10.30am All Saints Oakham, Morning Prayer
John 10.1-10
We are living in a world of many voices – and sometimes that makes for an uncomfortable place:-
Increasingly countries are beginning to legislate around our children’s access to the myriad of social media sites. Not simply because content is undesirable – but because it can be fatal.
Do you know who is the influencer with the most followers? Cristiano Ronaldo with 672 million. That’s a significant voice.
24 hour news channels bombard us with the voices of politicians across the world. And those voices are not telling the same story. And they are often voices which are violent and discordant.
And for some politicians in the UK, this week has been indeed a long time in politics, because the questions being raised are on this issue – “Can we believe what their voices are telling us?”
This 10th chapter of John’s gospel explores the same question. Whose voice should we listen to? Who do we want to lead us? Shepherds have a mixed press in the bible. They were often viewed as outcasts on the margin of society and untrustworthy. But – most importantly the image of the shepherd was used as a metaphor for leaders. 2 Samuel 5 records God’s words to David, as he is made king ‘It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.’ And Matthew quotes about the birth of Jesus in chapter 2.
‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’
So the metaphor of shepherd was very much one attached to rulers and leaders. And it’s very much why Jesus says in the verse that follows on from our gospel reading “I am the Good Shepherd”
i found myself asking the question What are the qualities that make for a good shepherd? And why is Jesus THE Good Shepherd? Why should we listen to the voice of Jesus?
John chapter 10 is a good place to go to answer this question. Let me mention 5 qualities that emerge from this part of the “word of God.”
1.Self-sacrificial love
Jesus says in vs 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This is Jesus’ declaring his willingness to give himself completely for others. It shows his desire to provide Protection and security, to a much greater degree than the hired hand or even the normal shepherd., A good shepherd defends the flock from danger. They are attentive to needs, protect the vulnerable, and show patience.
Jesus is portrayed as one who protects his followers spiritually and offers them safety and assurance. As Psalm 23 says “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” It is a faithful commitment and covenant.
2. Personal relationship
Jesus says “He calls his own sheep by name” “I have called you by your name you are mine. The divine Good Shepherd desires a personal relationship with us.It involves Patience and Gentleness. Not all sheep follow easily. A good shepherd remains calm, patient, and gentle, especially with the weak or stubborn. ” I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father.” (vs 14&15) You can’t get a relationship more intimate than that.
3. Guidance, direction and authority and Knowledge and Wisdom
True Leadership
“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.” This reflects guidance and following which is based on trust and integrity. There is a willingness to face risks or challenges to protect their flock—whether that’s confronting danger or standing up for what is right. A good shepherd understands the needs of the flock—when to move, where to find nourishment, and how to handle difficulties.Jesus the Good Shepherd doesn’t force, but leads in a way people can choose to follow.—not distant leadership, but relational care. “And I lay down my life for the sheep.” (vs 15) – Jesus claims authority (“I have authority to lay it down and take it up again”) but expresses it through service and sacrifice, not domination. In humility. It’s a very different leadership to what we see in today’s world.
4. Unity and inclusiveness
“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” vs16. Jesus speaks of “other sheep” not yet in the fold, pointing to a broader mission of gathering and uniting people beyond any single group.
5. Source of abundant life
Jesus says he came so that people “may have life, and have it abundantly,” highlighting a role that goes beyond protection—he brings fullness and purpose.
Jesus is the model of leadership; Jesus is the person to follow. Do you know how many Christians there are worldwide? 2.66billion. almost a third of the global population. Jesus is the voice to listen to.
Do you remember the record label HMV. Its’ trademark was a dog listening to a gramophone horn. HMV stood for “His Master’s voice”. Jesus is TMV – “THE master’s voice”.
One last thought. The text talks not just about listening to the voice but about knowing the voice. There is then a challenge “how well do we know the voice of the Good Shepherd”?