The apostle John recorded Jesus saying that He was the good Shepherd of the sheep: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. {2} "But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. {3} "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. {4} "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. {5} "Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." {6} Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. .... {11} "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep"" (John 10:1-6, 11).

Notice verse 6. Jesus used this illustration, but His disciples did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Did you understand this passage of scripture? Did you understand that Jesus is the shepherd and His disciples are the sheep? Let’s notice verses 3 and 4 again: "the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. {4} "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."

Do you know the voice of the Shepherd? If Jesus Christ were to return today, would you know His voice? Two thousand years ago, when Jesus came the first time, the Pharisees and most of the other religious leaders of His day did not know Him. They did not recognize His voice. They eventually crucified Him on the cross. Only a few of the religious leaders believed on Him. Nicodemus was one of the few Pharisees who did. The apostle John recorded Nicodemus as saying: "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him" (John 3:2).

It seems that the Jews always wanted to see signs and Jesus said that the ONLY sign He would give would be that He would be in the heart of the earth (in the tomb) for three days and three nights (Matthew 12:38-40). How do you get three days and three nights from Good Friday sunset to Easter Sunday morning? Do you believe the voice of Jesus Christ your shepherd or not?

Jesus and the Pharisees had much in common. Jesus and the Pharisees were Jews, they kept the commandments, the seventh day Sabbath and God’s seven annual Holy Days. But, Jesus condemned the Pharisees and the religious leaders every chance He could. Why? Because they were setting a horrible example. Let’s notice what Jesus said to them: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. ... {25} "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. {26} "Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. {27} "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. {28} "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:23-28).

Let’s learn from the voice of our Shepherd. We need to learn from Jesus’ admonition to the Pharisees and to set a holy example in living our lives by doing the weightier matters of the law, by having mercy, faith and living in a just and righteous way.

Let’s learn another lesson from the Pharisees. Jesus said that they put more emphasis on their traditions rather than in keeping God’s commandments: "And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' {8}"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men; the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." {9} He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition" (Mark 7:7-9).

And what about you? Do you worship God in vain by keeping the commandments of men and holding fast to your traditions such as keeping the world’s holidays rather than keeping the commandments of God, His seventh day Sabbaths and seven annual Holy Days?

Do you know the Shepherd’s voice? What would Jesus say? Jesus said: "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).

If Jesus Christ were to return just like He did the first time - Would people accept Him or crucify Him?
Christ would be exposing the T.V. evangelists who preach "another Jesus" (2 Corinthians 11:4). He would reprove the politicians, news media and the people in the entertainment business. Jesus Christ did NOT write the book: "How to win friends and influence people?" He would not win any popularity contests.

This is why, when He returns, he will return in power and in glory and ready to rule as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:6).

In conclusion: Do you know the Shepherd’s voice? How do you know that you know? The only way is through prayer and Bible study. We must maintain a close relationship with God the Father and Jesus His son. We must "Read the Book!" The shepherd spent much time with His sheep. Since we, as God’s people, are compared to sheep, we then must spend much time with our Shepherd. How do we do this? We do it through daily Prayer and Bible study.

Remember what Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own" (John 10:14).

Do you know the Shepherd’s voice?

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