Savior's Voice

Paula Shockley
May 9
2 min read

24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” (John 10:24-30)

Whenever Jesus was asked, during his earthly ministry, if he was the Messiah, Jesus always pointed to the work he'd done. Even when Jesus would not provide a direct answer, he believed that his actions were the most convincing evidence of his identity. Yet many in his own faith community refused to believe what they were seeing with their own eyes. As much as they had anticipated and prayed for God to deliver them, since they did not understand from what they actually needed to be delivered, they could not see the deliverance that was in their midst. It's no wonder that Jesus stopped answering their questions. Jesus said that those who couldn't recognize him were not his sheep - they didn't hear or heed his voice.

We don't tend to think of sheep as smart, but sheep know that if they stay with their shepherd they will be safe and cared for. Sheep learn, therefore, to recognize the voice of their shepherd and not stray far from it. The Lamb of God is now the shepherd of all of God's sheep. The Lamb is much like the sheep. He has walked the same pastures and ventured through the dangerous valleys. Indeed, Jesus has walked this earth, looked sin and death in the face while remaining faithful to his calling. There is no Savior more qualified to guide, protect, and care for our every need. Many people memorize the 23rd Psalm, but we would do well to actually take its words to heart. With God's help, may we be alert to the voice of Jesus, trusting him and following faithfully where he leads. We are in good hands with our Good Shepherd!

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.