A Thought or Two

In John 10:1-18 Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd and we are his sheep. The shepherd knows his sheep, and the sheep follow him. They follow him because they know his voice. How well do we know the voice of the Good Shepherd? How well do we know the voice of Jesus? The sheep followed because they heard his voice. They didn't argue or complain about where the shepherd was leading them, they just followed.

I believe Jesus was trying to help us understand that we can just follow him. We don't necessarily have to know where to, we just have to follow knowing Jesus has our best at his heart. Because he is the Good Shepherd, he will never abandon us, but will protect us like a shepherd protects his flock. This is how God leads us. He calls us and we follow wherever he is going.

Jesus says that the Good Shepherd takes his flock to good pasture. This is a picture of the full and abundant life that Jesus says he came to give. He will not lead us to barren places but to fruitful places. Jesus sacrificed his life for us so that we could have abundant life. Are we willing then to follow him when we hear his voice?

A last thought: sheep do not have to be forced to nourish themselves, they are smart enough to know that they need food. They will take it upon themselves to eat and to gain nourishment. If we are likened to sheep, then really it is up to us to take responsibility for our own nourishment. So often we want others to do it for us, to feed us and to fill us. Lets take responsibility for our spiritual lives and feed on the Word of God, without being forced to or wanting others to do it for us.