John 10:11—Is Jesus the shepherd or a sheep?

Problem: John presents Christ here as the “Good Shepherd.” Yet elsewhere He is a sheep (lamb) that dies for our sins (John 1:29, 36). Which is He?

Solution: Christ is appropriately presented by both figures of speech. He died as our Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7), and He leads and guides His people as a Good Shepherd. In one context, believers are like the people of Israel who need the passover lamb to die for them. In the other, we are like wandering sheep who need a shepherd to lead us. Both are true.

# John the Baptist's Inquiry: Did He Doubt Jesus was the Messiah?

The Question from Prison

Early in his ministry, John the Baptist boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, saying, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). He even pointed his own disciples to follow Jesus. However, later, while imprisoned, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus a startling question:

> "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3; Luke 7:19)

Some perceive this as a contradiction or a profound lapse in John's faith. Did the greatest among prophets lose his faith while in the dungeon?

For the Sake of His Disciples

Historic Christian theology maintains that John the Baptist did not doubt Christ's identity. Instead, John sent his disciples to ask this question for their own sake.

John’s disciples were fiercely loyal to him and had previously expressed jealousy over Jesus' growing popularity (John 3:26). John knew his death was imminent. He also knew that as long as he lived, his disciples might hesitate to fully commit to Christ.

By sending them directly to Jesus with this question, John created an opportunity for his disciples to hear and see the evidence firsthand. Jesus responded perfectly, performing miracles in their presence and quoting the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah:

> "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them." (Matthew 11:4-5)

John already knew the answer. He engineered this encounter so that the undeniable miracles of Christ would convince his doubting disciples, ensuring they would follow the true Bridegroom after his martyrdom. Notably, right after they left, Jesus publicly praised John, confirming him as the greatest of prophets—a highly unlikely commendation if John had just displayed a catastrophic failure of faith.