June 17, 2023
A New Fold
“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” John 10:14-16 (NASB)
Looking back to Memorial Day this year, it reminds me of our armed forces and the sacrifices each have made in the service of our country. Each military branch have proud traditions, but a common goal, to defend our country and its allies. They all serve in differing capacities, but serve one commander. They are from differing folds, but one rules over them.
“I know My own and My own know Me,” The word know is ginōskō, meaning to come to know.[1] It carries a stronger meaning though. Sheep know the shepherd as believers know Christ in a loving relationship. “Yes, and they know his voice (verse 4), they have experimental knowledge Jesus as their own Shepherd. Here (in this mutually reciprocal knowledge) lies the secret of their love and loyalty.”[2] When Christ said know, He described the intimate love relationship, much like husband-and-wife share. Their relationship is bound, sharing all each have, their wants, desires, hurts, and pain. It is that dependance that keeps the two bound together in all they face, even to the point of death. It is because of Christ’ love He gave His life for his own. MacArthur sums it up, “The simple truth here is that Jesus in love knows His own, they in love know Him, the Father in love knows Jesus, and He in love knows the Father. Believers are caught up in the deep and intimate affection that is shared between God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. 14:21, 23, 15:10, 17:25-26).”[3] In the same breath, Christ seeks those, “which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” Christ did not confine Himself to the Jewish fold. His mission went to all races and times. This great urgency was for those outside the fold, and shows His love for all mankind, not just the Jews. When all come into His fold, “they will become one flock with one shepherd.” Jews and Gentiles will come under the one Shepherd. In this new fold, there will be many flocks as well. They will be from the whole world, but under One Shepherd.
Some parting words of encouragement come from Hughes. “Did you know you are in the Bible? Me too. I am not a Hebrew, but I am in the Bible. I am one of the “other sheep.” Even better than that, before the foundation of the world, my name was in his book, and so was yours if you let Christ be your Savior and shepherd. How do you do that? He says, “I am the gate.” When he laid down his life, he became the door of salvation and the door of abundant life.
Jesus says, “I am the gate.” He says in another place, “I am the way.” And he is. There is no other way to God but through the door, Jesus Christ. If you have never received this relationship, this provision, this heart, submit yourself to the shepherd as Lord and Bishop of your soul today. And if you are already one of his sheep, God wants you to enjoy the benefits of being in his flock. He is the beautiful shepherd. Worship him in your heart day by day.”[4] Amen!
[1] Thomas, R. L. (1998). In New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : updated edition. Foundation Publications, Inc.
[2] Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (Jn 10:14). Broadman Press.
[3] (John MacArthur, 2006), 433.
[4] Hughes, R. K. (1999). John: that you may believe (pp. 269–270). Crossway Books.