Shepherds and Flock

Since today is Mother's Day, I will start by saying happy Mother's Day to my mom in case she's watching. Also to remind her that I gave her the gift of my presence just a week ago so don't expect anything in the mail today. I love you girl. On days like today I am reminded of the character of my mother and grandmother. When I was younger, I admired their determination and grace to care for our family. I grew up in a household that was myself, my sister, brother, mother and grandmother for a long time. I have a large family so there were always other people around, but most days it was just us. My mother worked very hard to provide and even went back to school to finish her college education. My grandmother managed the household and always welcomed children into our home.

They were the shepherds of our family flock and boy were we a handful. Most days my mother worked later into the evening, which meant grandma was in charge and on the weekends there always seemed to be an abundance of children at the house. Like sheep we would wander around the house, inside and out, looking for ways to occupy our time or stay out of trouble depending on the day. Like a good shepherd my mother and grandmother would make sure we were safe, fed and loved. It takes patience to love, it takes discipline to love, it takes joy to love, and they each showed all these qualities. So, I give thanks on days like today when I am certain they loved their herd of wandering sheep and give more thanks that none of us got lost.  

Background 

At this point in the Gospel of John, Jesus is fully engulfed by his ministry. All who have heard of him and have seen him are filled with more curiosity than ever. However, with this curiosity comes a lot of skepticism and resentment. Here in the Gospel of John we find Jesus described as a good shepherd, which isn’t found any place else. Jesus is among the people in Jerusalem during the Festival of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, so there are crowds all around trying to get into the temple to celebrate. They have probably been together for a few days, which has led them to flood Jesus with questions about who he is, because many of them probably came a long way and have been hearing about this Jesus guy.  

A quick reminder that the Gospel of John is not like the others. It’s a book with an anonymous author, although we attribute it to the apostle John, but it is written with the purpose of drawing people closer to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We may not know who the author is, but we do know that the author was sure that Jesus is God the Son, who loves the world and is the light of the world. The book features many “I AM” statements about Jesus reminding us of the certainty of who Jesus is within this book.  

Prior to our passage today Jesus describes himself as a shepherd and warns of the danger of those who try to steal sheep from the shepherd.  Jesus says “ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…” He is telling the Jews exactly who he is and how he cares for the flock. He also says  “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  

This is the beginning of chapter 10, just a few verses before our passage today. What more information could the Jews need? Then it says in verse 19 “Again the Jews were divided because of these words.” Why would they be divided? Why don’t they understand who he is?  

Skepticism. It creeps in when we are uncertain. At this time in history, they truly lived by word of mouth so of course they don’t trust it. I think for many of them they were not asking who you are, but rather can I trust you to keep me safe? In a world filled with uncertainty, one of the most pressing questions we face is this: "Am I safe?" Not just physically, but spiritually—eternally. In this passage, Jesus gives us a resounding answer that they couldn’t understand. This passage is a powerful reminder that those who belong to Jesus are known, called, and kept by Him. 

It’s the Feast of Dedication, and Jesus is walking in the temple. The Jewish leaders surround Him, demanding a clear statement: “How long will you keep us in suspense…If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly!"  

But Jesus responds not with a new claim, but by pointing to His works and the relationship He has with His sheep. 

Remember in the verses just before this Jesus introduces himself as the good shepherd and then we see him differentiate between: those who listen and believe, and those who listen and question. He says “I have told you, and you do not believe… My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” 

Jesus reveals Himself not just through words but through works—His miracles, compassion, and authority. He points them back to all the ways that he has shown up for them, he performed signs and miracles, he knows them by name. Then he says if you are my sheep you know my voice. Hearing Jesus' voice is more than listening; it's recognizing, trusting, and responding. It's relational, not merely informational. When Jesus is approached by anyone seeking information or help, he gives more than they anticipated, and he calls them to action. Also, his sheep are known by Him—this implies intimacy, care, and personal relationship. He knows exactly who you are.  

Then Jesus goes a step further and reminds them of why he is here. Why he was sent to be among us in the first place and what we can be certain of. He says “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Eternal life is not something earned; it is a gift and it is given to you.  

