John 10:1–5, 11–16
“I am the good shepherd.” – John 10:11
Click to read passage
Sheep are not good at finding their own way. They wander easily. They cannot see far ahead. Left on their own, they get lost. Perhaps that is why the Bible so often describes God’s people as sheep. We need someone to lead us.
In John 10, Jesus tells us He is that Shepherd. He says the shepherd “”calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”” He does not drive them from behind. He does not send them ahead to find the way on their own. “”He goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.””
This is why we can trust Him. A sheep does not need to see the whole road. It only needs to stay close to the shepherd. Whatever God is calling you to leave behind, Jesus has already gone ahead. He knows the path. He knows the dangers. He knows you by name.
Following Him also means listening. Jesus says His sheep will not follow a stranger. Many voices around us promise comfort and pleasure. They tell us to stay where we are and hold on to what feels safe. The Shepherd’s voice is different. We come to know it through His Word, as we spend time with Him day by day.
Can we really trust where He leads? Jesus answers by pointing to what He would do. “”The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”” A hired hand runs when the wolf comes. Jesus did not run. He went to the cross for us. A Shepherd who would die for His sheep will never lead them carelessly.
Jesus also speaks of other sheep He must bring in, so that “”there will be one flock, one shepherd.”” We do not follow alone. We follow together, as one flock behind one Shepherd. Wherever He is calling us, we can step forward with confidence. God is leading, and the Good Shepherd has already gone ahead of us.
Reflection:
1. What voices around you promise comfort but keep you from following Jesus?
2. Jesus knows you by name and goes ahead of you. How does this help you trust Him with your next step?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Good Shepherd. You know us by name, and You laid down Your life for us. Help us to know Your voice and to turn away from the voices that keep us comfortable but far from You. Where You are calling us to go, give us the courage to follow. Remind us that You have already gone ahead. Keep us close to You and to one another as Your flock. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Click to read passage
Sheep are not good at finding their own way. They wander easily. They cannot see far ahead. Left on their own, they get lost. Perhaps that is why the Bible so often describes God’s people as sheep. We need someone to lead us.
In John 10, Jesus tells us He is that Shepherd. He says the shepherd “”calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”” He does not drive them from behind. He does not send them ahead to find the way on their own. “”He goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.””
This is why we can trust Him. A sheep does not need to see the whole road. It only needs to stay close to the shepherd. Whatever God is calling you to leave behind, Jesus has already gone ahead. He knows the path. He knows the dangers. He knows you by name.
Following Him also means listening. Jesus says His sheep will not follow a stranger. Many voices around us promise comfort and pleasure. They tell us to stay where we are and hold on to what feels safe. The Shepherd’s voice is different. We come to know it through His Word, as we spend time with Him day by day.
Can we really trust where He leads? Jesus answers by pointing to what He would do. “”The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”” A hired hand runs when the wolf comes. Jesus did not run. He went to the cross for us. A Shepherd who would die for His sheep will never lead them carelessly.
Jesus also speaks of other sheep He must bring in, so that “”there will be one flock, one shepherd.”” We do not follow alone. We follow together, as one flock behind one Shepherd. Wherever He is calling us, we can step forward with confidence. God is leading, and the Good Shepherd has already gone ahead of us.
Reflection:
1. What voices around you promise comfort but keep you from following Jesus?
2. Jesus knows you by name and goes ahead of you. How does this help you trust Him with your next step?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Good Shepherd. You know us by name, and You laid down Your life for us. Help us to know Your voice and to turn away from the voices that keep us comfortable but far from You. Where You are calling us to go, give us the courage to follow. Remind us that You have already gone ahead. Keep us close to You and to one another as Your flock. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.