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John 10:1-10

Recognize the Voice

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John 10:1-10

Recognize the Voice

By Lois Parker Edstrom

There are many types of voices in the world. Think about the voices you hear as you go about your day. We become very familiar with our parents’ voices. From the time we are babies our parents speak to us, sing to us, and read to us. We can tell who is calling us to come in for dinner just by listening to the voice.

Animals have distinct voices. A cow’s voice sounds different from a cat’s voice. The voice of a wild goose is unlike that of a songbird. A pig’s voice is very unusual; it is different from any other animal’s voice and may even make us laugh.

In the Holy Land shepherds, caregivers of sheep, bring their flocks to a place where the animals can drink water. Several flocks of sheep mix together. When it is time to leave the area the shepherd goes to a hill and calls his sheep. They recognize his voice, separate out from the other flocks, and follow him.

Jesus uses this example as a way to describe himself. He says, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

Jesus uses this example as a way to describe himself. He says,“He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out” (10:3). “Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (10:4).

Jesus tells us that he is the good shepherd. He is our caregiver. We hear the voice of Jesus through his words which are recorded in the Bible. Although we may not be able to hear the sound of his voice in our ears, as we study the Bible and become more familiar with what Jesus said, we can recognize and know the truth of his words in our hearts.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2007, Richard Niell Donovan