Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 10:10-18
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 10:10-18 to reveal Christ as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life to grant believers abundant and eternal life.
In this expository sermon on John 10:10-18, J.C. Ryle reveals the profound truths about Christ as the Good Shepherd who sacrificially lays down His life to grant believers abundant and eternal life. Ryle carefully explains the spiritual significance of Jesus' mission, correcting common misconceptions about His purpose. This sermon invites listeners to embrace the fullness of life that Christ offers and to recognize His loving authority over the church.
Text
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand who is not a shepherd and does not own sheep, sees the wolf coming and abandons the sheep and runs away. So the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. Because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep, he runs away.
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not come from this sheepfold. I must bring them too, and they will listen to my voice, so that there will be one flock and one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me--because I lay down my life, so that I may take it back again. No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down of my own free will. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it back again. This commandment I received from my Father."
These verses show us, for one thing, the great object for which Christ came into the world. He says, I have come that men "might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
The truth contained in these words is of vast importance. They supply an antidote to many crude and unsound notions which are abroad in the world. Christ did not come to be only a teacher of new morality, or an example of holiness and self-denial, or a founder of new ceremonies, as some have vainly asserted. He left heaven, and dwelt for thirty-three years on earth for far higher ends than these. He came to procure eternal life for man, by the price of His own vicarious death. He came to be a mighty fountain of spiritual life for all mankind, to which sinners coming by faith might drink; and, drinking, might live for evermore. By Moses came laws, rules, ordinances, ceremonies. By Christ came grace, truth, and eternal life.
Important as this doctrine is, it requires to be fenced with one word of caution. We must not overstrain the meaning of our Lord Jesus Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Purpose of Christ's Coming
- To give life and give it abundantly
- Not merely a moral teacher or founder of ceremonies
- To procure eternal life through His death
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II. Christ as the Good Shepherd
- Lays down His life for the sheep
- Differs from the hired hand who abandons the sheep
- Knows His own and is known by them
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III. The Unity of the Flock
- Bringing other sheep into one fold
- One shepherd for all believers
- The Father's love for the Son because of His sacrifice
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IV. The Authority of Christ
- Lays down His life voluntarily
- Has authority to take it up again
- Acts according to the Father's commandment
Key Quotes
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” — J.C. Ryle
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” — J.C. Ryle
“He came to be a mighty fountain of spiritual life for all mankind, to which sinners coming by faith might drink; and, drinking, might live for evermore.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for and protects His followers.
- Embrace the abundant spiritual life that Christ offers through faith.
- Recognize and respond to Christ’s sacrificial love by living a life of obedience and devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'abundant life'?
Jesus refers to a spiritual life that is full, eternal, and rich in blessings beyond mere physical existence.
Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd?
Because He cares deeply for His followers, lays down His life for them, and protects them unlike a hired hand.
What is the significance of Jesus laying down His life?
It demonstrates His sacrificial love and obedience to the Father to provide salvation for humanity.
Who are the 'other sheep' mentioned in the passage?
They represent believers from outside the original Jewish fold, whom Jesus also brings into one unified church.
How does this passage counter false views of Christ?
It clarifies that Christ's mission was not just moral teaching or ritual founding, but to grant eternal life through His sacrifice.