John 10:27-28
As Jesus said, ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand’
Sheep that stray beyond the shepherd’s care are like lost souls adrift, vulnerable to every whim and false guidance. Without guidance, sheep are easily stained by the world, lacking direction and susceptible to false shepherds. For this reason Jesus entrusted Peter with a sacred mandate: ‘Feed My Sheep’ (John 21:17). By tenderly feeding the flock, spiritual nourishment is provided, ensuring their well-being and guiding them along the right path. This divine care protects them from the ravages of sin and error, keeping them secure in the Shepherd’s loving grasp.
Similarly, a flock without a shepherd is like a ship without a captain – adrift, uncertain, and at the mercy of the waves. Without a steady hand, it drifts by ripples forces, lost at sea, unsure of its destination or purpose.
John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
But how can you feed without the word?
As Jesus said, ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life.
Eternal life is found in Him and sustained in the knowledge of Him, which takes us back to the Word of God for in understanding it we gain light. Jesus Himself declared, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). Simon Peter reaffirmed this truth, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Abide in His word, keep within the confines of the shepherd.
John 6:68
Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’
In essence, the Word of God is the Shepherd’s staff, a symbol of His: comforting presence, guiding wisdom, restoring power, protecting care and Life-giving nourishment. Through Scripture, the Shepherd tenderly draws us near, fostering intimacy and growth as a shepherd draws His sheep closer to Him (Psalm 23:2-3). Eternal life is rooted in the Word of God, where His voice guides and directs us. To abide in His Word is to remain within the confines of the Shepherd’s care.
Mathew: 21:28-31
²⁸“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’²⁹He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.³⁰Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.³¹Which of the two did the will of his father?”
Knowing God’s Word is essential as it is through His Word that we can have a deeper understanding of who He is as well as hear His leading voice. The Pharisees’ mistake warns us: studying Scripture without recognizing Jesus as the source of life is futile (John 5:39-40). We must not only read the Word but also respond to its testimony about Jesus, in other words, find Jesus in the word, move beyond intellectual understanding , live out His word.
Prophetic Utterance:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Guiding Text:
Revelation 3:3
‘Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief.’