Thoughts on the Gospel of John (86) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no-one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.
John 10:27-30.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (86)
Having told His opponents that they did not belong to His sheep, Jesus now explained the characteristics of His sheep.

The first characteristic was that His sheep hear His voice. This means accepting the message they contain by faith. The woman at Jacob's well in Samaria was a convincing example of someone who heard the Shepherd's voice. (ch. 4).

The second characteristic was that the Shepherd knew them. As we have already seen, He called them individually by name. This proves His thorough knowledge of each one and additionally that He took care of their individual needs.

The third characteristic was that the sheep follow the Shepherd. He not only calls them personally by name; they follow Him, maybe somewhat hesitantly, but they do follow.

The Lord not only names His sheep's characteristics; He also confirms His care for them: He gives them eternal life as a present possession and absolute security for eternity. Finally, the sheep rejoice that the Father and the Son both care for them.

The last thing we learn is that the humble Shepherd, who came to serve the sheep and carry out His Father's will is none other than the eternal Son, a Person of the Deity who is one with the Father.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Jeremiah 25:1-14 · Romans 2:1-7