Sheep follow the Good Shepherd, and that is what distinguishes those who follow Jesus on the narrow path from those who take the broad road of the world. Jesus speaks to us about this narrow road. Matthew 7:13You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [1]
Are you allowing Jesus to lead you on the narrow road today? In my own life, there have been times when I strayed from the path, trusting in my own abilities instead of letting the Good Shepherd guide me. Perhaps you have done the same. We often relinquish control of our lives to Him, only to reclaim it when situations diverge from our plans.
Sometimes, we even abandon the mission God has set for us right then and there because it’s not one we would have personally chosen. As I traveled this path, the Lord kept calling me back to the narrow road. Through His grace, He helped me see that the world’s road is deceptive. God’s patience with us as we struggle in life is one of our greatest blessings.
Sheep Listen to the Voice of Jesus
Something happens when followers of Jesus set aside their free will to listen to and obey the Good Shepherd. As Jesus spoke to the Jewish religious leaders, they had contempt for Him because they were not people of faith. They knew about God and were familiar with the Scriptures, but they did not truly recognize the Messiah standing before them.
John 10:26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.[2] Just as sheep recognize and respond instinctively to their shepherd’s voice, believers also find comfort and guidance in Jesus’ teachings. This recognition reflects a deep, ongoing relationship rooted in trust and familiarity.
Hearing Jesus’ voice is more than just hearing sounds; it’s about truly understanding, willingly accepting, and sincerely obeying His words. When a believer truly begins to follow the Good Shepherd’s voice, it transforms our lives because we are no longer following our own path.
Following the Good Shepherd Leads to Eternal Life
Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life on the cross so our sins could be forgiven and for us to be called to faith. With faith in Jesus, our lives are transformed both in this life and in eternity. It is hard for me to comprehend the blessings of eternal life and living in heaven forever with the Lord, all believers, and His angels.
Paul says that heaven is so wonderful we can’t imagine how good it is. This is what awaits those who follow the Good Shepherd. 1 Corinthians 1:9No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. [3]
To learn how sheep follow the Good Shepherd, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
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