Topical Bible: the Shepherd Christ: His Sheep: He Knows

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the metaphor of Christ as the Shepherd and His followers as sheep is a profound and recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. This imagery is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of ancient Israel and serves to illustrate the intimate and caring relationship between Jesus and His followers. The concept of Christ knowing His sheep is central to understanding His role as the Good Shepherd.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for this theme is found in the Gospel of John. Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me" (John 10:14). This statement emphasizes the mutual recognition and relationship between Christ and His followers. The knowledge that Christ has of His sheep is not merely intellectual but is deeply personal and relational.

Old Testament Background

The imagery of God as a shepherd is well-established in the Old Testament. Psalm 23 begins with the well-known line, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). This psalm portrays God as a provider, protector, and guide, roles that are later ascribed to Christ in the New Testament. Ezekiel 34 also speaks of God as a shepherd who seeks out His scattered sheep, a prophecy that finds fulfillment in Christ's ministry.

Christ's Knowledge of His Sheep

The knowledge that Christ has of His sheep is comprehensive and intimate. In John 10:3, Jesus says, "The sheep hear his voice; he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." This personal calling by name signifies a deep, individual knowledge and care. It reflects the shepherd's commitment to each sheep, knowing their needs, strengths, and weaknesses.

Furthermore, in Matthew 10:30, Jesus states, "Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." This hyperbolic expression underscores the extent of Christ's knowledge and care for His followers, indicating that nothing about them is hidden from Him.

The Shepherd's Sacrificial Love

Christ's knowledge of His sheep is intrinsically linked to His sacrificial love. In John 10:11, Jesus proclaims, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This sacrificial act is the ultimate demonstration of His love and commitment to His flock. It is through this sacrifice that the sheep are brought into a secure and eternal relationship with Him.

The Security of the Sheep

The knowledge and love of the Shepherd provide security for the sheep. In John 10:27-28, Jesus assures, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand." This promise of eternal security is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, rooted in the Shepherd's intimate knowledge and unwavering commitment.

The Response of the Sheep

The relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep is reciprocal. The sheep respond to the Shepherd's knowledge and care by listening to His voice and following Him. This obedience is not out of compulsion but is a natural response to the love and guidance of the Shepherd. As Jesus states, "Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me" (John 14:21).

Conclusion

The metaphor of Christ as the Shepherd who knows His sheep is a powerful depiction of the relationship between Jesus and His followers. It highlights His intimate knowledge, sacrificial love, and the security He provides, inviting believers to respond with trust and obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:14,27
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Good Shepherd
... The Shepherd's love is an individualised love ... He knows His flock as a flock because
He knows the units of ... which is personal love and sympathy, of Jesus Christ. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the good shepherd.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... the integrity of his heart, and guides you by the skilfulness of his hands ... to us
in the name which is given to our Lord Jesus Christ of "the good Shepherd"! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

The Good Shepherd
... our only hope lies in this, that in Christ the Lord ... and leads us his way, like a
good shepherd, when we ... the keys of death and hell, and knows his sheep in this ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxvii the good shepherd.htm

The Divine Shepherd
... of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him ... As the shepherd
goes before his sheep, himself first ... "When He putteth forth His own sheep ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 52 the divine shepherd.htm

Parable of the Good Shepherd. --The Parable Extended. --Christ the ...
... The Shepherd, entering in at the door, represents Christ, who offers ... His voice
harmonizes with the Divine drawing within them; they know it, and admit him ...
/.../section 200 parable of the.htm

Under the Shepherd's Care.
... always began where the life of CHRIST ended, at ... He remembereth that we are
dust.""Our SHEPHERD knows our weakness ... and when He puts forth His sheep He does not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/under the shepherds care.htm

Jesus the Good Shepherd.
... maintains the bond between Christ and the Christian. He knows His sheep and is known
by them. Often they do not know themselves;[35] but the Shepherd knows them ...
/.../xxi jesus the good shepherd.htm

The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd
... the sheep may increase its distance, the Shepherd follows. ... away we get the more tender
His appeal; the ... You cannot wear out Jesus Christ, you cannot exhaust the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the lost sheep and the.htm

The Good Shepherd.
... Son and the Son the Father, so is there a tender bond between the sheep of Christ
and the Good Shepherd. For them he was then giving and would give his life ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the good shepherd.htm

The Good Shepherd: a Farewell Sermon
... Do not you know, that when the sheep wander, the shepherd sends his dog after ... So
when Christ's sheep wander, he lets the devil go after them, and suffers ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the good shepherd a farewell.htm