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The gospel lectionary reading for Year B is the second part of John 10 (John 10.11-18) on the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, following on from the first part explored in Year A.
This passage needs to be read carefully in the context of this section of the gospel—but also in its first century context, and attending to the typically Johannine use of metaphorical language.
Come and join James and Ian as we explore all the issues in reading, understanding, and preaching on this passage.
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Ian Paul: theologian, author, speaker, academic consultant. Adjunct Professor, Fuller Theological Seminary; Associate Minister, St Nic's, Nottingham; Managing Editor, Grove Books; member of General Synod. Mac user; chocoholic. Tweets at @psephizo
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The central import of this passage is the conflict with false shepherds, beginning to end.
The simple folks on the Number 48 Omnibus do not require to be linguistics or own several versions of the text
The best commentary on John 10 is undoubtably the expositional one of Ezekiel Ch.34 which delineates the qualities of a Good Shepherd, one of which is to lay down His life for the sheep.
These words here are not so much a prophecy, as a declaration, implying however that which Joh 10:15 asserts explicitly.
Here is prophecy, promise, declaration and explanation.
Here be great wealth and joy and gladness.
For those who prefer several versions and commentaries
Alford’s Greek Testament Critical Exegesis Commentary
gives very perceptive insights, or, simply search the Holy Scriptures.