The Good Shepherd: Hearing the Voice of Jesus (John 10:1-18)
We live in a noisy world. So many voices tell us who we are, what we should do, and where we should go. But in John 10, Jesus reminds us that there is one voice we can always trust—His. He calls Himself the Good Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Let’s take a closer look at what that means and why it matters for us today.
A Familiar Picture: Sheep and Their Shepherd
Jesus often used everyday examples to help people understand spiritual truths. In this part of the Gospel, He talks about sheep, a shepherd, and a sheep pen. In Bible times, sheep were kept in a safe enclosure at night, and the shepherd would lead them out to find grass and water during the day.
The sheep knew the shepherd’s voice. When he called, they followed. But if a stranger came, the sheep wouldn’t go with him—they’d run away. Why? Because they didn’t recognize that voice.
Jesus tells this story to show us something important: We are like those sheep, and He is the Shepherd who calls us by name.
Jesus Is the Gate
Next, Jesus says something surprising: “I am the gate for the sheep.” What does that mean?
In those days, shepherds would sometimes lie down across the opening of the sheep pen at night. That way, no sheep could leave and no danger could get in without going through them. Jesus is saying, “I am the way to safety, peace, and real life.”
He’s not just offering protection—He’s offering life to the full. A life filled with love, purpose, and hope that goes far beyond what the world offers.
Jesus Is the Good Shepherd
Jesus then calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Not just a guide or leader—but one who deeply loves His sheep. A hired helper might run away when wolves show up, but not Jesus. He says clearly: “I lay down my life for the sheep.”
This isn’t just a figure of speech. Jesus knew what was coming. He would give up His life on the cross to save us from sin and bring us back to God. He wasn’t forced—He chose it, because of love.
And here’s something even more personal: Jesus knows His sheep by name. That means He knows you—your joys, your struggles, your story. And He wants you to know Him, too.
One Flock, One Shepherd
Jesus also says He has other sheep—not yet in the pen—but He will bring them in too. That’s a reminder that His love isn’t limited. It reaches across every group, background, and culture. His goal is one big family of faith—one flock with one Shepherd.
Listening to His Voice
This story ends with a choice. There are many voices we can follow in life. But only one leads to peace, truth, and lasting hope—the voice of Jesus.
He’s still speaking today—through His Word, through prayer, and through quiet moments when our hearts are open. The question is: Are we listening?
Final Thought
Jesus isn’t just a good example. He’s the Good Shepherd—the one who knows us, calls us, protects us, and gave everything for us. In Him, we find safety, purpose, and joy.
So take a moment today. Quiet the noise. And listen for His voice.
He’s calling your name.
John 10:1-18 (WEB)
10:1 “Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 But one who enters in by the door 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 Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn’t understand what he was telling them.7 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out and will find pasture. 10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own; 15 even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”