Jesus: “My sheep listen to my voice: I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 NLT
One of the big distinctions between our faith and every other religion is that ours is a relational faith. We were created to have a relationship with God. Without communication there is no relationship, and God initiates this communication with us.
Jesus uses several different word pictures and analogies to describe that relationship with Him. One of the most personal and helpful is His description of Himself as our shepherd and us as His sheep. The people to whom Jesus first spoke these words could understand them easily. If you are an animal lover, you can clearly understand it too. For an animal to be yours, it can’t be running in the wild. You and the animal are intentionally together. If you are Jesus’ sheep, you are there by choice. He knows you and you know Him.
Jesus said, “MY sheep.” That’s a proprietary term. It’s like saying about your beloved labrador, “My dog.” Jesus is saying His sheep are under His love and care. We are the targets of His love and provision.
He says His sheep LISTEN to His voice. Listening is not simply hearing; listening is giving active attention. They listen because they know His voice. This is the qualifier. Later Jesus says that His sheep won’t listen to a stranger’s voice – they are too familiar with the Shepherd’s voice to be confused. The sheep listen to His voice because they stay close enough to hear Him. When He speaks, they stop what they are doing. They focus on what He is saying to them – intentional attention. They don’t just listen to His voice; they understand what He is saying. When we are Jesus’ sheep, we make certain to stay close enough to Him to hear clearly and understand what He is saying to us. We become increasingly familiar with even the slightest communication.
The sheep listen for and to the shepherd’s voice with purpose. They are going to follow him wherever he goes. They know he will lead them to the absolute best pastures and resources. They know their safety lies in following their shepherd. Jesus says that we who are His sheep also listen with active attention and intent. We have an ongoing prior commitment and decision to follow Him wherever He leads.
We have the Good Shepherd who has chosen us as His sheep. He wants that kind of close relationship with us that allows Him to lead and provide for us. We are created to listen to His voice. We must intentionally stay close to Him and listen. He will lead us to everything we need.
- My Shepherd intimately knows me and what I need. Jesus, help me stay close and attentive to listen and follow.