Hear His Voice

Following the Voice of the Good Shepherd

Bible Passage: John 10:1–6

Summary: In John 10:1–6, Jesus introduces Himself as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing the relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep. He contrasts true shepherds with thieves and robbers, illustrating the security and guidance the true Shepherd provides.

Application: This passage helps believers understand their identity as sheep who are called to follow the Good Shepherd, Jesus. It encourages Christians to discern His voice amidst the chaos of the world, bringing hope and clarity to those who feel lost or misguided in their spiritual journey.

Teaching: The nature of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who protects, guides, and knows His sheep intimately. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to His voice and the dangers of following false leaders.

Big Idea: We must recognize and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, who guides us through life with His love and wisdom.

Introduction

Good morning,

This morning we jump back into the Gospel of John, but we are moving ahead to the 10th Chapter. To give a little recap, last time we were in John 8 and ended at verse 47. The remainder of chapter 8 has Jesus continuing to defend claims about himself. He is called a Samartian, demon possessed, and a liar. He defends himself against these claims, again discussing his relationship with the Father. They really didnt like him discussing Abraham and claiming that He existed before Abraham was born. They were so mad that they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus got away. Chapter 9 we see another miracle as Jesus heals the man born blind. The discussion arose as to who sinned, because surely someone had to sin for this man to be born blind. There is a sermon right there. Many of us think that bad things only happen to bad people. That if we are going through something, or if someone else is, surely they had to fail. Jesus corrects them and tells them that no one sinned. But that it happened so that the “works of God might be displayed on Him.” The man is healed and brought to the Pharisees they launched into another investigation of Jesus. They had to confirm the validity of the healing. They could not believe it, and they cast the man out claiming a sinful life. Jesus hears this and finds the man, then he teaches on spiritual blindness. Some Pharisees were with the man, and hearing Jesus’ teaching they ask him if they are blind as well. That leads us to our passage for today. Chapter 10 is the final public address given by Christ.

John 10:1–6 NIV

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

1. Beware of the Thief

John 10:1 NIV

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.

Maybe you could start by exploring the characteristics of thieves and robbers, as depicted by Jesus in this verse, to caution against false teachings and spiritual dangers. This point highlights the importance of recognizing deceit and being vigilant, contextualized by understanding Jesus as the true Shepherd. Connecting to everyday life, perhaps encourage the congregation to discern voices in their lives and only let in those consistent with Christ’s teachings, underpinning the need for spiritual wisdom against deception.

This singular verse holds so much truth for us. As Jesus is responding to the Pharisees. After their interrogation of the healed blind man. They ask him if they are blind. Again, this has been a point of contention, and this is something that we as Christians, and Christian leaders have to understand to hold close.

Sheep pen=Sheep fold

Place of safety

There would be many flocks in one fold

A shepherd would enter, and call his sheep and only his would come.

The gate is important

The sheep would be in a guarded area, if there was a gate you had someone called the watchman, he knew the shepherds and allowed the proper ones in and kept the wrong ones out.

It is the theives who would jump the wall or fence, try to get around the shepherd and lead the sheep astray.

Not coming in the gate shows ill intent

How are we leading people today? Are we passing through the gate?

Sheep and Shepherds are used a lot in the imagery of Scripture. That is because of the frailty of the sheep, how much they need the shepherd, and how important the job of the shepherd truly is.

2. Recognize the Shepherd

John 10:2–3 NIV

The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Perhaps delve into how the Shepherd enters through the gate, signifying authenticity and rightful authority. Jesus is described as the Shepherd who enters by the way prepared, demonstrating His legitimate leadership and worthiness to be followed. In these verses, you could emphasize our need to listen for the voice of Christ above the noise, suggesting practical ways for developing this ability through prayer, study, and fellowship. This invites believers to align their lives with His call and resist the allure of unworthy leaders.

As Sheep we must know the shepherd, we must recognize his voice.

Jesus is the true shepherd, that God, as watchmen, has allowed in

As followers of Christ we must know his voice

It’s like knowing the voice of our parents

The Dad whistle

Jesus calls us out, as we accept him, we know his voice and he protects us

We are surrounded by society, and many voices calling for our attention. We should hone in on His voice as He calls.

3. Follow His Voice

John 10:4–6 NIV

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

You could focus on the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, where the sheep follow because they know his voice. This mindset encourages followers of Christ to cultivate a deep understanding and connection with Him. Perhaps discuss ways to attune to Christ’s voice through spiritual disciplines. Address how genuine sheep flee from strangers, showcasing the protective nature of familiarity with Christ. Tie in the centrality of Jesus in guiding our decisions and safeguarding our spiritual journey against detrimental influences.

We follow his voice

Reading his Word

If we truly know his voice we will not follow a stranger

We should run from those trying to lead us astray.

It tells us the Pharisees did not understand

Do you?

Do you know his voice?

Can you distinguish it from every other voice trying to pull you away?