John 10:6 – “Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.”
Extended Explanation
This verse serves as a transition in Jesus’ teaching about the Good Shepherd. Up to this point, Jesus had been using a metaphor about sheep, a shepherd, and thieves to illustrate deep spiritual truths. However, the Pharisees did not understand what He was trying to tell them.
The problem wasn’t that the Pharisees lacked intelligence—they were well-educated religious leaders. Instead, their hearts were hardened, and they were spiritually blind. They couldn’t grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words because they were unwilling to acknowledge Him as the true Shepherd.
This verse highlights a recurring theme in the Gospels: Jesus often spoke in parables and figures of speech, and while those who had open hearts understood, those who rejected Him remained confused. The Pharisees’ failure to understand was not due to a lack of explanation but a lack of willingness to see the truth.
Historical Context
Jesus was speaking to a group of Jewish religious leaders who prided themselves on their knowledge of Scripture and their role as spiritual guides. The Pharisees saw themselves as the gatekeepers of truth, but Jesus was exposing their hypocrisy.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently used parables and metaphors to explain spiritual realities. This method was common in Jewish teaching, but many times, those with hardened hearts could not grasp the deeper meaning.
The Pharisees had a long history of opposing Jesus because He challenged their authority. Their inability to understand this “figure of speech” was not because they lacked intelligence but because they were unwilling to listen with humility.
Theological Implications
- Spiritual blindness is real – Just as the Pharisees could not understand Jesus’ teaching, people today can hear the truth yet fail to comprehend it if their hearts are closed.
- Understanding God’s truth requires humility – Those who come to Jesus with a willingness to learn will understand, while those who reject Him will remain in darkness.
- Jesus’ teaching divides people – Some receive His words with joy and follow Him, while others reject them and remain confused.
- God reveals truth to those who seek it – Understanding spiritual truth is not about intellect alone; it requires a heart open to God.
Literary Analysis
John 10:6 is an explanatory verse inserted between Jesus’ teaching and His next statement. It clarifies why He would soon switch from speaking in metaphors to making a direct statement about Himself.
The phrase “Jesus used this figure of speech” indicates that His previous teaching was a symbolic lesson. The Greek word used for “figure of speech” (paroimia) is similar to a parable—it refers to a saying with deeper meaning.
The phrase “but the Pharisees did not understand” serves as a contrast. It shows that, despite all their religious knowledge, they lacked true wisdom.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 13:13-15 – Jesus explains why He speaks in parables, saying that some will hear but not understand because their hearts are hardened.
- John 9:39-41 – Jesus tells the Pharisees that their spiritual blindness is their own fault.
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
- Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Luke 24:45 – After His resurrection, Jesus “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that simply hearing the Word of God is not enough—we must have open hearts to truly understand and apply it. Many people today hear about Jesus but do not understand because they approach Him with skepticism or pride.
It also warns us against the danger of religious knowledge without true faith. The Pharisees knew Scripture well, yet they could not recognize the very Messiah they had been waiting for. We must be careful not to fall into the same trap of knowing about God without truly knowing Him.
For Christians, this verse encourages humility. We should pray for understanding and approach Jesus with a heart willing to be taught. If we struggle to understand parts of Scripture, we should seek wisdom from God rather than rely only on our own knowledge.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God does not hide truth from people—He reveals it to those who are willing to receive it. The fact that some do not understand is not because God is unclear but because they have hardened their hearts.
This verse shows that God’s love is not forced upon anyone. He offers the truth, but people must choose to listen. His love is evident in the fact that He patiently teaches, even when people reject Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate teacher, and He spoke in a way that required people to truly listen and seek understanding. His use of figures of speech, parables, and metaphors was not to confuse people but to reveal truth to those who were ready to receive it.
The Pharisees’ inability to understand Jesus’ words foreshadowed their rejection of Him. While they did not recognize Him as the Good Shepherd, others did, including His disciples and many who put their faith in Him.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ promise that those who seek truth will find it (John 8:31-32). Jesus does not leave people in the dark—those who genuinely desire to follow Him will come to understand His words.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever struggled to understand a teaching from Jesus? What helped you gain clarity?
- Why do you think some people hear the message of Jesus but do not understand or accept it?
- How can we guard against the kind of spiritual blindness the Pharisees had?
- What is the difference between knowing Scripture intellectually and truly understanding it with faith?
- How can we help others who are struggling to understand God’s truth?