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John 10:3
Verse
Context
Sermons
William MacDonald
Larry ZookWilliam MacDonald
Don Courville
A.W. TozerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To him the porter openeth - Sir Isaac Newton observes that our Lord being near the temple, where sheep were kept in folds to be sold for sacrifices, spoke many things parabolically of sheep, of their shepherds, and of the door to the sheepfold; and discovers that he alluded to the sheepfolds which were to be hired in the market place, by speaking of such folds as a thief could not enter by the door, nor the shepherd himself open, but a porter opened to the shepherd. In the porter opening the door to the true shepherd, we may discover the second mark of a true minister - his labor is crowned with success. The Holy Spirit opens his way into the hearts of his hearers, and he becomes the instrument of their salvation. See Col 4:3; Co2 2:12; Co1 16:9; Rev 3:8. The sheep hear his voice - A third mark of a good shepherd is that he speaks so as to instruct the people - the sheep hear His voice; he does not take the fat and the fleece, and leave another hireling on less pay to do the work of the pastoral office. No: himself preaches Christ Jesus the Lord, and in that simplicity too, that is best calculated to instruct the common people. A man who preaches in such a language as the people cannot comprehend may do for a stage-player or a mountebank, but not for a minister of Christ. He calleth his own sheep by name - A fourth mark of a good pastor is that he is well acquainted with his flock; he knows them by name - he takes care to acquaint himself with the spiritual states of all those that are entrusted to him. He speaks to them concerning their souls, and thus getting a thorough knowledge of their state he is the better qualified to profit them by his public ministrations. He who has not a proper acquaintance with the Church of Christ, can never by his preaching build it up in its most holy faith. And leadeth them out - A fifth mark of a good shepherd is, he leads the flock, does not lord it over God's heritage; nor attempts by any rigorous discipline not founded on the Gospel of Christ, to drive men into the way of life; nor drive them out of it, which many do, by a severity which is a disgrace to the mild Gospel of the God of peace and love. He leads them out of themselves to Christ, out of the follies, diversions, and amusements of the world, into the path of Christian holiness: in a word, he leads them, by those gentle yet powerful persuasions that flow from a heart full of the word and love of Christ, into the kingdom and glory of his God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
To him the porter openeth--that is, right of free access is given, by order of Him to whom the sheep belong; for it is better not to give the allusion a more specific interpretation [CALVIN, MEYER, LUTHARDT]. and the sheep hear his voice--This and all that follows, though it admits of important application to every faithful shepherd of God's flock, is in its direct and highest sense true only of "the great Shepherd of the sheep," who in the first five verses seems plainly, under the simple character of a true shepherd, to be drawing His own portrait [LAMPE, STIER, &c.].
John Gill Bible Commentary
To him the porter openeth,.... There is nothing in the explanation of this parable given by Christ, that directs to the sense of this clause; the allusion cannot be, as some have thought, to great men, who have porters at their gates, to open them, and let in persons that come and knock; since the parable is concerning the sheepfold, and the shepherd, and the sheep that go into it; and therefore must refer to one that at least, at certain times, stood by the door of the sheepfold, and had the care of it, and opened it upon proper occasions: by whom is designed not Michael the Archangel, nor the Virgin Mary, nor Peter, the supposed doorkeeper of heaven, as say the Papists, nor Moses, as others, who wrote of Christ; nor does it seem so well to understand it of the ministers of the Gospel, who preach Jesus Christ, and open the door of faith, or set open the door of the Gospel, whereby Christ comes into the souls of men, and they come to him; though this is a sense not to be despised; but rather this intends God the Father, from whom Christ, as man and Mediator, derives his authority, and by whom he is let into, and invested with his office, as the shepherd of the sheep; or else the Holy