Jesus as the Door and Good Shepherd – SS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Jesus described himself as the door and the good shepherd in John 10:1-18. As the door, he is the only way to salvation. As the good shepherd, he lays down his life for the sheep voluntarily, which refers to his death on the cross. John the Baptist had earlier called him the Lamb of God.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain why John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God.
2. State the qualities of a good shepherd as taught by Jesus.
3. Explain what Jesus meant by “I am the door”.
4. State the lessons Christians can learn from Jesus as the door and the good shepherd.

What did John the Baptist say about Jesus?

John the Baptist called Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

• Who John was: the forerunner of Jesus, sent to prepare the way for him.
• Where he worked: he baptised people at the River Jordan.
• Who came to him: people from all walks of life, including the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
• What he told the crowd: when asked, “Are you the Christ?”, he said he was only the forerunner of the Christ.
• The day he saw Jesus: Jesus came to him at the River Jordan, and John exclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
• Why he baptised: John did not know Jesus at first. He baptised with water so that Israel would know Jesus was the Messiah.

What does “Lamb of God” mean?

The title shows Jesus as the sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world.

• Prediction of his death: John was pointing to the death of Jesus as a sacrifice for sin.
• Link to Jewish sacrifice: before Jesus came, the high priest entered the holy of holies once a year, on the Day of Atonement, to offer animal sacrifice for the sins of the people.
• Blood of the sacrifice: it was believed to take away sin and make the people right before God.
• Without blemish: a sacrificial animal had to be perfect, which points to the sinless life of Jesus.
• Once for all: the sacrifice of Jesus does not need to be repeated every year.

How is Jesus the door and the good shepherd? (John 10:1-18)

Jesus is the door because people enter salvation through him, and the good shepherd because he gives his life for his sheep.

The picture Jesus used

• Sheep pen: an enclosure where sheep are kept safe at night.
• The true shepherd: he enters through the gate and takes care of the sheep.
• The thief and robber: he climbs in some other way to steal the sheep.
• Those before Jesus: Jesus said all who came before him were thieves and robbers, so the sheep did not listen to them.

What did Jesus mean by “I am the door”?

“I am the door” means that Jesus is the only entrance to salvation and eternal life.

• Salvation: “Whoever enters through me will be saved.”
• Freedom and safety: they will come in and go out.
• Provision: they will find everything they need.
• Full life: Jesus came so that his followers may have life in full (John 10:10).
• Only way: there is no other gate, so anyone who climbs in another way is a thief.

What are the qualities of a good shepherd?

A good shepherd cares for his sheep so much that he is ready to die for them.

• Enters by the gate: he is honest and has the right to lead.
• Knows his sheep: he calls them by name, and they know him.
• Leads from the front: the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
• Protects the flock: he does not run away when the wolf comes.
• Sacrifices himself: he lays down his life for the sheep.
• Cares for all: Jesus spoke of other sheep who must also be brought in, so that there is one flock and one shepherd.
• Gives life voluntarily: Jesus said no one takes his life from him. He lays it down himself and will take it back.

How does a good shepherd differ from a hired hand and a thief?

What is the significance of this teaching?

• Only way to salvation: Jesus reaffirmed that he is the door.
• His death on the cross: laying down his life refers to the single sacrifice he made for the salvation of man.
• Resurrection: his words “I will take it back” point to his rising from the dead.

What lessons can Christians learn?

Christians learn to trust Jesus as the way to life, to follow him and to serve others.

1. The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ has opened the door to eternal life for everyone who believes and does the will of God.
2. Since Christ has died for us, we should consistently listen to his voice and follow his lead.
3. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was for mankind and not for his own interest, so we should learn to sacrifice for others.
4. Church leaders should care for their members as a good shepherd cares for his sheep.
5. Christians should not follow false teachers who come to steal and destroy.

Evaluation

1. What did John the Baptist say when he saw Jesus approaching the River Jordan?
2. Why did John call Jesus the Lamb of God?
3. Why did Jesus say that those who came before him were thieves and robbers?
4. What did Jesus mean when he said, “I am the door”?
5. What did Jesus refer to when he said the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep?

Assignment

Describe the qualities of a good shepherd as explained by Jesus, and say how a church leader today can show these qualities.