Your Good Shepherd

“My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”—John 10:27 NASB

Dr. Gary Burge tells the story about a ten-year-old shepherd, whose family only had 12 sheep. As part of a military action, their sheep had been gathered in a pen with other sheep. His mother begged the soldiers to let her have her sheep, but this did not seem possible. How could her 12 be identified among so many hundreds?

Then her son began playing a simple tune on his flute. All the sheep heard the sound. But as soon as the boy started to walk away, their 12 sheep followed him. Clearly the boy knew his sheep, and his sheep knew him.

This story demonstrates the connection between a good shepherd and his sheep. This is the connection that Jesus described for His followers. He described Himself as “the good shepherd” (v. 11). He was a Shepherd so concerned about His sheep that He would give up His life for them.

The good Shepherd knows His sheep, and they know Him. He is their “door,” providing the way to safety. All around are “thieves and robbers” who try to deceive the sheep, coming only to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus came that we may have life and have it “abundantly” (John 10:7–10). This is the kind of relationship that He wants to have with each of us.

Seek to develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus. Trust Him as your Shepherd to provide for you, protect you, and guide you.

Reflection Question: Do you know your Shepherd’s voice?