things, and must be carefully handled, and not interpreted too literally. The Greek word used by John for "parable" is not used in any other Gospel.
\_B\it they understood not... unto them.] The Pharisees appear to have failed in seeing the application of the parable. This is curious, when we remember how quickly they saw the applica- tion to themselves of the parable of the husbandmen who killed the heir of the vineyard. But nothing seems to blind men's eyes so much as pride of office. Wrapped up in their conceit of their own knowledge and dignity, they did not see that they them- selves who pretended to be leaders and teachers of the Jewish flocks were not shepherds, but " thieves aud robbers," doing more harm than good. They did not see that the fatal defect in their own qualification for office was ignorance of Christ and want of faith in Him. They did not see that no true sheep of Christ could be expected to hear, follow, or obey their teaching. Above all, they did not see that in excommunicating the poor blind man whom our Lord had healed, they were just proving themselves to be "thieves and robbers," and injuring one whom they ought to have helped.
If even One who " spake as never man spake " was not always understood, ministers cannot be surprised if they find they are often not understood now. How little of a sermon is under- stood, few preachers have the least idea!
Ferus remarks that our Lord's hearers must have been blind not to see that their own prophet Ezekiel had already shown the application of the parable. (Chap, xxxiv.)
Lampe thinks they knew that our Lord was speaking of them, but could not fully comprehend the application of the parable.
7. — [Then said Jesus... again."] Here we see the condescension and patience of our Lord. Seeing His hearers not able to understand Him, He proceeds to explain His meaning more fully. This is an example for all teachers of religion. Without frequent repe- tition and simplification spiritual lessons can never be taught.
[Verily, verily... you.] Once more this solemn expression is used, and again to the same hearers, the Pharisees.
[I am the door of the sheep.] Here is plain exposition. Jesus here declares that He Himself is the Door through whom, and by faith in whom, both shepherd and sheep must pass, if they would go inside God's fold. "Every single sheep must enter through Me, if he would join God's flock. Every teacher who wishes to be a shepherd over God's flock, must enter his office looking to Me."
This high claim of dignity must have sounded startling to the Pharisees ! A higher claim we can hardly conceive. None but One, even the Divine Messiah, could have used such an expres- sion. No prophet or apostle ever did.