Symbolism In The Book Of John

The Book of John is foundational to the Christian faith. As a foremost document declaring the deity of Jesus, the text decisively establishes that He is God. Contained in the book, there are clear declarations by Jesus where He uses the name of God for Himself. By using the Old Testament name of God, “I AM,” Jesus is speaking in a style that presents Himself as deity. One place where this testimony is undisputable is in the description of the Good Shepherd. In the tenth chapter of the Book of John, Jesus uses the analogy of a shepherd and establishes His authority and the fact He is God. Through a careful examination of the events found in the tenth chapter of the gospel of John, a corresponding review of the name and identity of the God of the Old Testament, and Jesus’ use of …show more content…
Others are figures who try do harm to the sheep. The thief and robbers are symbols of the Pharisees, the hireling denote the priest and Levites, and Satan’s representation is the wolf. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus is proclaiming the sheep are His. Under Jesus’ protection, no one can destroy or take them from Him. While others would abandon the believer during times of trouble, Christ is always with His children. This is as sound reassurance as Satan only appears to steal and destroy the plans of God. Jesus comes so the believer may have a more abundant life. In a prophetic proclamation, Jesus foreshadows His death and resurrection on the Cross as He explains that He will voluntarily lay down His life. Later, the Resurrection proves His authority over life and death. The sacrifice of the Cross and the resurrection was, “God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge.” While Christ participated fully and freely, God determined it, “from all eternity.” As Jesus shows, redemption was planned in eternity pass with the