Spirit, who opens the everlasting floors of the hearts of men, of Christ's sheep, and lets him in unto them. And the sheep hear his voice; not the porter's; though they do hear the voice of Christ's ministers, and of God the Father, and of the Holy Ghost; but the shepherd's, even the voice of Christ; and which is no other than the Gospel, which is a voice of love, grace, and mercy; which proclaims peace, pardon, liberty, life, righteousness, and salvation; and which is a soul quickening, alluring, delighting, refreshing, and comforting voice: this the people of Christ are made to hear, not only externally, but internally; so as to understand it, delight in it, and distinguish it from another: and these are called "sheep", and that before conversion; not because they have the agreeable properties of sheep; nor because predisposed unto, and unprejudiced against the Gospel of Christ, for they are the reverse of these; nor can some things be said of them before, as after conversion, as that they hear the voice of Christ, and follow him; nor merely by anticipation, but by reason of electing grace, and because given to Christ the great shepherd, under this character, to be kept and fed by him. And they are so called after conversion, because they are harmless and inoffensive in their lives and conversations; and yet are exposed to the malice, cruelty, and butchery of men; and are meek and patient under sufferings; and are clean, social, and profitable. And he calleth his own sheep by name; the Ethiopic version adds, "and loves them". These are Christ's own, by the Father's gift of them to him, by the purchase of his own blood, and by the power of his grace upon them; who looks them up, and finds them out, and brings them home, and takes care of them as his own, and feeds them as a shepherd his flock: these he may be said to "call by name", in allusion to the eastern shepherds, who gave names to their sheep, as the Europeans do to their horses, and other creatures, and who could sit and call them by their names: this is expressive not only of Christ's call of his people by powerful and special grace, but of the exact and distinct knowledge he has of them, and the notice he takes of them, as well as of the affection he has for them; see Isa 43:1. And leadeth them out; from the world's goats, among whom they lay, and from the folds of sin, and the barren pastures of Mount Sinai, and their own righteousness, on which they were feeding, and out of themselves, and from off all dependence on anything of their own; and he leads unto himself, and the fulness of his grace, and to his blood and righteousness, and into his Father's presence and communion with him, and in the way of righteousness and truth, and into the green pastures of the word and ordinances, beside the still waters of his sovereign love and grace.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:3 the sheep recognize his voice: The Middle Eastern shepherd is well known for having intimate knowledge of the sheep. Sheep are led with flute tunes, songs, or verbal commands.
John 10:3
Jesus the Good Shepherd
2But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Esther 1:1
By William MacDonald1.8K55:36EstherDEU 31:17MAT 6:33MAT 7:13JHN 10:3ROM 8:28In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing trepidation about attending a conference due to the abundance of food and treats. He then shares a personal experience that motivated him to lose weight. The sermon transitions to discussing the book of Esther, highlighting how God is greater than any human ego trip. The speaker emphasizes that God is in control and will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness, showing that He works all things together for good.
Called by God
By Larry Zook9561:11:01PSA 37:4MAT 11:28MAT 16:24MAT 28:19JHN 10:3ROM 1:20JAS 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our affection on heavenly things and pursuing the high calling of God. He encourages everyone to recognize that God has a personal call for each individual, regardless of the size or significance in the eyes of others. The speaker urges listeners to faithfully serve God in whatever capacity they are called, whether it be in mundane tasks or in more visible roles. He shares a testimony of his own transformation from a life of chasing worldly pleasures to being called by God and experiencing a complete change. The sermon concludes with gratitude for the message and testimonies shared, highlighting the need to be separate and seek the things that are above.
