The Shepherd, the Resurrection, and the Glory: Revealing Christ’s Power and Purpose
- Be God's Glory
- Nov 4
- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 307 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In these powerful chapters, Jesus reveals His divine identity and mission in ways that both comfort believers and confront unbelief. He declares Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, contrasting His sacrificial love with the selfishness of false leaders. Through the raising of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates His authority over life and death, revealing Himself as the Resurrection and the Life—a truth that both inspires faith and stirs opposition. As His final public ministry unfolds, Mary anoints Jesus, symbolizing His coming sacrifice, while the crowds welcome Him as King during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Yet, even amid celebration, Jesus points to the glory of His impending death, showing that true victory comes through surrender to the Father’s will. Together, these chapters unveil the heart of the gospel: that Jesus, the divine Son, came not to preserve His life but to give it so the world might live.
John 10
In John 10, Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting His divine care with the deceitful leadership of Israel’s religious elite. He explains that His sheep recognize His voice and follow Him, symbolizing the intimate relationship between Christ and believers. Unlike hired hands who abandon the flock in danger, Jesus declares that He willingly lays down His life for His sheep, revealing His deep, sacrificial love. He further proclaims His authority not only to lay down His life but to take it up again, foreshadowing His resurrection. This declaration causes division among the Jews—some accuse Him of blasphemy, while others recognize the divine power in His words. Ultimately, this chapter emphasizes that salvation and eternal security belong only to those who know and follow the Shepherd’s voice.
John 11
John 11 centers on one of Jesus’ greatest miracles: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. When Lazarus falls ill, Jesus delays His arrival, allowing death to take its course so that God’s glory might be revealed. When He arrives, both Martha and Mary express faith mingled with grief, and Jesus responds with one of His most profound declarations: “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” Moved with compassion, He weeps with them, revealing His empathy even while knowing He will restore life. At His command, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, demonstrating Christ’s absolute power over death. This miracle leads many to believe in Him, yet it also ignites the plot for His death, as the religious leaders fear losing their influence. The chapter showcases Jesus as both divinely powerful and deeply compassionate, bringing hope that transcends the grave.
John 12
John 12 opens with Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, an act of worship that foreshadows His burial and contrasts the greed of Judas. Soon after, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy as the crowds hail Him with palm branches, shouting “Hosanna!”—yet their understanding of His kingship remains earthly. Jesus responds by declaring that His hour has come: the time for His glorification through suffering and death. He teaches that unless a grain of wheat dies, it cannot produce fruit, revealing the paradox of the cross—life through sacrifice. Despite miraculous signs, many still reject Him, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of hardened hearts. This chapter closes with Jesus’ final public appeal, calling all to walk in His light before darkness overtakes them. John 12 captures the turning point of Christ’s ministry, where public acclaim gives way to the divine purpose of the cross, ushering in the glory of redemption.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name John comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means “Yahweh is gracious” or “God is gracious.” This is fitting for the Gospel, as it emphasizes God’s grace and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Purpose of the Book:
The Gospel of John was written to reveal the divine nature of Jesus Christ and to invite people to believe in Him as the Son of God. John explicitly states this purpose in John 20:31, saying, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John emphasizes Jesus’ deity, His relationship with the Father, and the spiritual truths behind His miracles and teachings.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, is traditionally credited as the author of this Gospel. Evidence supporting this includes:
Internal Evidence: John refers to himself indirectly as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20, 24).
Other Biblical References: Early church fathers, such as Irenaeus, cite John as the author and indicate he wrote the Gospel while residing in Ephesus. John is also mentioned in Revelation 1:1-2, 9, where the author identifies himself as the one who received visions on the island of Patmos, traditionally understood as the same John.
External Historical Sources: Early church writings such as Irenaeus’ Against Heresies (circa AD 180) affirm John as the author. Papias (circa AD 60–130) also supports this attribution, noting that John, the disciple, wrote a Gospel while in Ephesus.
Key People:
Jesus Christ: The central figure, revealed as the eternal Word, the Son of God, and Savior of the world.
John the Baptist: The forerunner of Christ who testifies about Him as the Lamb of God (John 1:29–34).
The Disciples: Peter, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, and others who follow Jesus and witness His ministry.
Mary, Mother of Jesus: She is present at Cana and plays a role in Jesus’ first miracle (John 2:1–5).
Nicodemus: A Pharisee who seeks Jesus’ teachings and learns about spiritual rebirth (John 3:1–21).
Mary Magdalene: A devoted follower who witnesses Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:11–18).
