Have you ever heard someone describing another person by using the name of an animal? Often this is done as an insult against a person - but not always. To call a person a stupid donkey, or a cow, or a rat is insulting. How would you like to be compared to an animal?
I am quite happy to be compared to the animal we hear about in this story. You will find out some reasons why if you listen carefully.
One day Jesus said that those who trusted and followed Him were like 'sheep’ (John 10:26-27.)
It is important that we realise that Jesus was comparing His followers to sheep in Eastern countries. There sheep would not be left out in the fields unguarded. A good shepherd would have a sheep pen in which he could shelter his sheep at night, to keep them safe from thieves and wild animals. (verses 1-2.) Only the true shepherd would be able to enter through the gate with, or for, his sheep. (verses 2-3.)
Jesus compared Himself to the "gate". "I am the gate;" He said, "whoever enters through Me will be saved." (verse 9.)
In Eastern countries the shepherd spends much time with his sheep; protecting them, guiding them and providing for them. 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." (verse 3-4.) The sheep willingly follow their shepherd; they do not have to be forced to go with him!
Do YOU love to spend time with JESUS? Do you see Him as YOUR "Good Shepherd"? Do you like to spend time listening to what He says by reading from His Word, the Holy Bible, each day? Do you like to spend time with Him in prayer? Or would you only follow Jesus if you were forced to?
If you don't like doing these sort of things then you are obviously NOT one of Jesus' true sheep!
Another thing that marks out Jesus' true sheep is that they will not be easily tricked by "strangers"!
They know not to listen to ANYONE who tries to take the place only Jesus should have! (verse 5.)
They know that Jesus is the only "gate" that gets a person to God and Heaven so they will not depend on any other person. (John 14:6. Acts 4:12.) Are YOU trusting only in Jesus to save you?
They know that it is Jesus' voice - His message - that is the all-important one, so they do not get confused when some religion or priest or teacher says something different than Jesus! (John 12:48.)
They know the true message about God is that which was brought to us by Jesus Christ, and that it is only found in the HOLY BIBLE. (John 1:1,14. 5:39.)
They know that true prayer is only possible through knowing and trusting Jesus Christ, and coming to God through Him, so they don't try to come to God through other people. (1 Timothy 2:2-6.)
Make sure today that you are one of Jesus' true sheep.
Read these things Jesus said about them in John's Gospel chapter 10, verses 1-9.
John Nixon, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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