The Voice of the Shepherd

Do you know it? How does one know it?

The gospel of John is well-known for the I AM statements of Jesus. We’ve already seen a couple. This morning’s is the third in the gospel.

For us this morning, the image he uses might not resonate in our 21st century culture very much (unless you happen to be a sheep farmer, and a 1st century Galilean shepherd at that). Even so, John tells us that apparently those listening the first time around didn’t get it, either.

But perhaps you can imagine it through Jesus’ further illustration regarding the voice of the shepherd. Is there anyone you know whose voice you would recognize just based on hearing a few words? If so, it’s likely because you’ve been around that voice enough to know it. Perhaps you even know it in such ways that its intonation, volume level, and pace can tell you how that person is feeling about what they’re saying to you.

Perhaps it’s your mother’s voice. :-)

How does one gain this recognition with the voice of the shepherd himself, Jesus? We don’t have access to his physical voice. Well, most people don’t. Some say they hear an audible voice of God or Jesus, but not all Christians seem to have that same experience.

But we do all have access to the person and character of his voice. When we remember this image is used in the context of a shepherd - the one who cares for the sheep - we can identify a character-voice that is nurturing and of a particular concern for safety and well-being. But we also know that such a voice can be corrective.

Regardless, we won’t know the voice if we don’t pay attention to it over time, listening to scripture and seeking that voice through prayer and meditation upon it.

John 10:1-10

I assure you that whoever doesn’t enter into the sheep pen through the gate but climbs over the wall is a thief and an outlaw. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The guard at the gate opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Whenever he has gathered all of his sheep, he goes before them and they follow him, because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger but will run away because they don’t know the stranger’s voice.” Those who heard Jesus use this analogy didn’t understand what he was saying.

So Jesus spoke again, “I assure you that I am the gate of the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and outlaws, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.

Prayer

God,

In the beginning you used your voice to make things. In the garden, you spoke to Adam. You spoke to Abram, calling him to you. In the fiery bush, you spoke to Moses. You spoke to and through prophets like Samuel and Jeremiah. And you spoke to those who would otherwise be nameless but are not because you chose to speak to them - Hagar, Elizabeth, Mary and the like.

I want to know your voice, Lord. Speak to me. Help me know you in such a way that your voice is sure, clear, and directive.

And help me know your love for me.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.