Throughout the book of John, Jesus has presented many parables, analogies and riddles to help the crowds to understand His mission. He has described Himself by saying I am the bread of life (John 6: 35, 48); I am the light of the world (John 8: 12, 9:5); Before Abraham was, I am (John 8: 58); I am the door (John 10:9); and I am the good shepherd (John 10: 11). Before the end of the gospel he will also say; I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25); I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6); and I am the true vine (John 15:1).
In our text this morning there are four groups that make up the audience that Jesus is speaking with, the formerly blind beggar, the Pharisees, the disciples and other Jews still trying to decide who Jesus is. In last week’s text Jesus had told the Pharisees that their willful blindness towards seeing Jesus as the Savior makes them false teachers and false leaders. Now Jesus will describe how He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.