind to God.”
Beasley-Murray - “ ‘kalos’ (good) relates primarily to the readiness of the shepherd to lay down his life for the sheep.”
Morris - “the death of the Good Shepherd means life for his sheep”

Question 2

I am the good shepherd (10: 11, 14) - OT background

Answer 2

• a shepherd was required to lay down his life for the sheep as was the King of Israel (Isaiah 53:5)
• however, in the Old Testament, God condemned the leaders of Israel for being like Shepherds who were more concerned with their own safety

Question 3

I am the good shepherd (10: 11, 14) - Content & meaning (nature & purpose)