Thoughts for the Day

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

One of the best loved images of Jesus is as the Good Shepherd, and we are accustomed to seeing Him carrying a sheep. But there is more to this than a rose tinted picture. Jesus says in today's little passage of scripture which is only found in John's Gospel that this involves His leadership (or lordship) of the flock. He describes this role by saying, “My sheep hear My voice.” Only the Lord’s true sheep will follow and obey Him because they know and recognize His voice. Jesus told his adversaries: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me”

This little illustration sees the sheepfold as a place of temporary rest. We might think today of the Church family as a place of shelter - for those who come to church have heard the call of the Shepherd - but this doesn't mean we are free from attack by the world. However, we should remember that despite danger ultimately it is Jesus who leads us, having already laid down His life for us. He doesn’t have to push or prod us to follow Him but guides us by walking ahead of us. And we His sheep hear His voice, and recognize Him as our leader.

These statements pack lots of Christian doctrine in them, which it's worth revisiting in Lent. Put simply, we believe that Jesus Christ called us into a relationship with Him - by our name - and that hearing that call we have followed His voice. Jesus promises 'eternal' life, and that death is not the end, for those who belong to the Good Shepherd belong to God the Father and are His for ever.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You drew a picture of Yourself
as the Good Shepherd of us, Your sheep.
May we continue to follow Your lead,
ignoring the call of the secular world,
but following the example You set in life
to worship God and to serve others.
Amen.