Jesus Is Precious Because He Gives Eternal Life
By John Piper93134:53Preciousness Of JesusMAT 6:33JHN 4:26JHN 7:2JHN 10:3JHN 10:22In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene from the Bible where Jesus walks on water during a storm. The preacher emphasizes the strength and power of Jesus, who is not afraid even in the face of the storm. The sermon then transitions to a scene from the listener's own life, imagining their own death in a hospital. The preacher reassures the listener that Jesus will be there to save them, just as he saved Peter from sinking in the water. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the preciousness of Jesus because he gives eternal life.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Studies in Esther-01 Esther1-2
By William MacDonald79651:56StudiesEST 1:1EST 2:13PSA 31:15MRK 7:26JHN 10:3ACT 2:23ROM 8:28In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Esther from the Bible. He starts by highlighting how God was displeased with the behavior of men who were given over to wine and drunkenness. He then focuses on King Ahasuerus and his impure motives in summoning Queen Vashti to parade her beauty before a drunken crowd. The preacher also introduces the character of Haman, a wicked man who ingratiates himself with the king and sets in motion a plan for a holocaust against the Jews. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing for what is right and attributes the willingness to do so to the influence of a mother.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 125
By Don Courville31328:58Radio ShowMAT 6:33MAT 13:4MAT 13:8MAT 13:23JHN 10:3JHN 10:27EPH 6:12In this sermon, the preacher introduces Charlie, a young revivalist from Georgia, who has a powerful testimony of being saved from a life of drugs. The preacher encourages the audience to invite Charlie to their churches if they want to see God work. The sermon then focuses on the importance of having a spiritual heart that is receptive to the word of God. The preacher references Matthew 13 to explain the different types of soil that represent different types of hearts, emphasizing the need for a heart that understands and bears fruit.
Our Infinite Worth in Christ
By A.W. Tozer0Identity in GodSignificance in ChristPSA 139:14ISA 43:1MAT 10:30LUK 12:7JHN 10:3ROM 8:171CO 12:27EPH 2:10HEB 1:141PE 2:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes that every individual gains infinite worth and significance upon encountering Christ. He illustrates that no one is insignificant in God's eyes; each person is known by name and has a unique role in God's grand design. The transformation from ordinary to extraordinary occurs when the Lord touches a life, making it meaningful and noticed by the heavenly hosts. Tozer also highlights that there are no small churches or unknown Christians, as each believer is a vital part of God's plan.
Sixteenth Day: "In the Paths of righteousness."
By J. Wilbur Chapman0PSA 23:2PSA 23:4JHN 10:31CO 10:13J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the comforting guidance of the Good Shepherd, illustrating how the Shepherd leads His sheep through various terrains and challenges, always towards the ultimate destination of home. The metaphor of being led in sheep-tracks or wagon ruts emphasizes the diverse paths God may lead us on, but assures that following His guidance will always lead us to safety and comfort in His fold.
The Distinction of Being Recognized
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 139:1JHN 10:3JHN 10:14EPH 2:10PHP 4:13John Henry Jowett preaches about the personal attention and care that the Good Shepherd, Jesus, has for each of His sheep, knowing them by name and valuing their individual contributions to His Kingdom. He emphasizes that even in moments of self-doubt or feeling insignificant, Jesus misses and needs each person to fulfill their unique role in His grand design. Jowett encourages his listeners to recognize the power of God's grace in their lives, enabling them to accomplish wonders beyond their own understanding.
I Chose You to Bear Fruit
By John Piper0MAT 11:27JHN 4:35JHN 10:3JHN 12:23JHN 13:34JHN 15:5JHN 15:8JHN 15:16EPH 4:12John Piper preaches on the significance of being chosen by Jesus to bear fruit, emphasizing that our fruitfulness must stem from the cross and our willingness to die to self. Jesus' choice of us signifies His commitment to help us succeed in our ministry, as His honor is at stake. The call to ministry is a result of Christ's choice of us, and we are encouraged to be bold in our work knowing that His honor is on the line. The ultimate aim of our ministry is to bear fruit by loving others and leading them to Christ, all for the glory of God.
The New Name
By George MacDonald0PSA 139:1ISA 62:2MAT 10:30JHN 10:3ROM 2:61CO 13:12PHP 2:91JN 3:2REV 2:17REV 3:12George MacDonald delves into the mysticism found in the Book of Revelation, exploring the symbolism of the white stone and the new name written on it, which signifies the divine judgment and communication of what God thinks about the individual who overcomes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the true essence of a name as a symbol of one's character and being, given by God alone. MacDonald highlights the individual and unique relationship each person has with God, where God reveals a secret new name to each individual, signifying their distinctiveness and personal connection with Him.
