What is the meaning of John 10:27? My sheep Jesus opens with ownership. We belong to Him. Just as a shepherd counts every lamb, He counts us as His own. Psalm 23:1 echoes, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In John 10:14-16 He says, “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep … I must bring them in as well.” Peter adds, “You were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd” (1 Peter 2:25). Key truths: • Identity: We are defined first by whose we are, not by what we do. • Security: The shepherd guards His flock (Ezekiel 34:11-16). • Unity: One flock under one Shepherd—no believer is left outside the fold. listen to My voice Sheep survive by recognizing their shepherd’s call. Jesus says, “The sheep listen for his voice” (John 10:3-4). Across Scripture God keeps speaking: • Revelation 3:20—He knocks and calls us to table fellowship. • Hebrews 3:7-8—“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • Isaiah 30:21—A whisper behind you, “This is the way; walk in it.” Listening means: – Attentiveness: tuning out competing noises. – Obedience: not just hearing but responding with trust. – Relationship: we hear because we are already His sheep. I know them Knowledge here is intimate and personal. 2 Timothy 2:19 assures, “The Lord knows those who are His.” Jesus is not merely aware of data about us; He loves us deeply. Galatians 4:9 reminds that we are “known by God.” Nahum 1:7 promises He “cares for those who trust in Him.” Practical comfort: • He knows every weakness and still claims us. • He guides with perfect wisdom because nothing about us is hidden. • His knowledge guarantees eternal security—He will not lose a single sheep (John 10:28-29). and they follow Me Hearing leads to motion. The true mark of belonging is discipleship: “The sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4-5). Jesus later says, “Whoever serves Me must follow Me” (John 12:26). Following involves: – Daily surrender: “Take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23; Matthew 16:24). – Separation: refusing the voice of strangers and false shepherds. – Perseverance: Revelation 14:4 pictures saints who “follow the Lamb wherever He goes,” even through hardship. It is not optional; it is the inevitable outcome of real hearing and real knowing. summary John 10:27 paints a complete portrait of the believer’s relationship with Christ. We are His possession (“My sheep”), His attentive listeners (“listen to My voice”), His intimately loved ones (“I know them”), and His obedient followers (“they follow Me”). The verse invites confident rest in His care and active commitment to walk wherever the Shepherd leads. |
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