​Jesus has some encouraging words in John 10:27, which says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Although this is a short and simple verse of Scripture, there is a lot of depth to it as well. Let’s break it down into three phrases.

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First, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice.” In context, Jesus was explaining that there was a major difference between His sheep and other sheep. There were those who did not believe on Christ, despite His miracles and clear evidence for being the Son of God. These were not His sheep. On the contrast, His sheep are distinguished by this major characteristic: they hear the voice of Jesus. When you answer the phone, there’s a notable difference between when a random stranger is on the other line and when it’s a family member. You can hear their voice. There’s a relationship already established. And in the case of a sheep, Jesus uses the analogy that even sheep can tell the difference between their shepherd and someone else. 

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Speaking of relationship, Jesus mentions clearly in the second phrase of John 10:27, “and I know them.” On the one hand, it’s important that a person “knows” Jesus as Savior and Lord. But the Bible also gives a second part to this bilateral relationship in that Jesus knows His sheep as well. Today, with social media, we might feel like we “know” celebrities and other famous people because we can now “follow” them, “like” their content, and even “comment” on what they are doing. You might know them, but do they know you? Jesus knows His sheep.

And at the end of the verse, there is a final and important phrase, “And they follow me.” The word for “follow” here can mean to “move behind someone in the same direction” or “accompany someone who takes the lead.” In other words, the sheep of Jesus live like Jesus. No they aren’t perfect, as He was. But they’re heading in the right direction. 

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Are you one of Jesus’ sheep? Do these characteristics define you? Today, let’s all look to and follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

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In Christ,

Pastor John Wiley