Naked Truth, or Truth Nakedly Manifesting Itself
By Isaac Penington0PSA 16:11PSA 51:10ISA 55:3JHN 10:3JHN 16:22JHN 16:26EPH 6:16Isaac Penington preaches about the deep spiritual experiences and truths he has encountered, emphasizing the importance of the seed of the kingdom, the nourishment of the soul through God's Word, the power of God working within believers, overcoming temptations by focusing on God's strength, and prayer as the breathing of the spiritual birth within. He highlights the need to look to God for salvation, trust in His power to overcome trials, and maintain a steadfast faith in the face of temptations.
The Seed of God, and of His Kingdom Treated and Testified Of
By Isaac Penington0MAT 5:3MAT 6:33LUK 4:43LUK 17:20JHN 10:3ROM 14:171CO 4:201PE 1:231JN 3:9Isaac Penington preaches about the seed of God and His kingdom, emphasizing the transformative power of the seed of God in the hearts of believers. He delves into the nature of this seed, describing it as immortal, gathering, purging, sanctifying, enriching, and growing. Penington highlights the effects of this seed, such as union and communion with God, victory over sin, transformation into God's image, obedience to God's will, and the enjoyment of spiritual blessings. He poses thought-provoking queries about the kingdom of God, repentance, righteousness, and the joyful sound of the gospel, inviting listeners to reflect on their spiritual journey and relationship with God.
A Mourner’s Look at Psalm 23 (Part 1)
By Evan Schaible0PSA 23:1JHN 10:3Evan Schaible preaches on the profound blessings and intimate relationship depicted in Psalm 23, emphasizing the deep connection between the Lord as our shepherd and our role as His beloved sheep. The psalm reveals the tender care, guidance, and protection God provides to those who fully trust in Him, leading them to peaceful rest and refreshing waters even in the midst of life's challenges. Through the imagery of a shepherd and his flock, the psalm highlights the importance of surrendering to God's loving guidance and experiencing His abundant provision and protection.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To him the porter openeth - Sir Isaac Newton observes that our Lord being near the temple, where sheep were kept in folds to be sold for sacrifices, spoke many things parabolically of sheep, of their shepherds, and of the door to the sheepfold; and discovers that he alluded to the sheepfolds which were to be hired in the market place, by speaking of such folds as a thief could not enter by the door, nor the shepherd himself open, but a porter opened to the shepherd. In the porter opening the door to the true shepherd, we may discover the second mark of a true minister - his labor is crowned with success. The Holy Spirit opens his way into the hearts of his hearers, and he becomes the instrument of their salvation. See Col 4:3; Co2 2:12; Co1 16:9; Rev 3:8. The sheep hear his voice - A third mark of a good shepherd is that he speaks so as to instruct the people - the sheep hear His voice; he does not take the fat and the fleece, and leave another hireling on less pay to do the work of the pastoral office. No: himself preaches Christ Jesus the Lord, and in that simplicity too, that is best calculated to instruct the common people. A man who preaches in such a language as the people cannot comprehend may do for a stage-player or a mountebank, but not for a minister of Christ. He calleth his own sheep by name - A fourth mark of a good pastor is that he is well acquainted with his flock; he knows them by name - he takes care to acquaint himself with the spiritual states of all those that are entrusted to him. He speaks to them concerning their souls, and thus getting a thorough knowledge of their state he is the better qualified to profit them by his public ministrations. He who has not a proper acquaintance with the Church of Christ, can never by his preaching build it up in its most holy faith. And leadeth them out - A fifth mark of a good shepherd is, he leads the flock, does not lord it over God's heritage; nor attempts by any rigorous discipline not founded on the Gospel of Christ, to drive men into the way of life; nor drive them out of it, which many do, by a severity which is a disgrace to the mild Gospel of the God of peace and love. He leads them out of themselves to Christ, out of the follies, diversions, and amusements of the world, into the path of Christian holiness: in a word, he leads them, by those gentle yet powerful persuasions that flow from a heart full of the word and love of Christ, into the kingdom and glory of his God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
To him the porter openeth--that is, right of free access is given, by order of Him to whom the sheep belong; for it is better not to give the allusion a more specific interpretation [CALVIN, MEYER, LUTHARDT]. and the sheep hear his voice--This and all that follows, though it admits of important application to every faithful shepherd of God's flock, is in its direct and highest sense true only of "the great Shepherd of the sheep," who in the first five verses seems plainly, under the simple character of a true shepherd, to be drawing His own portrait [LAMPE, STIER, &c.].
