Reading for March 3rd

 Read John 10.1-21. In 10.1-21: Jesus' critique of the Pharisees continues. Shepherd imagery was used of God and human rulers (Ps 8.1; Isa 4.10-11; Jer 23.1-6; Ezek 34.1-24; Zech11.4-7; Jn 21.15-17; Acts 20.28-29). The double interpretation (vv. 7-18) covers vv. 1-3a, the gate, and vv. 3b-5, shepherd. In verses 1-6:The parable. In verse 1: The sheepfold is a stone enclosure. In verses 3-5: Compare Num 27.16-17. The gatekeeper: perhaps John the Baptist (1.24-37). Follow him ... know his voice:the sign of the true leader. In verses 7-10: First interpretation: the gate. In verses 7-8: Jesus as the gate is in part undercut by v. 8. Those who came before: Israel's leaders (see Jer 23.1-6; Ezek 34.1-24); here, the Pharisees. Thieves and bandits They had not cared for the people. In verses 9-10: The contrast of Jesus with the Thieves is dramatic. Again, an identification with the shepherd (in v. 10b) makes best sense. In verses 11-18: Second interpretation: the shepherd. In verses 11-13: See Jn 15.13; compare 1 Sam 17.34-35. Unlike the thieves, the hired hand has a legitimate though subordinate role. In verses 14-15: The shepherd is the ideal leader (compare 14.2-21; 15.9; 17.21). In verse16: Other sheep; other Jewish believers; or Jews of the dispersion (see Isa 56.8) or gentiles (see 7.35; 11.52; 12.2-21, 32). One flock, a united community; one shepherd (see Ezek 34.23; 37.24), Jesus. In verses 17-18: The father loves me (see 3.35; 15.10): Jesus' self giving mission is rooted in the Father-Son relationship. In verses 19-21: Response. The audience (Pharisees in 9.40), now the Jews, disagrees: demon possession (7.2) or curing the blind (9.25, 3, 32)? Comments or Questions..