The amazing thing about sheep

This week we read John 10:1-21 where Jesus tells the religious leaders and the crowds more about himself. He talks about himself as a good shepherd, in contrast with the 'thieves, robbers' and 'hired hand' who aren't interested in the well-being of the sheep. In fact, they cause the sheep harm. 

We were amazed to find by the end of our hour together that we really respected and admired sheep! Why? Because of their simple reliance on the words of their shepherd. It turns out that sheep are sensible creatures. They actually run away from anyone who isn't their shepherd! The picture used by Jesus humbles us because we become aware of how terrible we are at listening to his voice.

There are so many voices calling to us. Our families, our bosses, our past, our future, our friends, the causes and passions in vogue on social media. 

Then there is Jesus. He speaks to us constantly and unwaveringly through the words of the Bible. Do we listen to His voice? Or do we let the voices around us drown Him out?

Carry out a 'voice audit' and ask yourself:

- What are the main voices that call for my attention?

- How do I respond when I hear each one?

- Which voices should I run away from?

- How can I make sure that Jesus' voice is the loudest?

John 10:1-21New International Version (NIV)

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”

21 But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon.Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”