God's Mission

John 10:22-30

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.
~ Jesus,
John 10:27-28

Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims

22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe 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 shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Pondering Point

Part of the Jesus- sheep relationship is not just having the ability to “hear His voice,” but using it in our prayer life: learning to listen as well as speak. His will (and His voice) are intent on keeping you safe and giving you life – in fact “abundant life” to quote Jesus in John 10:10.

What other voices get your attention? Are they aligned with God’s will or conflicting with Him and His ways? Are these voices competing for your time and energies. Try to determine the people and influences you’re taking direction from. Which voices drive you – compel you? Could you say that God and His relationship with you get the best of who you are – time, energy and resources? It is also good to ask yourself, “what has God already nudged me to do that I’m not following through on?” or “where have I drifted in following God’s ways, falling into disobedience unintentionally?”