What does John 10:17 mean?

Explanation

John 10:17 contains a statement from Jesus that illustrates a profound truth about his identity and mission.

The verse speaks to the voluntary nature of Jesus's sacrificial death, and his unique authority to take up his life once more, a reference to his resurrection.

Literally, Jesus declares his life is not taken from him forcefully or unwillingly, but he lays it down of his own accord.

This act of sacrificial love is the reason for the Father's love for the Son, though it does not imply that the Father's love is conditional.

The deeper meaning here touches on the themes of obedience, divine love, and the culmination of Jesus’s earthly mission, which is his death and subsequent resurrection.

It is a testament to the unity between the Father and the Son in the divine plan for salvation.

Historical Context

When John 10:17 was written, the concept of a Messiah who would lay down his life was counter to common Jewish expectations of a conquering hero who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression.

This verse is part of Jesus's discourse about being the good shepherd, which took place in Jerusalem. John's Gospel aims to reveal the divine identity of Jesus and emphasizes his pre-existence, heavenly mandate, and unique relationship with the Father.

This verse must also be seen in the context of the early Christian community for whom John's Gospel was written, as they reflected on the meaning of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives yield various insights on this passage.

From a Trinitarian viewpoint, this verse demonstrates the love and unity between the Father and the Son, where the Father’s plan aligns with the Son’s willing sacrifice.

In the context of soteriology, which is the study of salvation, it reflects the necessity of Jesus’s self-sacrifice for the atonement of humanity's sins, where by laying down his life, he acted as the ultimate paschal lamb.

A Christological analysis would focus on the dual nature of Christ, fully divine and fully human, capable of dying in the human sense and being resurrected through his divine power.

From a moral influence perspective, this self-sacrificing love serves as a supreme moral example for believers to follow.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be practically applied in several ways:

1. Sacrificial Love: Believers are encouraged to emulate the sacrificial love of Jesus by putting the needs of others before their own.

2. Obedience to God: It inspires obedience to God’s will, even when it involves personal sacrifice.

3. Resilience in Suffering: It can provide hope and resilience in times of suffering, knowing that Jesus willingly endured pain out of love and that suffering can have a purpose.

4. Assurance of Resurrection: The verse also offers Christians assurance of their resurrection, as Jesus has power over death and promises eternal life to his followers.

Cross-References

• John 10:18: "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received of my Father."

• John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

• Philippians 2:8: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

• Hebrews 2:9: "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "lay down" is translated from the Greek "τίθημι" (tithēmi), which means to put, place, or set.

The term involves intentionality and purpose.

"My life" comes from the Greek word "ψυχή" (psuchē), which can mean breath, life, soul, or self. This word choice emphasizes the complete self-giving of Jesus.

"Take it again" translates from "λαμβάνω" (lambanō), which means to take, receive, or accept. There is an implication of authority and power in this action, as it defies normal human capacity, only Jesus can reclaim his life after laying it down.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of dying and rising gods appears in various ancient myths, such as the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Adonis in Greek mythology.

However, these myths usually involve seasonal cycles and nature, not the unique historical and salvific claims found in the story of Jesus.

Religiously, the concept of a god or leader laying down their life for followers is unusual. In most traditions, the deities require sacrifices from their followers, rather than making sacrifices themselves.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse touches on areas beyond the scope of empirical science: voluntary death, resurrection, and divine love are outside the purview of scientific testing and validation.

However, the idea of self-sacrifice has been observed in the animal kingdom in certain contexts (e.g., a mother defending her offspring), which could parallel the concept of sacrificial love.

The notion of resurrection has no scientific support, as it contradicts the finality of death as understood in biological terms.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes that it was Christ's love and obedience to his Father that led him to lay down his life, and it was by his Father's command that he had power to take it again.

• Barnes' Notes on the Bible suggests that Jesus laid down his life to obey his Father and because it was necessary for human salvation. Barnes also points out that the resurrection was essential to the efficacy of his atonement.

• The Expositor's Greek Testament focuses on Jesus's authority to lay down his life and take it up again, interpreting it as a sign of the divine nature of Christ and an indication of the resurrection as a demonstration of his power and mission's success.