John__10

Scripture

John 10: 14-15

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep.

 

Observation

As Jesus speaks to the Pharisees he uses a parable of sheep and a shepherd to further the assertion that He is the Son of God. Throughout this parable He repeats that He is a good shepherd, and that if anyone wishes to come through the gates (or gain eternal life) they must got through Him. Jesus also states that a good shepherd lays down their life for their flock, which is exactly what Jesus has come to do for the world at this time. As He continues, however, the Pharisees accuse Him of being demon-possessed. 

 

Understanding

When I was younger I always wondered how my parents knew that I was calling out for them. We would be at the park with lots of kids, yet every time I said “Mom!” Or “Dad!” they seemed to instinctively know my voice. In the same way I always knew my parents voice, granted I had it easier since they were using my name and not “daughter.” Hearing them say my name always brought ease and comfort (except when they used my first and middle name, then I knew I was in trouble). My main point here though is that I knew my parents’ voice and they knew mine (and still do).

I think this is the same concept that Jesus puts forward here. His sheep (us) know His voice like a parent knows their kid’s voice. We constantly call out to Him, so He has become trained to know what we sound like because He longs to respond. I don’t think that we quite know the gravity of this either. The Creator of the Universe doesn’t just know my name, but He also knows the sound of my voice, and He responds to it! Here’s the tough part: I don’t always train myself to know the sound of His voice. If I call myself one of His sheep, then I should therefore know Him. Part of knowing Him is knowing His voice, and hanging on every word that He speaks to me.

Lately, I haven’t been a good sheep to my shepherd. Sure, I know Him and I understand the nature of God, but I haven’t taken the time to listen. And He’s willing to lay down His life for me and His entire flock then the least I can do is listen to what He has to say. I want to instinctively know my Heavenly Father’s voice like I know my earthly father’s voice.

 

Life Application

So how exactly do we do that?

Some people hate this exercise, and although it is extremely uncomfortable it’s really successful. I find I listen the best when I am… wait for it… it’s really profound: NOT talking. So if we just sit in silence for like fifteen minutes we might be amazed at what we hear. I hope you join me in sitting in silence for fifteen minutes this week to tune into the voice of our Heavenly Father. He may say exactly what you needed hear, but were too busy to talking over Him to listen to.

-Allison Khan