His sheep know His voice

Most are unfamiliar with the way an Eastern shepherd cared for and protected his sheep. Knowing a little of the cultural background of shepherding in Palestine will help us to understand why Jesus used the role of a shepherd as a fitting and powerful analogy. Our own need to be shepherded is no less true today even if we live in another age and culture. Likewise recognising the good Shepherd from those who are bogus shepherds is critical in every generation for the flock of God.

That a shepherd might be willing to put his own life on the line in order to protect his flock from thieves and robbers and wolves may surprise us. That Jesus should freely lay His life down for us and that the Father loves Him for doing so is far more difficult to comprehend. We are not simply cute little lambs that need rescuing but those who have gone our own rebellious way and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. No wonder such extravagant love fully validates His claim to be the good shepherd. It also gives us good reason to believe that no one can snatch us from His or His Father’s hands.