Jesus is Essential
John 10:1–6: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.
The true shepherd comes in through the door, and the porter recognizes him. The thieves and robbers could never enter through the door, so they have to climb over the wall and enter the fold through deception.
But even if they did get in, they would never get the sheep to follow them, for the sheep follow only the voice of their own shepherd. The false shepherds can never lead the sheep, so they must steal them away. 1
Walking with Jesus
How well do you know your Shepherd’s voice? Are you listening to Him everyday? There is no sweeter voice in all the world. He speaks to us through His written Word. Will you taken time to listen? Please take 10 minutes right now to read Psalm 42, to mediate on these 11 verses, then pray boldly and in faith for His wisdom and strength.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. Psalm 42:1
Once you hear the Master’s voice, you will know you are secure and hopeful.
Praying
Lord, thank You for leading me into the green pastures, and through the dark valleys.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
