Jesus is nailing down a very important concept that his Jewish detractors seem to have missed. It is a simple thought that makes all the difference in the world. I have discovered that there are many sincere believers who miss this concept from two totally opposite positions.
Here’s the concept. First, there are sheep that belong to Jesus. Sheep, I gather, in their pea-sized minds, must make a choice to belong to their shepherd. They may not be the brightest of the field animals, but they can make a choice to follow the man who seems to have their best interests in mind. They can also choose not to follow the Good Shepherd, and go after another non-altruistic and deeply unscrupulous guardian. Second, those sheep who have “chosen” to belong to the Good Shepherd hear (and recognize) his voice. They still have a choice to follow or not to follow, but they recognize the voice of good shepherd.
Third, Jesus knows his sheep. He knows them because they are his. He loves his sheep and is willing to die for them (John 10:11). They are his because He chose them first, but also because they chose to be chosen by responding to his love for them. Finally, his sheep follow him. That’s about all they can do. Sheep are mostly helpless after that. He provides. He protects. He defends, He rescues, He redeems—he does everything for the sheep. The sheep follow. They remain sheep—foolish, feeble, fickle, feisty, frolicking, and foolish balls of fur. But we are his, and no one can pull snatch us away from Him (with the exception of us!)
I don’t know about you, but I will take my chances with the Good Shepherd. My future is not in doubt. I am his and He is mine! All I need to do is follow him when I hear his voice. And when I fail to follow, all I need to do is cry out (bleat?) and He will respond to my voice and return me to his fold.
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