Day 36
Today’s reading: John 10:1-21
My Sheep Hear My Voice
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My Sheep Hear My Voice 〰️
Reflections
One of our greatest securities in our Christian journey is the ability to hear God's voice and be led by Him. Jesus is the door that stands between us and the enemy, who is a thief, deceiver, and destroyer. When we are led by Him through this door, we are hidden and protected from the enemy’s attacks. What does this mean for us today? We can never fully know the true intentions of every person we encounter. The only way we can be shielded from the hidden agendas of those with ill intentions is by depending on the guidance of the One who knows all.
To be led by God, we must be able to hear Him clearly and confidently. How can we achieve this? First, we must value God's word above all other voices. This is how we avoid deception. We know we can trust God because He has no ulterior motives in leading us—He has already proven His selflessness by laying down His life for us. Therefore, we must sincerely and passionately desire to be led by His voice, believing that He is the final authority in our life.
Second, we become familiar with His voice by spending significant time in His word and in prayer. Just like you can recognize your mother’s voice even without seeing her speak, this familiarity with God’s voice comes from years of hearing it. This is how we build discernment—by learning to distinguish God’s voice from the voices of strangers. When we know Him intimately, we can trust that He will always guide us with wisdom, love, and truth.
Study Questions
Jesus uses a metaphor to describe how bad leaders infiltrate positions of authority among God's people when they are not called by God. What are some deceptive ways these leaders gain leadership, and how can this harm the body of Christ?
In the parable, Jesus uses several metaphorical titles: The Good Shepherd, hired hands, the flock, the other sheep, thieves, and the wolf. Who do these metaphors represent in reality?
There are two main characteristics of the Good Shepherd that are emphasized throughout this passage. What are they, and how do they contrast with the qualities of false or ineffective leaders?
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 ESV
