But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers. John 10:5 NABRE
Jesus shares His idea of the Good Shepherd. Shepherding is familiar to the people and they understand the sheep depend on the shepherd, without the shepherd they are timid, fearful and wouldn’t do anything. It is the presence of the shepherd who makes the sheep feel secure. Jesus uses this image of Himself as a Shepherd to care for the sheep, He understands the sheep and He wants to care for the sheep as they have never been cared for before. The leaders, priests and people who are meant to lead the people have never done a good job according to Jesus. He views them as shepherds the people would not follow. He also shares the people will noy follow a stranger, someone who wants to promise good things but does not care for the sheep. God spoke long ago through the prophet Ezekiel that the shepherds were not caring for the sheep. God said He Himself will come care for the sheep and we read in this passage Jesus taking on that responsibility, the Holy One of God.
Following a stranger is never something we want to do. But more to the point, Jesus wants the people to know who to follow, He wants to be known by them and He wants the people to listen to His voice. Jesus has come so people know God is willing to do anything to care for the people. We hear from pastors who seek power and security more then the care of the people. These pastors are stranger’s and should not be followed. In fact, they should be condemned by all leaders in the family of Christ. If a pastor cares more about the kingdom of the USA than the kingdom of God, they are strangers in the eyes of God.
Who is your shepherd? Do you consider only the Good Shepherd as the one to follow?
Jesus wants the people to know who to follow, He wants to be known by them and He wants the people to listen to His voice. Jesus has come so people know God is willing to do anything to care for the people. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #follow #shepherd #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways