John 10, Part 1

Scripture: John 10:1-6

Observation: Ezekiel chapter 34 speaks of the false shepherds in Israel, and the true shepherd, God, who lovingly rescues His sheep (Ezekiel 34:12). Now Jesus begins speaking of sheep, and of good and evil shepherds. The evil ones are thieves, who do not enter the sheep pen by the gate but instead climb in another way, like bandits (v. 1-2). The good shepherd enters through the gate, and the sheep respond to Him because they recognize His voice (v. 3-4). When a stranger calls out, the sheep flee because they don't recognize the voice of this stranger (v.5). Jesus uses this to explain what has just happened to the blind man - he heard His shepherd's voice, and was not at a loss for having been expelled from the temple. But the Pharisees, who claimed to see (9:40) are the ones who cannot understand Jesus (v.6).

Application: There is an important character trait being taught here: discernment. Those who follow Jesus will recognize His voice and not be deceived by strangers. But how do we listen to His voice? His words are easily accessible. We need to read Scripture daily to know and understand Jesus more, and we need to speak with Him and listen for His voice in our lives. Once we know Him, the enemy can call from all corners, disguising his voice at every turn, but we will know to flee because it is not our Shepherd's voice. Until we come into an intimate relationship with Jesus, though, we will not be able to discern His voice from the other voices in our noisy lives.

Prayer: Father, how clear Your voice is in Your Word. You have given us Scripture, not just for reading pleasure, but so that we can know You better. I ask now for discernment, that I may want what You want and hate what You hate. Teach me through Your Word what is Your perfect will, that it may guide me in all my decisions (Romans 12:2). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.