Selected Essays And Book Reviews

Lesson 12 - Christ - The Good Shepherd {434 words}

1. What is a proverb? A parable? There are not any parables in this gospel. The story of the Good Shepherd is what is sometimes called a wayside parable. The story does not have any definite characters or any developing action. A parable usually has definite characters, definite narration, and definite development of action. This story is a proverb.

2. Why is Christ called a Door? The sheep entered into the fold by the door. Jesus was illustrating His purpose by showing that He is our Door unto salvation.

3. What are the similarities between Christ and a shepherd? The shepherd cares for his sheep, and a good Shepherd will even die for His sheep. The shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep know him. The shepherd protects his sheep from those who would bring them harm. Jesus does all these things for those who follow Him.

4. Identify the following:

a. Porter - someone who served as an undershepherd when the shepherd was absent. John the Baptist was such a man, and he opened the door to Jesus.

b. Shepherd - the person who took care of the sheep, protected them, knew them, and even sacrificed his life for their safety and well-being. Jesus was the Good Shepherd.

c. Thief - the one who would try to break into the fold and snatch the sheep away or kill them. These were the Pharisees.

d. Wolf - the wolf tries to break into the fold and destroy the sheep. This is Satan.

e. Hireling - this is the legal guardian who has no real interest in the sheep. These were the Priests and/or Levites.

f. Sheepfold - this is the place where the sheep dwell. The fold is in only one place.

g. Flock - these are those who follow the shepherd, and in this case, it is the Church. The flock can be anywhere.

5. When was the Feast of the Dedication held and how was it celebrated? The Feast of the Dedication was held in December and was a time to celebrate the dedication of the temple in 165 BC. It was an eight day celebration of lights and commemorates what is today called Hanukkah.

6. Characterize the ministry of Christ at the end of this chapter (The Perean Ministry). Toward the end of His ministry, Jesus returned to the same area where He had begun a few years earlier by gathering His disciples. This was also the same area where John the Baptist had ministered, and many came to Jesus based on that ministry. 

					Tom of Spotswood


"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God 
 hath not life." (I John 5:12)


"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with 
 all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)

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