“But the true Shepherd walks right up to the gate, and because the gatekeeper knows who he is, he opens the gate to let him in. And the sheep recognize the voice of the true Shepherd, for he calls his own by name and leads them out, for they belong to him. And when he has brought out all his sheep, he walks ahead of them and they will follow him, for they are familiar with his voice. But they will run away from strangers and never follow them because they know it’s the voice of a stranger. I alone am the Good Shepherd, and I know those whose hearts are mine, for they recognize me and know me just as my father knows my heart and I know my Father’s heart. I am ready to give my life for the sheep. My own sheep will hear my voice and I know each one, and they will follow me. I give to them the gift of eternal life and they will never be lost and no one has the power to snatch them out of my hands.” John 10:2-5, 14-15, 27-28 TPT
What do most of us look for in a leader? Sheep need protection and direction, among other things, and completely depend on their leader for everything. Whether we realize it or not, we are a lot like the sheep, in that we need a dependable, trustworthy leader for our protection, and one that knows the exact direction for each of us.
In this passage, Jesus is describing himself as the Shephard, or leader, and all that know him intimately, know his voice, and follow him. He knows whose hearts are sincere, belonging to him, with a personal relationship, like the one shared between him and his Father. With him as our leader, or Shephard, we will not be lost, instead, the gift of eternal life with him can be ours, all for the asking!
Heavenly Father, help us to remember, with you as our leader, we have your protection, and the availability of living within your perfect direction for our lives, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret