My sheep listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.

A group has gathered. Jesus is speaking to the Jews. They are again peppering Him with questions. “Are you the Messiah? Tell us plainly.” (John 10:24) He reminds them that he has told them, but they have a listening problem. Oh, I can relate to that, can’t you? He reminds them that they did not hear him because they are not his sheep. Sheep listen to their shepherd. I’m sure there was some confusion among them. “What do sheep have to do with us? I don’t want to be a sheep.”  What they didn’t understand was that they didn’t know Jesus the way He knew them. There was no relationship with the shepherd so they could not hear or follow.

When Jesus repeats Himself, it means to take notice. It’s important. He repeats the phrase “no one will snatch them out of my hand” twice in verses 28- 29. Wow, what a statement! That means we are protected. No one can take hold of us and grab us away. Not the enemy, not a coworker, no one.   That sure will make your heart feel safe and secure. That’s what shepherds do.

We lived in Germany for 3 years during my husband’s military career. Our temporary housing was in a small village. I loved to see and hear the sheep on the hillside near our home. Sheep are not the brightest animals out there, but they sure know who to follow. Because they know their shepherd’s voice, they will follow only him anywhere. They trust him and know that he will meet their every need by taking them to the best places to find grass to eat and fresh water to drink.  If we know and follow Jesus, we are his sheep. We can trust him to meet our every need. He knows best. Do you know this Shepherd? He knows you and wants the best for you. He wants to walk closely with you. Call out to him!

Dear Jesus, thank you that everything we need, we have in you. We don’t have to fear for tomorrow or wonder about what you think. We are your sheep. You care for us and have left the ninety-nine to rescue us. We are safe, we belong to you. Remind us of this truth and help us to share it with others. I love you, Lord. Amen.