Conclusion
The Gospel of John concludes by affirming that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God and emphasizes the life-changing power of faith in Him. John presents Jesus not only as a historical figure but as the eternal Word who brings light, life, and salvation to all who believe. By witnessing His miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection, readers are invited into a personal relationship with Christ that leads to eternal life (John 20:30–31). The book leaves a clear message: belief in Jesus is the pathway to knowing God and receiving His gracious gift of salvation.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
John 10
In John 10, God’s character is revealed through Jesus as the Good Shepherd, showing His tender care, protection, and sacrificial love for His people. He is compassionate and relational, intimately knowing each of His sheep by name and guiding them with His voice. God’s character here is both nurturing and powerful—He not only leads but lays down His life willingly for those He loves, demonstrating perfect humility and authority. The lesson God teaches is that true leadership and love come from self-sacrifice, not control, and that His children can find peace and safety when they follow His voice above all others.
The Hebrew name of God reflected in this chapter is Jehovah Rohi (יְהוָה רֹעִי), meaning “The Lord is My Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1). This name captures God’s role as a personal caretaker who guides, feeds, and protects His flock. Through Jesus’ words, we see Jehovah Rohi fulfilled—He is the Shepherd who does not abandon His sheep, even when danger arises. The lesson is that we can trust God’s direction, knowing His leadership comes from love and His desire to bring us into eternal security with Him.
John 11
In John 11, God’s character is displayed as both powerful and compassionate, revealing His deep empathy for human pain while also demonstrating His sovereignty over life and death. Jesus weeps with those who mourn, showing that God feels the weight of our suffering, yet He also commands Lazarus to rise, proving His divine authority. This chapter shows that God’s timing is not delayed—it is deliberate, designed to reveal His glory and strengthen faith. The lesson God teaches is that His delays are not denials; they are divine opportunities for His power and presence to be revealed in greater ways.
The Hebrew name of God reflected in this chapter is Jehovah Rapha (יְהוָה רָפָא), meaning “The Lord Who Heals” (Exodus 15:26), and also El Chai (אֵל חָי), “The Living God.” Both names reflect His power to restore life and heal what is broken. In raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates that He is not only a healer but the Resurrection and the Life Himself. The lesson is that no situation is beyond God’s reach—He revives what seems dead and restores hope where all seems lost.
John 12
In John 12, God’s character is revealed as glorious, sovereign, and self-sacrificing. Jesus embraces the path of suffering and death not with reluctance but with obedience to the Father’s will, revealing God’s love expressed through surrender. His character shines in humility and purpose—though deserving of honor, He rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, showing that true greatness is rooted in servanthood. The lesson God teaches is that glory often comes through obedience and surrender, and that His ways bring eternal fruit even through earthly sacrifice.
There are no direct Hebrew names of God mentioned in this chapter, but His character aligns with El Hakavod (אֵל הַכָּבוֹד), “The God of Glory.” This title reflects the divine splendor and majesty revealed as Jesus moves toward the cross—the ultimate display of God’s glory through love. The lesson is that God’s glory is not found in worldly triumphs but in a heart yielded fully to His purpose, showing believers that true victory comes through submission and faithfulness to God’s plan.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jesus being the “Good Shepherd” reveal the heart and character of God toward His people?
What does Jesus’ willingness to lay down His life for His sheep teach us about God’s sacrificial love?
In John 11, how does Jesus’ compassion and weeping with Mary and Martha display the tenderness of God’s nature?
What do we learn about God’s sovereignty from Jesus’ decision to delay His visit to Lazarus?
How does Jesus’ obedience to the Father in John 12 show us the depth of God’s glory and humility?
What do these chapters reveal about God’s desire for a personal and intimate relationship with His people?
How do the actions and words of Jesus in these passages show that God is both powerful and deeply personal?
Questions About Themes:
What is the significance of the “Good Shepherd” metaphor, and how does it connect to the theme of divine protection and guidance?
How does the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection point to the overarching theme of life conquering death?
What theme is revealed through Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet, and what does it teach about worship and devotion?
How does the conflict between belief and unbelief appear throughout these chapters, and what does it reveal about human nature?
In what ways does Jesus redefine glory and greatness in John 12 through His words and actions?
How do these chapters highlight the tension between worldly expectations of a Messiah and the spiritual reality of Jesus’ mission?
What does the progression from the Shepherd to the Resurrection to the Cross reveal about the unfolding plan of salvation?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what ways do you recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd in your daily life, and how do you respond when He calls?
When have you struggled to trust God’s timing, and how does the story of Lazarus challenge or strengthen your faith in His purpose?
How can you practice the same kind of sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrates as the Good Shepherd?
What “tombs” in your life might God be calling to bring new life to—areas that seem dead but are waiting for His resurrection power?
How does Mary’s act of worship inspire you to express your love and gratitude to God more deeply and personally?
What does it mean for you personally to glorify God through obedience, even when it requires surrender or sacrifice?
As Jesus embraced the cross for the Father’s glory, how can you embrace your own calling with faith and humility, trusting that God’s glory will be revealed through your obedience?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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