The promise is profound: "never perish"—this speaks of the certainty we are all searching for. To know that in Jesus Christ you will be known, loved and never perish gives us a renewed sense of hope. Which is needed, especially in our world today. The image of Jesus’ hand speaks of protection, power, and presence. You are not holding onto Him; He is holding onto you. Just take a moment and imagine that. Imagine that Jesus Christ is holding onto you so tight that no one came take you away from him. This image fills me with gratitude.  

This doesn’t lead to careless living—it leads to grateful obedience. This leads to a joy in living that no one can understand because you know the relationship you have with Jesus Christ. You want to know him more, you want to glorify him and you want to tell more people about the goodness found in him.  

Guess what? It doesn’t stop there. Then he says this “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” A beautiful picture of divine security. The double grip—the Son’s hand and God’s hand. The sheep are a gift from God to the Son. You are treasured. God is greater than all; with power that is unmatched. 

As reformed people we believe in a triune God, a God who is three is one. The beautiful part of this belief is that the relationship between God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is intertwined. Jesus reminds them again of the one who sent him and how deeply connected they are when he says, “I and the Father are one.” Jesus is not just a messenger; He is divine. This is a direct claim to equality with God. The security of the believer is rooted in the oneness of God—God’s unchanging character and unified will. 

 A shepherd and flock at first glance seem like a lovely metaphor for a children’s story, especially when many of us have only seen sheep in a petting zoo. The relationship between a sheep and a shepherd is one of deep trust and care. The shepherd protects, guides, and provides for the sheep, ensuring they are safe from predators and well-fed. In return, the sheep learn to recognize and follow the shepherd’s voice, relying on them for direction and security. This bond is built over time through patience and consistent attention, reflecting a connection rooted in responsibility and dependence. This relationship symbolizes leadership, guidance, and faith. 

 What it really is, is a picture of love. The same image of a mother and child. A mother who knows that the life of the child depends on her care and she is more than willing to step up to do it. Like a shepherd she teaches a child how to grow up and take care of themselves. Like a shepherd she makes sure to tell them to stay away from danger. Like the shepherd she loves the child as they are.  

On days like today we are each filled with emotions, memories, and uncertainty. Mother’s Day is more than a celebration of a single person, and instead a celebration of the characteristics of God that create the beautiful person. With the same mothering Spirit God created this world for you and for me. God knows each of us by name and continues to offer gifts to us. With the same mothering Spirit God takes a hold of us and never intends to let go. We are asking ourselves where we can find safety. Is there a place that will welcome me ? Is there a person who will love me? Is there a place that I belong to? If you are in Christ, you are known, loved, called, and eternally secure. Do not let doubts or circumstances define your standing with God—listen to the Shepherd’s voice. Let your life reflect the confidence that comes from knowing you are held in the hands of the Father and the Son. 

Conclusion 

In my reading this week Gary Jones said this about making things plain” The trouble with talking plainly about the things of God is that the things of God are anything but plain. When a person begins speaking with unequivocal certainty about God, this is a sure sign that the person is no longer speaking about God. We can speak with unequivocal certainty about things our mind can grasp, but God is not one of those things. God grasps us, we do not grasp God.”  

The Gospel of John leaves us with a profound promise. That the shepherd will protect you, love you, guide you and never let go of you. There is so much more to be discovered about God that it would take a lifetime just to scratch the surface. A love so deep, so wide that we just continue to seek the one who created this love because we want to know more.  

In a world where so much is fragile, Jesus offers something unshakable: eternal life and divine security. The question is not whether Jesus is clear—it is whether we are listening. "My sheep hear my voice… My sheep know me and I know them.” Enter the flock through Jesus Christ and see the goodness of the shepherd. Enter the flock and see what it feels like to be safe and secure with Christ. Enter the flock and see that the one who sent Jesus Christ is holding on to you and never letting go.  

Are you one of the sheep? Are you listening for the voice of Jesus, or are other voices drowning Him out?