The Flock of Christ.
Our guiding scripture is found in John 10:27: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." In this simple yet profound statement, Jesus unveils the intimate relationship He has with His people and the characteristics that define His true followers.
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INTRODUCTION:
A. Jesus compares his people to a flock of sheep. This analogy is rich with meaning. Sheep are gentle, dependent creatures who rely entirely on their shepherd for guidance, protection, and sustenance.
B. The shepherd, the one who leads these sheep, is Christ; he gives his life for them (John 10:11). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, demonstrated the ultimate act of love by laying down His life for His sheep. His sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation and the measure of His care for us.
C. Christ wants a people with the character of these sheep: meek, humble, obedient. He wants there to be only one shepherd (John 10:16). He does not want many flocks, as there are today, much less many shepherds. Jesus desires unity among His followers, a single flock under His sole leadership. The divisions and competing voices we see in the world today stand in stark contrast to His desire for a unified body of believers, all listening to and following Him alone.
I. THEY ARE A SPECIAL FLOCK - “MY SHEEP.” JOHN 10:27
A. It expresses possession: “MY SHEEP.” We have been bought by him (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:19). Christ purchased us with His own precious blood; He gave His life for His sheep (John 10:11). We are not our own; we belong entirely to Him. He is our absolute owner, and this ownership is rooted in His sacrificial love.
B. Expresses character—Sheep, not wolves, even though many disguised themselves as sheep, but inwardly they are like ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). Christ's true flock possesses the gentle and dependent nature of sheep, not the predatory and self-serving nature of wolves.
1. Christ's flock is not like these false teachers:
◦ Who bring false teachings (Ravenous Wolves). They come with deceptive messages that deviate from the truth of the Gospel, seeking to devour and lead astray the flock.
◦ Who are cunning (Sheep's Clothing). They often present themselves with an outward appearance of piety and sincerity, masking their destructive intentions.
◦ Wolves tear their prey apart (Ezekiel 22:27). False teachers and those with a wolf-like spirit inflict damage and division within the body of Christ.
◦ The wolf scatters (John 10:12). Unlike the Good Shepherd who gathers His flock, those with malicious intent seek to disperse and fragment the believers.
◦ In Ephesus, after the departure of the apostle Paul, ferocious wolves would come who would not spare the flock (Acts 20:29). History and present experience testify to the constant threat of those who seek to harm and mislead Christ's sheep. The savage wolves within can often do more harm to the flock than enemies outside, sowing discord and undermining faith from within.
F. We must be Christ's sheep. Christ watches over them. "FEAR NOT, O LITTLE FLOCK" (Luke 12:32). As Christ's sheep, we are under His constant care and protection. His loving vigilance should dispel our fears and assure us of His unwavering presence.
G. Christ is the door for these sheep, and only in Him will we find pasture (John 10:9). Just as sheep enter the fold through the gate, we enter into spiritual nourishment and safety through Christ alone. For in Christ we find every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3), all that we need for life and godliness.
II. THEY ARE AN ATTENTIVE FLOCK - "THEY HEAR MY VOICE." JOHN 10:27.
A. Another characteristic of this flock is that they listen to the voice of Christ. True sheep recognize and heed the voice of their Shepherd.
B. If a stranger calls them, even in a gentle and pious voice, Christ's sheep are frightened and flee as if they have seen a wolf. The more the stranger calls, the faster the sheep will flee, but when the shepherd calls, they run to him. Genuine believers have a spiritual discernment that allows them to distinguish the true voice of Christ from the counterfeit voices of the world and false teachers. They are wary of anything that does not resonate with the truth they know in their hearts.
C. For the sheep hear his voice (John 10:3). The true sheep, those who belong to Christ, know his voice. He who truly belongs to God hears the words of God (1 John 4:6). Our ability to recognize Christ's voice comes from a relationship with Him, nurtured through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Those who are truly His will be attuned to His teachings.
D. They will never listen to a stranger (John 10:5). Christ's sheep are not easily swayed by novel doctrines or enticing but unbiblical teachings. Their loyalty lies with their Shepherd.
1. Christ came to all the people (John 1:11). But only a small group received him (John 1:12). While the invitation to be part of Christ's flock is extended to all, only those whose hearts are open and receptive will truly embrace Him.
2. He who is not of God does not hear his voice (1 John 4:6). Those who reject God's authority and truth will not be able to discern the voice of His Son.
3. He who is of God hears his voice (John 8:47). Those who have a genuine relationship with God will recognize and respond to the voice of Jesus.
III. THEY ARE A BELOVED FLOCK - “I KNOW THEM.” JOHN 10:27.
A. Jesus knows his sheep, that is why he calls them by name (John 10:3). The Good Shepherd has a personal and intimate knowledge of each of His followers.
B. To this day, Eastern shepherds name their sheep. They know their sheep, and the sheep know their shepherd. This cultural context highlights the deep, individual connection between the shepherd and each member of his flock.
C. Jesus knows them (John 10:14). And he cares for them; he gives his life for them (John 10:11). His knowledge is not merely intellectual; it is accompanied by profound love and sacrificial care.
D. When the Chief Shepherd appears, we will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away (1 Peter 5:4). Our faithful following of Christ will be rewarded with eternal glory when He returns.
E. When we are on the throne with Him, he will continue to shepherd us (Revelation 7:17). Even in the eternal realm, Christ will never cease to be our Shepherd, guiding us to springs of living water and wiping away every tear from our eyes. What a great blessing awaits those who are part of His flock!
IV. THEY ARE AN OBEDIENT FLOCK - "THEY FOLLOW ME." JOHN 10:27.
A. He leads them out because they follow him (John 10:3). The Shepherd initiates and guides, and His sheep willingly follow.
B. He goes before them, and they follow him (John 10:4). Christ sets the example, and His true followers walk in His footsteps.
C. They are very obedient; they listen to the shepherd. Their attentiveness to His voice translates into a willingness to obey His commands.
D. Those who follow the Lord will not be deceived by false teachers. Their allegiance to the true Shepherd provides a safeguard against being led astray.
E. They follow Him through His word, because it is the truth (John 17:17). Our obedience is rooted in our adherence to the teachings of Scripture, which is the very voice of our Shepherd.
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CONCLUSION:
Are we truly part of Christ's flock? Do we recognize His voice above all others? Are we attentive to His Word and obedient to His commands? Do we experience the intimate knowledge and loving care of our Good Shepherd? May we all strive to be true sheep of His pasture, following Him faithfully until we are gathered safely into His eternal fold. Amen.
