My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 WEB
Saying, “I know them and they follow me,” Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd keeping his flock to illustrate his relationship to repentant sinners. As the shepherd of his people, the Lord leads his flock demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice, even his life, for the benefit of those in his care. In this sense, those of us who believe in Christ are like perfectly tended sheep benefitting from our Lord’s love, leadership, and his willingness to sacrifice on our behalf. As we read of Jesus in John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. WEB”
Jesus, as the good shepherd, fulfills ancient biblical prophecy. We read in Isaiah 40:11, “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young. WEB” This promise from God is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. As Jesus says, “I know them,” when we hear the voice of the Lord, we know him and follow the truth of his teaching.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
David says in his famous Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. KJV” Jesus, who was with God in the beginning, is the shepherd of all repentant sinners who believe in the saving grace of God. Just as the prophet Ezekiel reveals of God in Ezekiel 34:23, “I will set up one shepherd over them, and he will feed them, even my servant David. He will feed them, and he will be their shepherd. WEB”
For Christ to say of us “I know them,” it is essential that we follow his teaching and live in obedience to the word and will of God. Even many church members live outside of the will of God. As Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’ WEB”
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for the love and guidance of your holy Son. Thank you for my salvation in Jesus Christ. Give me wisdom to share the truth of the gospel with the world. Help me to live in obedience to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Blessed Hope
