I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own … And other sheep I have with are not of this fold; them also I must bring; and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:14, 16, 27)
John 9 records the story of Jesus healing a man born blind from birth. The man’s friends and family naturally questioned how such a miracle occurred. The man didn’t know who healed him, all he knew was that he could see.
The crowd took the now-seeing man to the religious leaders of Israel for questioning. Once again he told the story, but they doubted him and called his parents. Fearful of the interrogation, they refused to answer, deferring back again to their son.
Frustrated, the man replied, I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples? (John 9:27). Despite hearing Jesus preach, and hearing the man testify to the wonderful works of Jesus, the Jewish leaders angrily expelled the healed man from the synagogue. They “heard” him, but didn’t follow Him.
Jesus found the man who wanted to believe that God had sent the Saviour into the world. And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him (John 9:37-38). The one who was blind but then could see, heard Christ’s voice, believed, and followed Him.
On the heals of this conversation with the blind man, Jesus told the parable in John 10 about sheep hearing their own shepherd’s voice and following after him.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). He knows His sheep and they also know Him. The term know refers to an intimate mutual love relationship. Jesus doesn’t drive his flock from behind like a Wyoming cowboy; He goes before them, leading them with His voice like a shepherd.
We hear the voice of Jesus speaking today in the pages of the Bible, for they speak of Him (John 5:39-40). Are you following after Him?
Where Living Begins 
Reblogged this on LIVING BY FAITH.
Grateful Christ is our Shepherd and not a Wyoming cowboy!