“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

John 10:27 (NLT)

There was once an experiment to test whether sheep truly recognize and follow only their own shepherd’s voice. Three different shepherds were placed with three different flocks. Each shepherd was asked to call out to sheep that did not belong to him. No matter how skilled or trained the shepherds were, none of the sheep responded, because the voice was not their shepherd’s.

But when the rightful shepherd of each flock called out, something remarkable happened. The sheep immediately recognized the familiar sound and came running to him. They knew his voice, trusted him, and followed him because they had built that bond through daily care. Their shepherd was the one who fed them, gave them water, protected them from predators, and tended to them when they were sick.

This shows us a beautiful truth: sheep build trust with their shepherd because of relationship and consistency. A hired hand may abandon the sheep when danger comes, but the good shepherd stays and lays down his life for them. Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. He laid down His very life so that we might be saved from sin and death.

The Bible says His sheep hear His voice. Jesus invites us into fellowship with Him so that we may learn to recognize His voice and stay attentive to who is truly calling us. If sheep could follow the voice of anyone, they would be easily stolen. And even killed. In the same way, if we listen to voices other than Christ’s, we can be deceived or led astray.

God designed us as spiritual beings with the ability to hear His voice—far greater than sheep recognizing their shepherd. But to tune our ears to Him, we must cultivate a relationship with Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd who leads us to green pastures, who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, and who protects us with His rod and staff. With Him, we are safe, shielded, and provided for.

We must be aware of those who pretend to come as our shepherd. The voice of Jesus is unique, and it is heard clearly through the Word of God. Unlike other voices, His voice does not condemn. His voice does not abandon. His voice does not bring fear. Instead, it brings comfort, healing, peace, provision, and protection.

When we follow His voice, Jesus assures us that no one can snatch us from His hand:

“…no one can snatch them away from me.”

John 10:28 (NLT)

Is anyone or anything powerful enough to snatch us from His strong and able hands?

Choose the Shepherd.

Choose the Good Shepherd, Jesus.

If you do, you shall never be in want again.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, teach me to hear and follow only Your voice. Keep me safe in Your care, protect me from deception, and lead me daily into Your peace, provision, and love. Amen.