The Sheep Follow Him

In John chapter 10, Jesus uses a parable about a shepherd and his flock of sheep to convey the nature of His relationship with His people.

“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” – John 10:2-4

In comparing us to sheep, Jesus explains some profoundly comforting truths about His deep love for us as the Good Shepherd. The people Jesus spoke this parable to were able to easily connect with His analogy of sheep and shepherd. It was commonly known that shepherds in those days raised their sheep primarily in the Judean uplands. This landscape was rocky and hilly; it was filled with dangerous ravines, crevices, and wild animals. Lush green pastures were few and far between. It is also known that sheep cannot be herded. A shepherd is not able to walk behind the sheep, goading them forward as they successfully read the path ahead of them and choose the correct way. Sheep must be led.

Those listening to Jesus’ parable knew this well. They knew that a shepherd was familiar with the landscape and the dangers therein. He knew which ways to lead the sheep to keep them from falling into ravines. He knew the safest route toward finding nourishment in the right pastures and rest beside refreshing streams. They knew that a shepherd would protect his fold from wolves and other wild animals that sought to kill. They knew that on their own, without a shepherd to lead them, the sheep would quickly perish; they would die alone in the desert, far away from life within the safe green pasture they were supposed to reach.

A shepherd also did not lead his sheep as a group only; he developed a relationship of love and trust with each individual sheep. He called each one of his sheep by name, and the soothing sound of his voice inspired familiarity, love, and trust within the sheep; so much so that they followed without hesitation. The key element of the relationship between sheep and shepherd is trust.

We know that all these things are true of us and of our Savior too. Just as the Judean highlands were a dangerous landscape filled with unpredictable threat, so is our walk on this earth. As we tread slowly through this life, we plainly feel the danger surrounding us on every side, towering ever higher. Our eyes dart around in fear as the path winds upward through steep, rocky hills. We grapple with a barren landscape of cancer, disease, bodily injury, loss, and death of loved ones. We stumble through thorny brambles of anxiety, pain, and heartache. Peace and rest seem far beyond our reach…safety is miles and miles away. Deep ravines of depression, hopelessness and despair threaten to swallow us up in darkness and loneliness. Wolves seek to steal, to kill and destroy.

We cannot successfully and safely read the path ahead of us; we cannot choose the correct way. Perhaps even the most dangerous threat is the blackness within that continually tempts us to wander away from our Savior. Apart from the faith He gives us, we would surely believe the Devil whispering lies into our ears as we walk, promising that there is satisfaction and life to be found in the desert, that there is hope at the bottom of the ravine. If left to our own devices, we would surely choose the path that goes the opposite direction of the one our Savior treads. We would never find nourishment, rest, peace, or life; no, we would quickly perish, suffering and then dying alone in the desert.

But we are not alone. We are not left to find our own way. There is the Good Shepherd who loves us deeply. He is a Shepherd who gently and precisely leads. He is a Shepherd who knows every one of us intimately, calling each of us by name. He knows perfectly every single need of each sheep. He tenderly carries the little lambs in His arms. He gently leads those that are with young. He moves slowly and patiently for the injured, the sick, the downcast, and the elderly. His Voice soothes, filling our hearts with love. His Words ignite faith and hope within our souls, instilling trust in our very core. Yes, through this walk we will feel pain and heartache, hurt and loss, hunger and thirst. We will face fear of the unknown and anxiety as we cannot see ahead to every step through the rocky hills. But we follow a loving Savior who knows the way. He even knows which threats are most dangerous to which sheep. He has promised to lead us through the danger and onward to green pastures. He has promised to direct our steps – along even the rockiest paths – upward to still, refreshing waters. We don’t need to see those landscapes with our own eyes in order to trust that He is taking us there. We just need to see His feet ahead of us. We just press in around Him, taking one step at a time on the path to Eternity. We just absorb every word of preaching and immerse ourselves in His Words found in the Scriptures, clinging to the sound of His Voice because our lives depend on it. We know that He loves us, and we love Him because of it. Even though the landscape around us is dangerous and screams of suffering and death, His familiar and loving Voice calling each of our names can easily be heard through the turmoil. He is always leading us onward to rest, to peace, to life.

He loves us enough to lead us and guide us through every step. He loves us so deeply that He gave His own life so that we can have life everlasting. Keep following Him, keep listening for the sound of His Voice. Keep lifting your feet even when each step feels like agony. Trust that He is still leading you exactly where you need to go. The path beneath your feet is steep and rocky…you are tired and hurt and aching for relief. He knows. He feels every ounce of your heartbreak, knows your every need. He hears every cry and sees every tear. He loves you deeply and personally. He calls you to stay close behind Him, to trust, to follow Him in love. Trust Him, keep following. Believe that the green pastures of peace and the cool streams overflowing with life are just ahead.

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

John 10:14-15

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

Isaiah 40:11

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Psalm 23