How to Recognize the Voice of GodSample

Day 2 - The Good Shepherd

In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Jesus is painting a word picture for us here, showing us that He is the Shepherd, and you and I are His sheep. Of all the things that Jesus was when He walked this earth—Healer, Savior, King of kings, Son of God—He only ever called Himself the Good Shepherd.

Think about it -- the job of being a shepherd is a humble calling. It’s not glorious. Shepherds are outside with the sheep almost nonstop, in every season and every kind of weather. They lead their sheep to food and water, they lead them to safe places to sleep, they pull burrs out of their coats, and they rescue them when they fall or get lost. Shepherds are even known to sleep outside with the sheep, and I’m also sure they smell like the sheep! There’s nothing glamorous or comfortable about being a shepherd.

Yet that’s how Jesus sees Himself concerning you and me. He doesn’t exalt Himself or lift Himself above us. He doesn’t demand that we bow down to Him. Instead, He reaches out to embrace us and care for us. In John 10:11, He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” He has given His life for you, just like any good shepherd who lives to protect, guide, care for, and give his life for his sheep.

He not only died for you and bore your sin, but it’s clear from John 10:27 that He speaks to you—and you hear Him! The sheep learn to recognize their shepherd’s voice because a good shepherd is always with his sheep, leading, helping, and guiding them. They spend a lot of time together, and the sheep trust the Shepherd. There could be ten other shepherds around, but when the sheep hear the voice of their shepherd, they recognize it. Each sheep knows whom to follow. It’s no different with you when Jesus speaks.