John Gill Bible Commentary
To him the porter openeth,.... There is nothing in the explanation of this parable given by Christ, that directs to the sense of this clause; the allusion cannot be, as some have thought, to great men, who have porters at their gates, to open them, and let in persons that come and knock; since the parable is concerning the sheepfold, and the shepherd, and the sheep that go into it; and therefore must refer to one that at least, at certain times, stood by the door of the sheepfold, and had the care of it, and opened it upon proper occasions: by whom is designed not Michael the Archangel, nor the Virgin Mary, nor Peter, the supposed doorkeeper of heaven, as say the Papists, nor Moses, as others, who wrote of Christ; nor does it seem so well to understand it of the ministers of the Gospel, who preach Jesus Christ, and open the door of faith, or set open the door of the Gospel, whereby Christ comes into the souls of men, and they come to him; though this is a sense not to be despised; but rather this intends God the Father, from whom Christ, as man and Mediator, derives his authority, and by whom he is let into, and invested with his office, as the shepherd of the sheep; or else the Holy Spirit, who opens the everlasting floors of the hearts of men, of Christ's sheep, and lets him in unto them. And the sheep hear his voice; not the porter's; though they do hear the voice of Christ's ministers, and of God the Father, and of the Holy Ghost; but the shepherd's, even the voice of Christ; and which is no other than the Gospel, which is a voice of love, grace, and mercy; which proclaims peace, pardon, liberty, life, righteousness, and salvation; and which is a soul quickening, alluring, delighting, refreshing, and comforting voice: this the people of Christ are made to hear, not only externally, but internally; so as to understand it, delight in it, and distinguish it from another: and these are called "sheep", and that before conversion; not because they have the agreeable properties of sheep; nor because predisposed unto, and unprejudiced against the Gospel of Christ, for they are the reverse of these; nor can some things be said of them before, as after conversion, as that they hear the voice of Christ, and follow him; nor merely by anticipation, but by reason of electing grace, and because given to Christ the great shepherd, under this character, to be kept and fed by him. And they are so called after conversion, because they are harmless and inoffensive in their lives and conversations; and yet are exposed to the malice, cruelty, and butchery of men; and are meek and patient under sufferings; and are clean, social, and profitable. And he calleth his own sheep by name; the Ethiopic version adds, "and loves them". These are Christ's own, by the Father's gift of them to him, by the purchase of his own blood, and by the power of his grace upon them; who looks them up, and finds them out, and brings them home, and takes care of them as his own, and feeds them as a shepherd his flock: these he may be said to "call by name", in allusion to the eastern shepherds, who gave names to their sheep, as the Europeans do to their horses, and other creatures, and who could sit and call them by their names: this is expressive not only of Christ's call of his people by powerful and special grace, but of the exact and distinct knowledge he has of them, and the notice he takes of them, as well as of the affection he has for them; see Isa 43:1. And leadeth them out; from the world's goats, among whom they lay, and from the folds of sin, and the barren pastures of Mount Sinai, and their own righteousness, on which they were feeding, and out of themselves, and from off all dependence on anything of their own; and he leads unto himself, and the fulness of his grace, and to his blood and righteousness, and into his Father's presence and communion with him, and in the way of righteousness and truth, and into the green pastures of the word and ordinances, beside the still waters of his sovereign love and grace.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:3 the sheep recognize his voice: The Middle Eastern shepherd is well known for having intimate knowledge of the sheep. Sheep are led with flute tunes, songs, or verbal commands.